Unless you're very lucky, chances are you've had at least one stubborn pimple in your life. 

For the majority of us, the figure is much higher than that - and for those with acne-prone skin, spot woes may feel like an overwhelming and unwelcome part of life. 

Battling the annoying side effects of acne can be incredibly troublesome, especially if you have no idea on where to start with getting rid of them.

Even for those with the odd spot now and then, trying to diminish the problem can seem like an endless mystery without antidote. 

What's the connection between tea tree oil and acne? 

Despite a number of potions, creams, and bizarre home remedies out there (insert the visual of smearing toothpaste all over your face here), many of us still can't find the exact key formula for melting away our acne without worrisome side effects that could end up causing more trouble than they're worth. 

This is where tea tree essential oil comes into play - the secret ingredient to a whole world of clearer, healthier skin. 

At first glance, tea tree oil may seem like nothing more than another pointless fad, but what are the true facts behind using tea tree oil for acne? 

We'll be exploring what exactly makes this all-natural remedy such a staple for our skin, as well as how to use tea tree oil for acne in your day-to-day routine. 

Is tea tree oil good for spots? 

Tea tree oil is packed full of nourishing benefits for our skin - ones that become particularly useful when applied to acne bumps and spots. 

This is largely due to the oil's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which a study in 2017 found could effectively cleanse and clear the skin after daily use over a twelve week period. 

Those in the study with mild to moderate acne also reported a significant reduction within this time period. 

While there are a wide number of essential oils out there with antimicrobial effects, many scientists believe tea tree is so effective because of its main active ingredient, terpinene-4-ol. 

This naturally-occurring compound is said to destabilise the cells within bacteria, killing them from within and allowing the body to heal over time. A study in 2012 even noted this effect as useful for those suffering with psoriasis.

Paired with the anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce redness and puffiness, acne breakouts appear virtually invisible with just a bit of tea tree oil at your disposal. 

And the benefits of tea tree oil for acne don't end there, either. Unlike some other remedies, tea tree can accommodate for both comedonal breakouts (whiteheads, blackheads, etc.) and inflammatory breakouts (the big, red zits). It can also reduce their severity and frequency over time.

So, does tea tree oil help with acne? In short, absolutely. In fact, the effects of this oil have become so notable that they're often compared to popular acne treatment benzoyl peroxide. 

While they may be a bit slower to get started, the effects are ultimately better off, as tea tree is the more naturally moisturising of the two options for the skin. 

How else can tea tree oil benefit the skin? 

Aside from its acne-busting abilities, tea tree has other powerful properties that can help improve our skin health overall. 

Tea tree oil can be used as an effective after sun treatment for sunburn, as well as a useful remedy for inflamed or itchy insect bites. 

It is also renowned for its abilities against dandruff, helping to heal the scalp and reduce dryness with regular use. 

All of these benefits are thanks to the strong anti-inflammatory effects of the oil, as well as its antimicrobial properties which are said to help clear the skin of any unwelcome infections, abrasions, or sores. 

How do you use tea tree oil for acne? 

The most important thing to remember with any essential oil is they're extremely potent. 

Applying copious amount of tea tree oil to your skin, especially when undiluted, can not only irritate your skin greatly and make matters much, much worse, but also create an insufferable dryness that could lead to painful cracks and peeling. 

Generally, essential oil dilution is recommended with the use of a carrier oil like coconut or sweet almond but using these for acne may lead to clogged pores and ultimately escalate the problem. 

So, now what? Many dermatologists recommend wetting a cotton bud under the tap and carefully circling it around the rim of your tea tree oil bottle. Then, proceeding to spot-treat your breakouts by lightly dabbing the solution onto them. 

This technique can also be achieved by dampening a cotton ball and adding a drop of tea tree oil on top. 

Several sources also recommend adding a few drops (around 5 or 6 should suffice) of the oil to your existing facial moisturiser and applying as normal. 

Are there any possible side effects for using tea tree oil for spots?

However you choose to implement tea tree oil into your routine, the indisputable step is to always perform a patch test before using it on your skin.

While tea tree oil works like a charm on most skin types, those with very sensitive skin may develop itching, swelling, or redness with contact. In cases like this, you should always cease use immediately to avoid making matters worse. 

Tea tree oil is also more likely to trigger allergic reactions in some, so this step is even more important if you're prone to allergies. 

What other essential oils are good for acne? 

Tea tree oil may be best in show when it comes to eliminating acne woes, but it is certainly not the only essential oil with skin-clearing advantages under its belt. 

If you're not a big fan of the strong smell of tea tree, or you find the formula doesn't quite agree with your skin, some other great options include: 

• Geranium essential oil 
• Lemon essential oil
• Myrtle essential oil

Geranium is a particularly great choice for more sensitives skin types, as it is a naturally gentle oil with similar anti-inflammatory properties.

If you're in need of some more recommendations, our guide to the best essential oils for treating acne can help. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often should I use tea tree oil for my acne? 

Once you've done a patch test to ensure the oil is safe for your skin, try to apply it at least once a day for the best results. 

This should be done in conjunction with any other acne treatments you may have in your regimen. 

How should I apply tea tree oil to my skin? 

Dampen the end of a cotton bud and gently circle it around the lid of your tea tree oil bottle. This will pick up a sufficient amount of product to apply safely to the skin. 

You can also use a cotton ball or the damp end of a face cloth if you prefer. 

If you're still wondering "does tea tree oil help spots?", the answer is simply you'll have to see it to believe it.

Like most natural remedies (or any remedies, for that matter) tea tree oil can take a while to actually take permanent effect on your skin, so don't be discouraged if you're not seeing results within the first couple of uses. 

In general, truly visible results appear at around the six to twelve week mark, with use of the oil at least twice daily. 

So, applying a little bit in the morning and a little bit at night could be just the recipe to clearer, healthier skin in no time.