But in these modern times, why use tea tree oil when you can use cheap benzoyl peroxide 2.5% for acne care treatment? Because some people suffer adverse reactions from benzoyl peroxide. BP has a drying effect, which can be very harsh on people with sensitive skin. A study done by Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared 5% tea tree oil against benzoyl peroxide 5% as pimple remedies. These doctors discovered that both treatments worked, but 79% of the patients who used BP suffered side effects – itching, dryness, stinging and burning skin. Tea tree oil worked more slowly, but patients reported fewer side effects.

However, not all tea tree oil is equal. Oxford Journals published a study which showed that concentrations below 4% did not kill bacteria effectively. The same study stated that hospitals found that 4% to 5% was the most effective concentration for use as general antiseptics.

For some people, tea tree oil at 10% concentration might work faster for natural acne skin care, but is probably overkill for most of us. Higher concentrations will probably have more side effects, too.

So what’s the best acne home remedies? For most people, this should be tea tree oil at 5% concentration – strong enough to kill the acne bacteria, while not causing too many side-effects.

Does acne affect your life very badly? Do you need to get rid of that pimple fast? Click here to learn the best acne care treatment.

The chemical composition of tea tree oil is very complex. The composition of most commercially available tea tree oil varies by company. This composition is affected by how the oil is extracted as well as which species of tea tree plant is used. Most commercial companies extract the oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia species of tea tree plant, although the Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia are also used.

Fortunately for us, an international standard, ISO 4730 (“Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type”), has been established to specify the necessary levels of 14 active components which must be present in tea tree oil. If you choose only tea tree oil from companies which meet this standard, you will find yourself with an effective natural acne remedy.

Does acne affect your life very badly? Do you need to get rid of that pimple fast? Click here to learn the best acne care treatment.