Two years ago, I made a video about using tea tree oil to remove a skin tag. It worked. I also wrote a step-by-step guide on how I did it.
That old video has been getting a lot of new views lately. So I want to give you the full, honest update. Not just “it worked.” The whole story — what happens over time, and what the process really looks like.
The Short Answer
Yes, tea tree oil removed the skin tag. But that same spot has started growing a new tag. I’m treating it again right now.
That’s not a failure. It’s just something you should know before you start.
What Happened After Two Years
The tea tree oil did its job the first time. With regular use, the tag got darker, got smaller, and then fell off. That part still holds up.
But the base of that old tag is growing back. It’s not a brand-new, random skin tag. It’s the same spot starting over.
Why Skin Tags Come Back
This isn’t just a tea tree oil problem. It happens with almost any removal method, including store-bought freezing kits.
Here’s why:
- Skin tags grow where skin rubs against skin. Think neck, armpits, or eyelids. If that rubbing doesn’t stop, that same spot can grow a new tag.
- Tea tree oil removes the tag you can see. It doesn’t fix the reason that spot grows tags in the first place.
- Some tissue can be left behind, even when the tag looks fully gone. Over time, that can grow back.
What the Process Actually Looks Like
Here’s the part most articles skip. Removing a skin tag with tea tree oil isn’t clean or painless. In a more recent video, I removed a smaller, different skin tag on camera. Here’s what that looked like:
- Bruising. The skin around the tag turned dark, almost like a bruise.
- A little bleeding. When the tag finally came off, there was some light bleeding. This is normal, not a sign something went wrong.
- Some swelling. Your skin may puff up a bit while it’s healing.
If the idea of dealing with bruising, bleeding, or swelling on your face bothers you, that’s worth knowing ahead of time. It’s part of the process, not a rare side effect.
Bigger Tags Take Longer Than Smaller Ones
One thing became really clear comparing my two skin tags: size matters a lot.
- Smaller tags tend to come off faster and easier.
- Bigger tags take much longer, and you’re more likely to deal with repeat bruising and swelling before they finally come off.
If you’re trying this for the first time, a smaller tag is a better place to start. It’s faster, and the side effects are usually milder.
What I’m Doing Differently This Time
- Starting treatment as soon as I notice the tag coming back, instead of waiting
- Moisturizing more consistently after the tag falls off
- Treating this less like a one-time fix, and more like ongoing care for that spot
Should This Change Whether You Try It?
Not necessarily. Tea tree oil is cheap, low-risk when used correctly, and it worked — twice, in the same spot, on the same person. But go in with the right expectations:
- It can come back at the same spot later.
- The process can include bruising, light bleeding, and swelling.
- Bigger tags take longer and are messier than smaller ones.
Common Questions
Does this mean tea tree oil doesn’t really work?
No. It removed the tag both times I tried it. It just doesn’t stop a new one from growing at that same spot.
Is bleeding or bruising normal?
Yes, based on what I’ve seen. It doesn’t mean you did something wrong.
Should I start with a big skin tag or a small one?
Start with a smaller one if you can. It tends to come off faster and with less mess.
How long did it take for the tag to come back?
About two years, in my case. This will likely be different for everyone.
Should I just keep using tea tree oil as regular upkeep?
That’s the approach I’m using now — treating early signs of regrowth right away, instead of waiting for a full tag to come back.
The Bottom Line
Tea tree oil isn’t fake or a placebo. It removed the same skin tag twice, two years apart, using the same method. But “it worked” and “it’s gone forever” are two different claims. And “it worked” doesn’t mean it was clean or painless.
If you try this, go in knowing: it can come back, the process isn’t pretty, and smaller tags are an easier place to start.
This is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about any skin concerns, especially if a growth changes in size, shape, or color.
