Tea Tree Oil Side Effects on Skin

Introduction

Tea tree oil is basically a complex natural mixture of over 100 volatile compounds extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia.  

The primary active monoterpene alcohol Terpinen-4-ol, is made up of 35-45% of the oil that is responsible for most of the oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its monoterpene isomer 𝛾-Terpinene constitutes about 10-28% and additionally provides strong antioxidant effects. α-Terpinene works alongside 𝛾-terpinene acts to protect against oxidative stress. 

This oil is typically obtained via steam distillation of the leaves with the standardization regulated globally by ISO 4730 to maintain specific thresholds of terpinen-4-ol while limiting potential irritants like 1,8-cineole.

The benefits of tea tree oil have been widely celebrated in the Asian subcontinent for decades in the world of dermatological sciences. This oil which is normally obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia tree is popular for its powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial properties.

Many people with acne related skin concerns incorporate its use in their daily skincare regimen as an effective natural alternative to harsh chemicals. 

However, a very common misconception in the minds of many people is that natural means completely safe. But, this is not true. Even though the tea tree oil is totally natural, it still can damage the skin barrier if not used wisely in your routine skincare regime. 

Understanding the associated risks, adverse effects, warning signs as well as learning the tips & hacks to safely manage the use of tea tree oil with minimal side effects on skin is crucial to maintain the healthy skin barrier.

Common Uses Of Tea Tree Oil In Health & Wellness

• Acne vulgaris
• Fungal nail infection
• Athlete's foot
• Anti microbial
• Blepharitis

How Can Tea Tree Oil Trigger Inflammation On The Skin?

In order to grasp the mechanism by which tea tree oil causes inflammation, you need to look at the chemistry of this oil for better understanding. Pure tea tree oil basically has over 100 active components including:

• Terpinen-4-ol
• Gamma-terpinene
• Alpha-terpinene
  

These phytoconstituents provide the powerful germ-fighting action but are also potent allergens as well as irritants. Highly concentrated terpenes can damage the natural moisture barrier. They may also end up stimulating the immune response for tea tree side effects.

When directly applied to the skin barrier without dilution, this volatile oil can strip away the natural lipids from skin barrier, compromising it to worsen the dehydration, inflammation as well as acne on skin.

Common Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil On Skin

1. Contact Dermatitis

When the oil directly damages the skin cells with an immediate localized inflammation then that condition is termed as irritant contact dermatitis whereas when it is a delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction of the skin with sudden itchy rashes, it may be allergic contact dermatitis.

2. Redness & Swelling

Tea tree oil can stimulate the inflammatory cascade with significant erythema and localized swelling on the skin due to its irritation as well as stinging effect. This may regulate the blood flow leading to flushed appearance of the cheeks and showcase signs of acute inflammation on the skin.

3. Dryness & Dehydration

The astringent effect of the oil may dry up the skin by stripping away the sebum from the skin as well as promoting more water loss from the skin. This damages the defensive moisture barrier making skin appear dry, flaky, scaly as well as dehydrated with dullness. This additionally triggers rebound oil production adding to the congested pores. 

4. Intense Itchiness

A compromised skin barrier with application of concentrated volatile oils may cause tea tree allergy that can lead to itchiness with an uncomfortable sharp stinging pain on the skin (also called pruritus).

5. Burning Pain

A pronounced burning sensation that gives you pain as well as warmth on the skin indicates that the oil has disrupted the skin barrier with cellular distress.

6. Burn & Blisters

In severe cases, undiluted tea tree burn applied directly to the face may lead to chemical burns or painful, fluid filled blisters on the skin. These may also lead to prolonged post-acne marks or scarring.

7. Gynecomastia

This is very rare as per research but still it is associated with abnormal chest tissue development because tea tree oil has been linked to the endocrine disruption with regular use in boys in their pre-pubertal phase. 

Difference In Normal Effect Vs Adverse Effect Of Tea Tree Oil

When To Avoid Tea Tree Oil?

People should completely avoid the highly pure and concentrated tea tree oil when they are susceptible to conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Atopic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Dehydrated skin
• Xerosis cutis
  

It is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals or those with allergies to its components. You may use tea tree oil formulations that are standardized, diluted and prepared in a manner that is completely safe for use on skin on a daily basis as tested by the dermatologist. 

How To Use Tea Tree Oil In Daily Skincare To Minimize The Risk?

1. Patch Test

You should always perform patch testing before using it on all areas. Use the formulation on a small hidden area of the skin to test and observe for at least 24-48 hours.This helps to let you know of any unwanted effect and prevent the allergic response on the entire skin.

2. Ready To Use Product Recommendations

You should use tea tree oil products that are tested and approved by dermatologists for safe use on skin. Here are some easily available options in the skincare market. These are affordable picks that are popularly used these days. 

• Alite Anti-Acne Gel With 4-Terpineol & Niacinamide 
• Pilgrim Tea Tree Light Non-Oily Moisturizer
• Dr. Sheth's Tea Tree & Lactic Acid Body Lotion
• Mamaearth Pimple Control Tea Tree Natural Face Wash
• Alite Anti-Acne Soap With Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree Oil
  

3. Usage Guidelines

• Ask your doctor for personalized recommendations on the safe use of tea tree oil .in daily routine on the

  • Frequency

  • Duration

  • Strength

• The tea tree oil is suitable with upto 5% concentration in a body wash for use on skin.
• You can apply upto 5% tea tree oil gel twice daily to combat acne vulgaris.
• Oral consumption should be strictly avoided because tea tree oil is toxic for ingestion.

4. Storage Indications

• Place the bottle of tea tree oil in a dark area to prevent photo-oxidation. 
• Place it at normal room temperature conditions
• Close the cap tightly after use to prevent evaporation
  

5. Doctor’s Advice

Talk with your health care provider or doctor about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using any herbal product like tea tree oil as some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.

Most people can use topical products containing tea tree oil without problems, but some people may develop redness or irritation of the skin. Such reactions on the skin must be consulted immediately with a doctor to prevent the risk of prolonged barrier damage or blemishes.

Summary

Tea tree oil is basically obtained from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia tree and is widely celebrated in the Asian subcontinent for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial properties. 

Even though the tea tree oil is totally natural, it still can damage the skin barrier if not used wisely in your routine skincare regime. 

Pure tea tree oil basically has over 100 active components. These phytoconstituents provide the powerful germ-fighting action but may also irritate the skin. 

The common side effects of tea tree oil on skin include:

• Contact Dermatitis
• Redness
• Swelling
• Dryness
• Dehydration
• Intense Itchiness
• Burning Pain
• Chemical Burn
• Blisters
• Gynecomastia

There is a significant difference in the response of the skin towards the normal effect and the adverse effect of using tea tree oil on skin that helps to determine when we should consult a doctor for immediate management. 

People should completely avoid the highly pure and concentrated tea tree oil when they are susceptible to conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dehydrated skin or xerosis cutis. 

The tips to use tea tree oil in daily skincare to minimize the risk include patch testing, ready to use skincare products like Alite Anti-Acne Gel, Alite Anti-Acne Soap and many other, some usage and storage indications with a doctor’s note.