Using a stronger mix is a gamble—it might work faster, but you might also become allergic and have to stop using the oil. Alternatively, you can use borage seed oil or niacinamide. [5] X Expert Source Kaveri Karhade, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 11 January 2021. It may be better to see a dermatologist and find out what type of acne you have and the best way to treat it. [6] X Expert Source Kaveri Karhade, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 11 January 2021.
Talk to a doctor first before treating deep cuts or puncture wounds that got infected. Never use tea tree oil to treat burns, whether or not they’re infected. [11] X Research source Tea tree oil isn’t great for most rashes, but you can use it on rashes caused by an allergy to nickel. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You’ll have better chances if you go strong, between 25% and 50% tea tree oil and the rest carrier oil. [14] X Research source However, that does mean you’re at a higher risk of becoming allergic, which is a pity if you like using tea tree oil for other things. [15] X Research source If you don’t want to risk that, try an athlete’s foot treatment from the pharmacy instead.
If you need more oil, use a fresh cotton bud instead of double-dipping.
If you feel like busting out the scales and droppers, you can measure out a stronger treatment, with up to 5% tea tree oil and the rest shampoo. There’s a chance that the tea tree oil can separate out and float to the top. Remember to shake it up each time to avoid stinging your scalp. (If you are also mixing in other essential oils that are less safe than tea tree oil, it might be smarter to make a new mix each time in a small dish. [18] X Research source )
Talk to your doctor first if you have asthma or other chronic lung or sinus issues. [20] X Research source Do not drink the water. Tea tree oil is toxic to drink.
You can use distilled white vinegar instead of water. [22] X Research source This makes your spray a little better for general grime and gunk. Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. If you have infants or pets around, block off their access to the room until you have wiped the tea tree oil away. Rinse the surface thoroughly when you’re done. Oil and water don’t mix, so you’ll have to shake again thoroughly before each use.
Don’t add the tea tree oil directly to the bath water. Since oil and water don’t mix, the pure oil will float to the top and give your skin a harsh tea tree oil blast instead of a relaxing bath. Mixing it into any vegetable oil will prevent this, but fractionated coconut oil is a good choice since it feels silky instead of greasy. [25] X Research source If you use a lot of essential oils, you can order some alternatives to fractionated coconut oil online that are designed for this.
If you have a bottle of pure 100% tea tree oil, dilute it in a carrier oil first. Avocado oil and jojoba oil are a couple popular options, but any common vegetable or nut oil should work (but not another essential oil). It’s best to dilute it to 3 to 5% concentration. [29] X Research source
Stop using tea tree oil on your skin if it causes irritation or redness. [33] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can become allergic to it even if you’ve been fine in the past. Store tea tree oil away from light, air, and heat, which break it down and make it more irritating to skin. [34] X Research source An opaque, airtight container in the fridge is a good option. Use at your own risk if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. [35] X Research source There may also be side effects in prepubescent children. [36] X Research source If you have pure tea tree oil, you can dilute it yourself in a carrier oil, weighing out the amounts with a sensitive scale. Counting drops is much less accurate, but as a very rough estimate, 1 drop of essential oil for every 1 teaspoon (4. 9 mL) carrier oil makes a 1% concentration. [37] X Research source
Since tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed, using it in the mouth is especially risky. Use low concentration (2. 5%, for instance) products only, do not swallow, and do not let children use it.
