Acne is commonly treated with over-the-counter creams, such as benzoyl peroxide, that are formulated with chemical ingredients that fight off acne-causing bacteria. While using these creams can dry up and clear acne blemishes, they can also cause skin irritation and side effects on the skin, like peeling and burning. Luckily, the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suggests that tea tree oil can be used in place of benzoyl peroxide creams, but without the skin-damaging side effects.
Step 1
Cleanse the skin with a castille soap created with tea tree oil. Splash water onto the skin, then pour around 1 tsp. of tea tree oil castille soap into your hands. Rub your hands together to create a rich lather, then spread the lather onto your face and rinse. Repeat up to two times per day.
Step 2
Apply diluted tea tree oil directly to the acne breakouts. Dip a cotton swab into pure tea tree oil, then again into water to dilute it. Dab the diluted tea tree oil directly onto individual acne breakouts, allowing the oil to soak into the skin without rinsing it off. Repeat up to two times per day.
Step 3
Smooth moisturizer that contains tea tree oil onto the skin. Squirt a dime-sized amount of tea tree oil moisturizer onto your fingers, then gently spread the lotion onto your face. Repeat up to two times per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and antimicrobial oil that works to clear acne by killing off the acne-causing bacteria and microbes on the skin. Tea tree oil is extracted and bottled in its pure form, and should be diluted into a 5 percent solution before it is used on the skin.
- If you experience dryness, redness, itching or peeling as a result of using tea tree oil or products that contain tea tree oil, discontinue use and talk to your doctor about the possibility that you may have a contact allergy to tea tree oil.
Things You'll Need
- Tea tree oil castille soap
- Towel
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton swab
- Water
- Moisturizer with tea tree oil
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