When it comes to acne care, it is easy to get lost in the variety of options that are out there for treating acne. They are either chemically derived or naturally derived, and it is difficult to choose between the two because the chemical products tend to appear more effective, though not as safe as, the natural alternatives. So how does one decide?

This is where tea tree oil comes into the picture. Many studies have been done on tea tree oil and the effects they have on treating acne.

Research has shown that tea tree oil is just as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Although, the benzoyl peroxide works faster, the tea tree oil results in fewer side effects. Tea tree oil has been shown to be a safe natural alternative as it contains antimicrobial qualities that allow it to kill the P. acnes bacteria that cause breakouts in the first place.

So How Do You Use Tea Tree Oil?

There are many ways in which tea tree oil can be used. Here we found 8 ways that you can use tea tree oil in your skincare routine.

1. Removing makeup (normal to dry skin)
Mix 1/4 cup canola oil with 10 drops tea tree oil in a 4-ounce sterilized glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Shake until blended.
Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and remove makeup as you normally would. Rinse your face with warm water and follow with a toner.
Store the remainder in a dark, cool place.

2. Treating acne
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 20-40 drops of witch hazel
Apply to skin 1-2 times a day with cotton swab.
Watch for overusage as it can dry out your skin and stay out of the sun since it can make it more sensitive to UV rays

3. Facial Mask
Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to one egg white
Whisk well, then apply mask to clean face
Leave on face for 15 minutes
Rinse with lukewarm water
Do not use more than once a week

4. Make a tea tree oil rinse
Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water
Rinse face with this mix
To be used only once a day

5. Apply tea tree oil directly to face

Make sure skin is clean and dry
Simply soak a cotton swab with the tea tree oil and apply it directly to the breakout
Do not rinse
Can be done twice a day (morning and evening)

6. Homemade spot treatment
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into a few teaspoons of aloe vera gel or raw, organic honey
Apply directly onto the acne breakout

7. Homemade face scrub
Mix ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and 10 drops tea tree oil
Massage onto damp face in a circular motion for 2-5 minutes
Rinse with warm water
Pat dry your face

8. Add to cleanser and moisturizer
Simply add 2-6 drops to your regular cleanser and moisturizer
Be careful not to get into eyes

Our skin is so delicate and we want to do everything we can to keep it looking at its best. Tea tree oil is safe and effective for achieving that ideal skin, all while being so simple to use.