How to Remove Age Spots with Tea Tree Oil

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1Applying Tea Tree Oil to Age Spots

2Making All-Natural Toners

3Using Tea Tree Oil Safely

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Age spots aren’t dangerous, but many people would still prefer to get rid of them. Among its many skin care uses, tea tree oil has become a popular home treatment for age spots and other signs of aging. While there’s good evidence that it can kill germs, there’s no proof that it can actually reverse signs of aging. If you want to give it a try, dilute it in a carrier oil or use it in a homemade toner. As with any essential oil, herb, or supplement, it’s best to consult your doctor before using tea tree oil.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Tea Tree Oil to Age Spots

1. 
   1
   Mix one drop of tea tree oil with one milliliter of carrier oil. It’s safest to dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil to a concentration of five percent. Use a proportion of one drop of tea tree oil to 20 drops, or a milliliter, of carrier oil.

   • To mix your oil cleanser, add half of the carrier oil first, the tea tree oil second, then top it off with the rest of the carrier oil.
2. 
   2
   Choose the right carrier oil for your skin type. From olive oil to avocado oil, there are plenty of carrier oil options. Go for one that best suited for your skin:

   • Olive, sunflower, and tamanu oils are good for all skin types.
   • Jojoba, almond, and grapeseed oils are best for oily skin.
   • Avocado, argan, and apricot kernel oils are best for dry or aging skin.
3. 
   3
   Wash the affected area with warm water. Rinsing your skin with warm water first will flush away dirt. In addition, it’ll open your pores, making your skin more receptive to the oil cleanse.
4. 
   4
   Apply the oil to your skin up to twice a day. Use circular motions to gently massage a small amount of the oil into your skin. The amount you’ll need will depend on the size of the affected area, but a dab on your index finger should be enough. If you don’t experience skin irritation, apply the oil to your skin twice a day.

   • If you experience mild skin irritation, particularly when applying it to your face, try diluting one drop of tea tree oil in 40 drops of carrier oil.
   • Stop using tea tree oil if you experience painful irritation, swelling, redness, or rash. These are signs of an allergic reaction.
5. 
   5
   Apply tea tree oil directly if you’ve had no adverse reactions. While diluting tea tree oil is the safest option, some users advocate applying pure oil to the skin. Try using a cotton swab to dab it directly onto age spots.

   • Concentrations of 20 to 100 percent have been safely used to treat allergic reactions and fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. However, using strong or pure concentrations increases the risk of skin irritation.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making All-Natural Toners

1. 
   1
   Try mixing apple cider vinegar, water, and tea tree oil. Mix a cup (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar, two cups (480 mL) of water, and five drops of tea tree oil. Use a mason jar so you can easily shake up the ingredients and for convenient storage. Store the mixture in a cool, dry, dark place, and shake it well before each use.
2. 
   2
   Wash your face with the apple cider vinegar mixture. Flush your skin with warm water, then splash a small amount of the mixture onto your affected skin. Wait 30 minutes, rinse the area with cool water, then pat dry.

   • You can use your apple cider vinegar rinse one to two times per day, as long as you don’t experience irritation.
3. 
   3
   Combine coconut oil, baking soda, lemon juice, and tea tree oil. In a small bowl, mix 1/8 tablespoon of coconut oil, a tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice, and two to four drops of tea tree oil. Stir them until they’re well combined and form a fine paste.
4. 
   4
   Apply the coconut oil mixture to your skin, let it sit, then rinse. Rub the paste onto your affected skin, and let it sit for three to four minutes. Then, with clean fingers, gently scrub the paste-covered area. Rinse the paste away with lukewarm water, then pat your skin dry.

   • Use the coconut and tea tree oil paste at nighttime one to two times per week. Lemon juice can make skin light sensitive, so it’s best to avoid direct sunlight after applying the paste.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Tea Tree Oil Safely

1. 
   1
   Ask your doctor about drug interactions and other risks. Always talk to your doctor before using essential oils or any other herb or supplement. Tea tree oil might interact with some medications, topical skin creams, and other herbs and oils.

   • In addition, your doctor might want to examine age spots and other blemishes to rule out other issues.
2. 
   2
   Do a skin patch test before using essential oils. Mix tea tree oil and a carrier oil at twice the strength you intend to use it. Apply a drop or two to the pad of a bandaid, then stick it to the underside of your forearm. After 24 to 48 hours, remove the bandaid and check for signs of irritation.

   • Remove the bandaid and wash the area immediately if you experience pain, burning, itching, or rash.
3. 
   3
   Don’t swallow tea tree oil. If you’re applying tea tree oil to age spots on your face, be careful not to swallow it. It’s poisonous if swallowed and, while it hasn’t caused any deaths, it can cause confusion or even coma.

   • Because it’s an irritant and harmful if swallowed, it’s best to keep tea tree oil away from children.
4. 
   4
   Avoid using tea tree oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s possible that tea tree oil and other essential oils can interfere with hormone levels and cause issues during delivery. While there’s not much scientific information on how tea tree oil affects pregnancy, it’s best not to use it if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Can I use tea tree oil on my acne?

  

  Kaveri Karhade, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist

  Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

  

  Kaveri Karhade, MD

  Board Certified Dermatologist

  Expert Answer

  It's actually better to see a board-certified dermatologist to find out exactly what type of acne you have, as well as the best way to treat it. For natural methods to combat acne, look for ingredients such as borage seed oil or niacinamide.

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