The existence of tea tree oil is one of the many solid proofs that mother nature is looking out for our skin. This natural antibacterial ingredient helps us treat acne and other skin struggles, expanding our list of breakout-fighting options that include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Want to learn more about this top shelf-worthy zit-zapper? Keep scrolling!
What Is Tea Tree Oil and How Does It Help with Acne?
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia plant through distillation. It's widely used in skincare for its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the appearance of acne. When applied topically, it can kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the size of swollen zits. It can also be used to relieve itchy, irritated skin, and studies have shown that tea tree oil can help decrease oiliness overtime and aid in healing wounds.
How Do You Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne?
1. Dilute it first and then apply.
Pure tea tree oil shouldn't be applied directly on the skin or you'll risk burning yourself or developing another type of irritation. To stay on the safe side, always dilute your tea tree before putting it on your skin. In an interview with Women's Health, dermatologist Marisa Garshick suggests adding a drop or two to your moisturizer or face oil. If you only need it for a particular spot, the doctor recommends adding one drop into a water-damp cotton ball and then patting it directly over your blemish.
2. Use tea tree oil-based spot treatments.
If the DIY route isn't for you, most tea tree oil skincare products in the market are already pre-diluted and safe to use on the skin. That said, it could still be drying depending on the formulation, so make sure to patch test it on somewhere easy to hide like the back of your ear to see if you'll get an allergic reaction. Once you're in the clear, use a cotton bud or ball to dot the solution onto your breakout. Avoid using your fingers to prevent contamination and to protect your fingertips from getting dried out, too!
3. Gently incorporate it into your routine through different products.
Even when you're not breaking out, tea tree oil can still be a great ingredient to have in your skincare routine because of its natural perks mentioned above. You'll find it infused in tolerable concentrations in different products usually meant to calm the skin or treat breakouts. As long as you aren't allergic to it or don't have sensitive skin, you should be good to go using it daily!
Anti-Acne Skincare Products with Tea Tree Oil
As we mentioned above, tea tree oil is easy to find in different skincare products. Here are some of our picks that you can try, stat:
1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil
Dot this potent cult-fave product over your blemishes to calm them right down. It's made out of community fair trade tea tree oil from Kenya that's been steam-distilled from tea tree leaves within 12 hours of harvest.
Tea Tree Oil, P495, THE BODY SHOP, SM Beauty
2. Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
This lightweight gel contains tea tree oil that's been diluted by glycerin, aloe leaf juice, and other natural ingredients that are safe to use over your breakouts as a spot treatment.
Acne Defense Solution Gel, P199.75, HUMAN NATURE, Lazada
3. Cosrx One Step Green Hero Calming Pad
These ultra-soft toner pads are soaked with 75% green tea water mixed with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and allantoin. It's worth trying if you have easily irritated skin or want to calm your complexion down after a bad week.
One Step Green Hero Calming Pad, P900, COSRX, Lazada
4. Some By Mi AHA/BHA/PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
For skin that can take a stronger punch, try this K-beauty toner that chemically exfoliates dead skin and fights breakouts with tea tree leaf extract and salicylic acid.
AHA/BHA/PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, P990, SOME BY MI, Lazada
5. Naruko Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Night Gelly
Even the oiliest and most acne-prone skin needs moisturizer, and this lightweight gel can give you ample hydration while controlling shine. Formulated with tea tree oil, niacinimade, and licorice root, it soothes, treats, and brightens the skin at once.
Tea Tree Shine Control & Blemish Clear Night Gelly, P939, NARUKO, Zalora
6. Luxe Organix Skin Mattifying Mist with Tea Tree Extract
Aside from providing extra hydration, this face mist will charge your skin with mattifying and anti-acne components to keep your complexion looking fresh and breakout-free.
Skin Mattifying Mist with Tea Tree Extract, P229, LUXE ORGANIX, Watsons
7. Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
It might not make sense to treat acne with face oil at first, but this product proves that it's possible. It has 1.5% salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and black cumin seed oil to clarify the skin, and licorice to promote a more even-toned complexion. It has a cocktail of soothing and anti-wrinkle oils, too, making it a well-rounded face oil that's worth the splurge.
U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, P4320, SUNDAY RILEY, Sephora.ph
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