Tea tree essential oil is fantastic for spot treatment for hormonal acne or that pimple that likes to show up just before important events! Fight flare-ups overnight with this easy-to-make treatment that combines the healing power of garlic and tea tree oil for acne.
Tea tree is one of the most all-purpose essential oils. You can use it to do just about anything around the house. But my favorite way to use tea tree is against acne.
In fact, my nighttime routine now includes sipping on chamomile tea [source], diffusing calming essential oils such as lavender [source], a real book with actual pages to turn, and dabbing on this overnight zit mask.
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Ingredients
- Garlic — Garlic works to prevent clogged pores, kill off acne-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation. Crushed garlic releases the compound allicin, which contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that work well on acne and athlete's foot. It also acts as a drying agent for oily skin.
- Jojoba oil — A great multi-use oil for moisturizing skin. It’s non-greasy, anti-inflammatory, and a natural emollient.
- Tea tree oil — Tea tree fights acne-causing bacteria, and it activates white blood cells [source] to assist in wound healing. Some of its components also fight cells that cause inflammation [source].
- Combine with a drop or two of lavender [source] or calendula oil [source] to reduce inflammation.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This easy-to-make spot treatment is great to leave on overnight. Just apply sparingly with a cotton swab, and you are good to go.
Take half a garlic clove and chop finely or mash it really well with the back of a spoon (or mortar and pestle).
Add ½ teaspoon jojoba oil to the garlic. Add 1-2 drops tea tree oil and mix.
Apply to any acne spots or pimples with a clean finger or Q-tip. Don’t be afraid to leave pieces of garlic on pimples to let them work their magic.
Leave the spot treatment on overnight and then wash it off in the morning.
Hint: The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but again, fresh is best for potency.
Top tip
With its natural acne-fighting properties, tea tree oil can be a valuable addition to your arsenal in the battle against breakouts. Read on for more ways to incorporate tea tree oil into your skincare routine—just remember that consistency is key!
Face wash
Tea tree oil makes an excellent face wash. Since it’s gentle on the skin yet has potent antimicrobial properties, it’s a fantastic choice for cleansing your face.
Pour about a teaspoon of your favorite facial cleanser into your palm and add a drop or two of tea tree and (gently) scrub away! For a homemade face wash option, try this foaming face wash or this charcoal cleanser.
Face steam
Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to a bowl of hot water for a simple but effective facial steam. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl to allow the steam to open up your pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Face toner
Tea tree oil also works well in a homemade toner recipe for oily skin. You’ll boost the cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties of your toner in no time!
Make your own Lush-inspired tea tree facial toner to clear away excess oil and restore you skin's pH level. Shake well before each use, apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it over your face after cleansing.
Face serum
Don't be afraid of putting oil on your face! This natural face serum with tamanu oil, hemp seed oil, and tea tree essential oil will hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. To use, place a pea size amount of the oil in the palm of your hand, and apply all over your face and neck.
Face mask
Tea tree is one of the star ingredients in our favorite face mask for removing acne-causing bacteria and deep cleansing the pores. Or try a skin soothing honey face mask with 2 teaspoons of honey and a drop of tea tree to calm swelling and redness. It’s gentle, nourishing, and effective.
Roll-on
A zit-be-gone roller ball is as simple as combining your favorite carrier oil (we like hemp seed or grapeseed oil) with 10-12 drops of tea tree oil. Then roll away the next time you face a breakout.
FAQ
Tea tree oil has been known for its effectiveness in combating acne. Its antibacterial properties help kill acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts.
Tea tree oil is generally safe for most people when properly diluted. However, it can cause skin irritation if used undiluted or if you have sensitive skin. It's recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using it on larger areas.
Absolutely! Tea tree oil can be incorporated into various skincare recipes, including cleansers, toners, masks, and serums.
Some individuals may notice improvements within a few days, while for others, it may take a few weeks. Consistency is key, so be patient and maintain a regular skincare routine.
It is generally not recommended to use tea tree oil undiluted on the skin, as it can be too harsh and may cause irritation.
Skincare
Looking for other natural skincare recipes like this? Try these:
Essential oils
More of our favorite essential oil remedies:
DIY Zit Spot Treatment with Tea Tree Oil
Materials
- ½ clove fresh garlic crushed and finely mashed
- ½ teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1-2 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Take half a garlic clove and chop finely or mash it really well with the back of a spoon (or mortar and pestle).
- Add ½ teaspoon jojoba oil to the garlic.
- Add 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil and mix.
- Apply the mixture to any acne spots or pimples with a clean finger or cotton-tipped swab. Don’t be afraid to leave pieces of garlic on pimples to let them work their magic.
- Leave the spot treatment on overnight, and then wash it off in the morning.
