Acne is a common skin concern faced by both men and women globally. If not treated soon, it can leave marks and scars on the face, which can affect a person’s confidence to a great level. While in extreme cases it is recommended to consult a doctor, mild acne can be taken care of with a healthy skin regime, diet, and the use of natural skin products. 

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, found in Australia. Tea tree oil was used to treat wounds before antibiotics came into the picture. Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil proves very effective in treating acne breakouts. The only point to keep in mind is that tea tree oil should never be applied directly to the skin.

Having said so, here are 7 awesome ways to use tree tea oil as a part of your skincare regime and treat acne effectively.

1. Face Masks

You can always combine tea tree oil to any type of face mask that you plan to use on your skin. One such natural mask that you can prepare at home is by mixing tea tree oil with plain yoghurt. To start, add 6 drops of tea tree oil to a quarter cup of plain yoghurt, at normal temperature. After the mixture is complete, apply it to clean skin as a mask and relax for half an hour. Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water. The lactic acid in the yoghurt helps to remove dead skin cells. Furthermore, yoghurt is very nourishing and soothing to the skin, discouraging any type of fungal growth on the skin. 

1. Scrub

Why buy expensive scrubs from stores when you can opt for an all-natural scrub made by mixing sugar and a few drops of tea tree oil, honey, and sesame oil. Gently massage the scrub on your face for about 2-5 minutes to help stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells. Rinse off using warm water followed by cool water. 

1. Bath salts

The skin on your face goes through a lot of stress, pollution, and exposure to many other impurities. Hence, it is only fair to provide your skin with some relaxation at the end of the day. So, next time you step in for a bath remember to add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of Epsom salt, stir it up well before adding it to your bath. Remember that it is important to mix the oil with the salts first as it will prevent the oil from irritating your skin or floating on the surface of your bath. Epsom salts provide relaxation and a nice dose of magnesium, which is good for your overall health.

1. Cleanser

Since tea tree oil also works as a moisturizing solvent and a good cleanser it helps in easily removing grease and dust while also protecting the skin from oxidative stress. 

By mixing your cleanser with tea tree oil you can receive the following benefits.

• It prevents blocked pores from becoming the food for acne-causing bacteria. 
• It speeds up the skin’s healing process 
• It prevents any future acne outbreaks due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties. 
• It helps in toning the skin

1. Toners 

Toners help in keeping the pores clean and tight. You can always make your own homemade toner with a few simple ingredients. Simply add 6 drops of tea tree oil with one cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of water. You can store the mixture in a bottle so that you can wash, clean, and refresh your skin every time after a wash. 

1. Facial Steam 

Getting facial steam is a good way to open pores and detoxify the skin. Start by adding a few drops of tea tree oil into a bowl of boiling water and hold your face over it. Keep a heavy towel covered over your head to hold the steam in and remain in the position for 5 or 10 minutes for more effect.

1. Moisturizer

Once you are done with cleaning, scrubbing, and toning your skin the next step is to moisturize. Make your anti-bacterial moisturiser by mixing aloe vera gel with a few drops of tea tree oil. This concoction makes a very nice, light daytime moisturizer that will protect and treat your skin all day as you go about your tasks.