Less irritating than its chemical cousin, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil has a long history of fighting mild to moderate acne outbreaks. The oil, which comes from the leaves of a tree native to Australia, has antiseptic properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin and quell inflammation in skin cells.
“We’ve seen it work against a wide range of organisms, including 27 of the 32 strains of acne- causing bacteria,” says Dr. Murray. Multiple studies, including a review last year in the International Journal of Dermatology, back the plant’s power. You can find tea tree oil in a wide variety of soaps, skin washes, and topical solutions. Look for a minimum concentration of 5% of the oil (up to 15% for more severe acne).
Some doctors suspect that sodium has consequences for skin, because the iodine frequently found in table salt and some seafood may worsen acne breakouts. Stick to low-sodium versions of packaged foods, and try to keep your overall salt consumption below 1,500 mg a day.
For mild to moderate acne, dermatologists often suggest a cleanser with bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide (to minimize irritation, try 10% strength), along with a prescription topical antimicrobial such as clindamycin or erythromycin.
Stronger cases may call for prescription retinoids (such as retin-a or tazorac), which “are really the standard of care for most acne therapy,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist at Mount sinai Medical Center in new york city.
Newer drugs, such as epiduo and Ziana, combine retinoids with antibacterials and may be more effective than separate products. because retinoids also have antiwrinkle properties (they help stimulate collagen production), they can be especially beneficial for adult acne sufferers.
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