Tea tree essential oil: what is this solution against skin imperfections?

Thetea tree essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia. According to the I.N.C.I. classification, it is named as "Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil".

The Tea tree, also known as tea tree plant or alternatively leafed melaleuca, is a shrub native to New Caledonia and Madagascar, but the leading producer today is Australia.

The essential oil of the tea tree is extracted byhydrodistillationof theleaves, that is, by steam distillation. The principle involves heating a mixture of water and leaves to evaporate the volatile molecules and collect them following condensation. This method allows for the extraction of two substances, namely the hydrosol and the essential oil. Thetea tree essential oilis a clear liquid ranging from colourless to pale yellow. It emits a powerful, herbaceous and fresh scent. It primarily containsmonoterpenols(about 45% of terpinen-4-ol) andmonoterpenes(gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, limonene). These compounds are responsible for itspurifying and sanitising properties.

This essential oil offers numerous benefits. Notably, it helps to reduce symptoms caused by an inflammatory response, fights against bacteria, and treats infections. It is for this reason that it has gained a certain reputation in aromatherapy.

Rich in monoterpenic alcohols and in hydrocarbons, this essential oil is known for its broad-spectrum action in combating bacteria and treating infections. Indeed, it has demonstrated excellent bactericidal properties (killing bacteria) as well as bacteriostatic properties (inhibiting bacterial growth). Thus, it helps to limit the proliferation of microorganisms involved in acne such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

What is its anti-bacterial mode of action? Studies have shown that the constituents of tea tree essential oil work by depleting the constituents of the bacterial cell membrane. More specifically, the hydrocarbon structure and lipophilicity (attraction to fats) of the terpenes present in this essential oil lead to lysis and thus the loss of functional integrity of bacterial membranes. This membrane destruction causes a leakage of potassium ions, thereby inhibiting cellular respiration. The compound 1,8-cineole present in this essential oil plays an important role in this phenomenon. It causes a permeabilisation of the bacterial membrane, thus facilitating the entry of more active bactericidal molecules from the essential oil such as terpinen-4-ol.

A study has revealed that a gel containing 5% tea tree essential oil is as effective in reducing spots as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication. The use of tea tree essential oil also resulted in fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide.