How To Treat Dark Spots On The Face With Tea Tree Oil?

 

Are dark spots on your face hiding your natural glow? Applying tea tree oil regularly twice a day can fade them in no time.

Loaded with skin benefitting natural compounds, this essential oil has become an invaluable ingredient in a wide range of skincare products. When applied topically, it not only reduces dark spots, but acts as a holistic solution for all your skin problems.

Read on to know the ways you can safely use tea tree oil for glowing, spotless, and beautiful skin.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Says

“High pitta leads to inflammation, causing hyperpigmentation. Tea tree oil owing to its anti-inflammatory attribute may help prevent and heal pigmentations.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor Of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Does Tea Tree Oil Remove Dark Spots?

Tea tree oil, extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant has made a worldwide impact in the pharmaceutical and skincare industry owing to its myriad skin benefits. It contains valuable phytochemicals such as terpinene, cineole [1] and pinene which are known for their powerful antioxidant [2], anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-skin cancer and anti-inflammatory [3] properties.

Topical application of this essential oil is known to promote skin healing and reduce dark spots. As per studies, terpenes in this oil can induce the migration and proliferation of skin cells and also increase collagen production, resulting in quick wound healing.

Though there is no scientific research to prove that this oil has direct tyrosinase (an enzyme responsible for melanin production) inhibition ability, its skin renewal properties help fade acne scars, sunspots and blemishes.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “Pigmentation in Ayurveda is a pitta disorder. High pitta leads to inflammation, causing hyperpigmentation. Tea tree oil owing to its anti-inflammatory attribute may help prevent and heal pigmentations.”

Vedix Tip: Dilute tea tree oil with aloe vera gel to enhance its skin brightening abilities and accelerate the treatment of your dark spots.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Treat Dark Spots?

According to Ayurveda, ‘Vyanga’ or dark spots occur when either or both vata and pitta doshas are vitiated. This causes excess melanin production leading to hyperpigmentation. The most common causes of dark spots are sun exposure, hormonal changes, age, acne and skin inflammation.

While tea tree oil can be applied on the skin to treat your dark spots, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic doctor to know what is causing them. An understanding of your skin type and prakriti can help you seek a holistic treatment.

Below mentioned are ways to treat different kinds of dark spots with tea tree oil.

1. Acne Spots

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Jojoba/ Sunflower oil/ Grapeseed oil

3. Turmeric

4. Yashtimadhu

5. Chandanam

How To Use

Add 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 spoon each of powdered turmeric, yashtimadhu and chandanam. Add a tablespoon of a light carrier oil such as jojoba or sunflower oil to dilute the essential oil. Mix well to make a paste and apply on the areas of your face affected with acne spots. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off.

2. Dark Spots From Skin-Inflammatory Conditions

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Coconut/ Jojoba Oil

3. Shatavari

3. Guduchi

4. Manjistha

How To Use

Blend the herbs mentioned above in equal parts. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil diluted with 10ml of coconut/ jojoba oil to it. Mix well and apply on the dark spots caused by skin inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Wash off after 30 minutes.

3. Sun Spots

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Carrier oil

3. Ela

4. Kesar

5. Vetiver

How To Use

Dilute 5 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice. You can even use honey instead of a carrier oil. Add ela, kesar and vetiver powder in equal parts to it. Apply this lepa on the dark spots caused by sun damage and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off.

4. Age Spots

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Olive oil/ Coconut oil

3. Manjistha

4. Gotu kola

5. Sariva

How To Use

Dilute 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Mix manjistha, gotu kola and sariva powders in equal parts and add the oils. Apply on the age spots on your face and body and leave it on for half an hour before washing off.

5. Uneven Skin Tone

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Sunflower oil/ Pomegranate seed oil

3. Rose petal powder

4. Daruharidra

5. Raktha chandanam

How To Use

Use a tablespoon of any carrier oil mentioned above to dilute 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix a spoon each of rose petal powder, daruharidra and raktha chandanam and add the oils to it. Apply all over your unevenly toned areas and wash off after 30 to 40 minutes.

6. As A Spot Treatment

Ingredients

1. Tea tree oil

2. Carrier oil

3. Cotton ball

How To Use

Cleanse your face with a mild herbal face wash. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 10ml of a carrier oil of your choice. Use a cotton ball to apply the diluted oil on your dark spots. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off. Repeat daily till the dark spots lighten.

Important Note:

Always use diluted tea tree oil on your skin and refrain from leaving it overnight if you have sensitive skin.

7. Face Vs Body Areas

Tea tree oil is likely to affect all skin areas equally. However, irrespective of your skin type, the skin on your face is more soft and vulnerable. Hence, it is always advisable to do a patch test before applying tea tree oil on the face.

How Long Does It Take Tea Tree Oil To Remove Dark Spots?

Tea tree oil may take anywhere between 4 weeks to 6 months to remove dark spots with regular application. This is also dependent on the level of pigmentation. Lighter spots known as ‘vyanga’ may clear off faster than very dark spots referred to as ‘neelika’ in Ayurveda.

Tea tree oil can also be used to heal various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, infections and others to prevent the occurrence of dark spots on your face.

Risks & Side Effects Of Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is generally considered mild and beneficial for skin if used with care. However, the following risks or side effects can occur if the oil is overused, applied directly on skin without dilution or swallowed.

1. Possible Side Effects On Topical Application:

1. Rashes

2. Inflammation

3. Itchiness

4. Skin irritation

5. Contact dermatitis [4]

2. Side Effects On Consumption:

1. Nausea

2. Stomach pain

3. Diarrhea

4. Vomiting

5. Drowsiness

6. Weakness

Can Anyone Use Tea Tree Oil For Dark Spots?

Tea tree oil is generally considered safe for all skin types and can be included in your daily skin care routine for treating dark spots on the face. However, it is better to use a mild concentration if you have sensitive skin. Since the oil is a powerful skin healer, it can be used on skin that has other conditions such as inflammation, acne, fungal infections and others along with dark spots.

The Last Word

Tea tree oil's amazing therapeutic properties make it a much sought after essential oil for various cosmetic and beauty purposes. Its mild, hypoallergenic nature makes it an apt ingredient for all skin types.

Owing to its ability to nourish dry skin and regulate sebum secretion in oily skin, it can be used as a regular herbal remedy for preventing various skin conditions that cause dark spots. So follow the safety guidelines and include tea tree oil in your regular skin care regime to give your skin its much deserved healthy, blemish-free glow.

Know Your Dosha Now