Tea tree oil is a natural product that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a good choice for treating acne-prone skin. It contains terpinen-4-ol, which has been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Several studies have shown that tea tree oil helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne, and it has been found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication. Tea tree oil-based acne gels can be purchased at natural grocery stores or from online retailers, or you can make your own acne treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and applying the mixture to affected areas with a cotton swab once or twice a day, as needed. However, tea tree oil may cause skin irritation and swelling, and in people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness and itching. When using tea tree oil for acne, it is important to use 100% pure tea tree oil and to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or argan oil.