Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Vicki (Bridgewater, New Jersey) on 04/18/2009:
I have suffered from adult acne for more than 20 years with it getting progressively worse no matter what the treatment. Prescription or over the counter, nothing worked. At any given time I would have anywhere from one to ten or more "lesions" and was NEVER without at least one. I've used products with tea tree oil in the past but never tea tree oil full strength. For the last 2 weeks I've been using full strenth tea tree oil and hydrocortisone cream and have seen wonderful results. I wet my face and use 3 or 4 drops of full strength tea tree oil and massage my face. It feels cool and refreshing. Then I use any facial cleanser and continue massaging and rinsing. Then I use and finger's length of hydrocortisone cream (I've been using maximum strength) and a drop or two of tea tree oil rubbed together and massaged into the skin until dry. The hydrocortisone cream has left my skin softer than any moisturizer. (I was never able to find a moisturizer that didn't make me break out.) And with the tea tree oil "wash" my face just cleared up without drying and I've had NO breakouts for more than a week, which hasn't happened for years! I'm hopeful for continued improvement and would like to know if anyone else has similar results.
Amanda (Carrboro, NC) on 04/06/2009:
I like the apple cider vinegar remedy for acne, but while it helped (in place of washing with soap), I still experienced breakouts. I have been applying undiluted tea tree oil to blemishes 1-2 times per day with a cotton swab, and the blemishes are clearing quickly and fewer are appearing. My acne is often acne cysts, which are long lasting and very difficult to prevent/heal--the tea tree oil is the only remedy that makes a clear difference. It works quickly and is effective. I have read that as many as 6% of the population has a reaction to undiluted tea tree oil, though, so be sure to test a small patch of skin first, or try it diluted.
Corrie (Newark, NJ, USA) on 02/27/2009:
I have found that pure 100 percent tea tree oil when dabbed on acne a few times daily helps to dry out the oils and other goo that seems to accumulate there. Also, I don't know if this counts, I like to crush up aspirin from the drug store, mix it with a drop of TTO, a few drops of water, and then scrub my chest of whatever wait it for a minute or so. I've also tried baking soda with a few drops of water with good results for yucky whiteheads. Toothpaste also is a very good, quick treatment, but be caareful! It could dry out your skin. That happened to me once, and it was very red and painful to the touch, and it was days peeling and healing. I used pure aloe vera gel to moisturize my skin then, and it really helps to get rid of the redness and such.;) good luck, all!
Natasha (Boston, Ma) on 01/03/2009:
I'm 35 years old and after going off the pill, I had acne for the first time in my life. It was cystic acne on the forehead and temples in addition to breaking out on the chin. I tried every OTC remedy I could think of, such as ACV, neutrogena products, aspirin masks, oxy, aha's, etc. Everything made it SO much worse! Finally, I stumbled across diluted tea tree oil. I use approx. 1:4 ratio of tea tree oil to water (my skin is very sensitive). With a q-tip, I spot treat the zits and holy cow I saw improvement within as little as two days! The redness was gone and it has been clearing up. Woohoo!
Anonymous (Bethelhem, PA) on 09/15/2007:
For years I've suffered from moderate acne and just recently started getting cysts again after a few years without. I couldn't figure out why. I tried a lot of different solutions,nothing worked. I came upon this site a few months back and have had so much success with all my inquiries. TEA TREE OIL... Thank you to whom ever suggested that, my cyst was a quarter of the original size within 2 hours. By the next day completely dried out. Just be sure to use a small dab, to prevent over drying. It's very powerful. I've also started drinking a large glass of carrot juice everyday and cut out dairy, not sure if about results yet since it's only been 4 days.
Naomi (Kelowna, Canada) on 06/07/2007:
Hello, I have greatly appreciated these comments and have started on the acv regimin and am not enjoying the taste. However I am waiting upon results. So far I am pleased with how gentle it was and how it didnt burn or anything. Anyway if you are looking for something that is lighter then Benzoyl Peroxide then go with TEA TREE OIL!!! I've been using it for over 4 months now and I can honestly say that it's improved my acne majorly. You know that itchy feeling like bacteria is crawling all over your face??? Well, try Tea Tree Oil, it fixes the problem on site!! Thanks again
Sue (Prince George, Canada) on 03/11/2007:
I tried putting Tea Tree oil directly on my face for my acne and blackheads. I've tried almost every single product out there and this is the only one that works. After washing and lotioning, I apply a few dabs on the pimple or if it's a case of blackheads, I apply a small layer all over. It tingles and feels like a cool breeze. It really works. Mixed with my lotion, it doesn't dry out my skin! Some people are allergic, so try it on a small bit of your arm first and wait a bit. It works awesome for body acne too, you can get it in a shampoo and it cleanses your head and body while you're at it. Mix it with a little bit of jojoba oil and lemon oil. It cleanses and moisturizes.
Linda (New Bern, NC) on 01/31/2007:
Re: Acne -- have tried many products and have found that tea tree oil when applied on face works extremely well. Does not smell great but DOES WORK. noticeable difference in approx. 2days. also used fully refined emu oil and my face looks GREAT! had to share...
Sky (North Dakota) on 11/14/2006:
Put 100% tea tree oil to a clean cyst twice a day for 3 to 5 days and the oil dries the cyst. I use it on my face all the time, its the only thing that works.
Michelle (Atlanta, GA) on 10/17/2006:
This is the best thing for acne i have struggle with acne and dry skin since i was 12 i have tried everything and nothing as really worked. some have cleared up the problem area but it usually made a new problem(side effect). I wash my face with a mild soap and at night cover my face in tea tree oil. I wake up with a clearer, smoother face after 2 weeks face was completely clear. My 10 year old daughter also uses this on her nose where she gets little freckle looking spots in the summer(dry heat) WORKS WONDERS.
