Diluting Tea Tree Oil for Acne

A lot of people want to start using tea tree oil for acne, but they have little to no experience with essential oils. Tea tree oil is really one of the most versatile essential oils that exists and its health benefits for the skin are miraculous.  I actually stopped using two popular (and very expensive) acne medications that I had been using for over a year, Differin and Aczone, and replaced this treatment with a simple tea tree oil based acne treatment that I came up with.

If you don’t test your skin for sensitivity before going gung-ho with tea tree oil, you may become discouraged and give up. Everyone has different tolerances for essential oils, and depending on your skin type, and how naturally oily it is, less may be more. It is also important to remember things such as the t-zone and sensitive parts of your face. I can put pure tea tree oil all over my forehead and nose without a problem. But if it gets near my eyes or cheeks there is going to be some dryness encountered the next day.

Below is a guide for diluting tea tree oil for acne depending on your skin type.

Very Oily/Resilient Skin: 

1. First apply a small amount of tea tree oil on a q-tip or on a piece of cotton wool. Apply directly to the problem areas.
2. If you are fine the next day, continue to use a direct application daily.
3. If you suffer a little bit of irritation or dryness instead dilute with 1 part organic apple cider vinegar or distilled water (apple cider vinegar will increase acne fighting action). If you continue to suffer from dryness, read below.

Medium Oily/Resilient Skin: 

1. Dilute 1 part tea tree oil to 1 parts distilled water or organic apple cider vinegar
2. If you are fine the next day, continue to use the same application daily.
3. If you don’t experience any issues, and think you can handle a stronger concentration, read above.
4. If you suffer a little bit of irritation or dryness instead dilute with 2-3 parts apple cider vinegar or water (apple cider vinegar will increase acne fighting action). If you continue to suffer from dryness, read below.

Dry Skin/Very Sensitive Skin

1. Dilute 1 part tea tree oil to 4 parts distilled water or organic apple cider vinegar
2. If you are fine the next day, continue to use the same application daily.
3. If you don’t experience any issues, and think you can handle a stronger concentration, read above.
4. If you suffer a little bit of irritation or dryness instead dilute with 5-8 parts apple cider vinegar or water (apple cider vinegar will increase acne fighting action). If you continue to suffer from dryness keep diluting with an additional part until you no longer suffer skin sensitivity.

You may suffer sensitivity regardless of skin type if you  have an allergy to this particular oil. If regardless of dilution ratio you experience issues, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.