Acne is a skin condition that many of us struggle with during our teenage years. You remember the days - looking in the mirror and only seeing unwanted bumps, and doing thorough research on all the possible acne treatments on the planet. For many of us, however, getting acne and pimples has gone far beyond the uncomfortable years of puberty and has now fallen under the label of "adult acne". Pimples are not fun, and the seemingly unresolvable mystery of how to get clear skin adds even more unnecessary stress. 

Using essential oils for skin concerns is one of the best ways to implement more natural forms of healing into your life and daily routine. Their wide range of properties can contribute to the general improvement and appearance of the skin in many different ways.

But when focusing on acne, there is one essential oil in particular that definitely takes the first place as an effective natural, home remedy for acne: Tea tree oil. 

Why is Tea Tree Oil Good For Acne?

Proudly Australian, tea tree oil has been used medically for centuries. The Aboriginies were big advocates for the oil's quick ability to relieve coughs, cold symptoms, and treat wounds. 

Acne is a condition where oil and bacteria clog the hair follicles of the skin; particularly on the face, chest, and back. Acne manifests itself through blackheads, whiteheads, under-the-skin pimples, and redness. 

Tea tree oil is known to be an effective, natural treatment for acne due to its anti-inflammatory, calming, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties. When dealing with wh acne, keeping your face clean and bacteria-free is one of the most important things you need to do - requirements that tea tree oil can handle quite successfully. 

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne

To use tea tree oil as a home remedy for acne, it needs to be applied topically. Because of this, it is important to be cautious to avoid superficial burns or irritated skin. Before applying the oil on the affected area, we recommend doing a patch test on the inner part of the arm or wrist to check for allergies or abnormal reactions.  

1. Tea Tree Oil Pimple Treatment

We all know the feeling of having a pimple that is impossible to disguise. An overnight tea tree oil pimple treatment will progressively help reduce its size and redness in a natural and non-invasive way. Because tea tree oil does contain hydrating properties, it will not leave the area extra dry, nor irritated. But in order to get the desired results, it is important to follow the instructions correctly. For a more intense tea tree oil pimple treatment, dip a clean cotton bud inside the oil, and apply directly on the pimple. The cotton will absorb most of the oil, making sure to apply just enough on the zit itself. Make sure to not go beyond the affected area, and to only apply a small amount.

For a gentler treatment, mix a drop tea tree oil into two drops of rosehip oil and apply with a cotton bud on the pimple.

2. Tea Tree Toner 

Toner is a great step to add in your night skincare routine, especially among those of us with acne-prone skin. It helps provides the skin with an extra round of cleanliness, tighten the pores, and a refreshing sensation. 

Add 10 drops of tea tree oil into every 25 ml of distilled water to purify the skin, and eliminate any bacteria you may have missed with your regular cleanser. It will also help to control the production of oil during the night. You can think of this as a preventative tea tree oil pimple treatment that helps prolong and maintain your skin healthy and glowing.

3. Day Treatment 

If you want to find a pimple treatment to last throughout the day, try mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil into 25 ml of an oil-free face moisturizer. While it fights off redness and bacteria off active breakouts, it also helps mattify, yet keep the skin hydrated for longer periods of time.

Be aware that tea tree oil for acne is a wonderful natural remedy. Due to the fact that it is, indeed, a natural treatment, it needs to be used consistently. According to a 2017 study, tea tree oil users saw significant improvements on their pimples and acne at the 12-week mark; not far off at all from other chemical and non-natural treatments. Make sure to do a patch test before applying it on the face, and you'll be ready to wave your acne goodbye!