Perioral dermatitis may look like acne, but does dabbing on the tea tree help?

The jury is out on whether tea tree oil helps perioral dermatitis, and that’s because everyone’s skin is different.

Perioral dermatitis is a spotty, inflamed rash, mostly (though not exclusively) affecting the area around the chin, nose and mouth of young women. Several things can make it worse, including steroid creams, fragranced skincare, weather conditions and stress. But what helps it get better depends very much on the individual concerned.

Tea tree might be beneficial for those whose perioral dermatitis is aggravated or accompanied by a skin infection, such as an overgrowth of yeasts or bacteria. The essential oil is a powerful natural anti-microbial, which means it can be effective against the microorganisms that cause infections on the skin, zapping the germs and calming down the inflammation they cause. This is the way tea tree oil seems to help those with acne; clearing up the infection can allow skin to calm down and get on with the business of repairing itself.

But a note of caution: essential oils are potent ingredients and should not be used neat. Many people who suffer from various kinds of dermatitis find them too strong and irritating to their sensitive skin, even diluted. So please, as always, patch test any product containing tea tree before using it more widely, and remember what works for someone else might not suit your own unique skin.

We’d suggest trying a few drops of Balmonds Scalp Oil as a rescue oil for perioral dermatitis. It contains antimicrobial tea tree and rosemary essential oils, as well as gentle, infused oils of calendula, nettle, borage, olive, hemp, safflower and chickweed to feed sensitive and damaged skin with the nutrients it needs to stay in good, healthy condition.

You can also be safe in the knowledge that our Skin Salvation balm and Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream are entirely essential oil-free, and are also made with non-comedogenic oils which are less likely to clog pores or cause breakouts.

For more detailed information about what you can do holistically to manage flare-ups, see our blog on How To Treat Perioral Dermatitis. 

Recommended products:

Balmonds Scalp Oil with tea tree, rosemary & borage (f14.99 for 50ml)

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream with hemp & shea (from £13.99 for 100ml)

Balmonds Rosehip Scar Oil with rosehip & calendula (£18.99 for 50ml)

Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash with nettle and chamomile (£19 for 200ml)