STYLE

{realted} Tea tree oil originates in Australia, but it’s a must-have, totally inexpensive skin problem solver you’ve gotta pick up. Today, you can find tea tree oil in just about everything from your deodorant to shampoo. It’s antimicrobial properties help fight acne, remove makeup and so much more: we’ve got five uses for tea tree oil in its pure form that you won't be able to live without! 

Acne: If you’re looking to get rid of some totally gross pimples, just a drop of tea tree oil will do the trick. It works just as well if not better than the top drugstore acne remedy.

Here's what you’ll do: Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with 20 to 40 drops of peroxide and apply to skin once or twice daily with a cotton swab. Be careful not to over-use it, too much solution can dry out your skin, dragging you back to square one. Try this facial wash with tea tree oil for an on-the-go fix.

Try: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $11, ulta.com

Makeup remover: Yup, it’s a makeup remover too! Try mixing ¼ cup of canola oil with ten drops of tea tree oil in a glass jar with a tight-fitting cap and shake until blended. Store in a cool place until you’re ready to use. To use, saturate a cotton ball in the oil and sweep over your face to remove makeup. Rinse well with water and finish with your fave moisturizer. These cleansing pads do the trick in a pinch, too. 

Try: Sia Botanic Daily Cleansing Pads, $11, target.com  

Rashes, bug bites or sunburns: Perfect for those summer adventurers out there. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to aloe vera or body lotion to help quell itchiness from rashes, bug bites and sunburns. This after-sun moisturizer is mega-soothing.

Pedis: Painted toes are a given, especially in the summer. Keep your nails healthy by adding 3-4 drops of tea trea oil to manicurist spray or cream for cuticle care and relief for cracked nails. This foot cream boasts tea tree oil for a refreshing treated for tired toes.

Try: Fig + Yarrow Foot Butter, $18, anthropologie.com 

Hair: Of course, it's great for your hair, too. Take about 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix it with your daily shampoo. If you have dandruff, this treatment is for you! This method has been used to cure dandruff for ages.

Try: Kiehl’s Tea Tree oil shampoo, $30, barneys.com

by Bria Price | 2/1/2016