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If you're struggling with a stubborn breakout and want some serious help to clear up your acne, we'll always recommend consulting a dermatologist, first and foremost. But depending on your circumstances, it's understandable that that may not always be the first person you turn to for advice. You might visit an aesthetician, hit up a beauty editor (hi, friends!), text a pal who's had luck with their skin-care routine, or, you know, just ask Khloé Kardashian on a social media platform. Obviously.
That's exactly what a Twitter user named Daniel did earlier this week when he was getting frustrated with his skin "acting up."
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Not even a minute later, the only member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan still expecting a baby (it seemed like it was all of them for a while, didn't it?) replied with some helpful advice: "If you are going to spot treat… Tea tree oil really helps in spot treating. You can Google it."
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Arguably, Daniel could've Googled his initial question, too, but then we wouldn't know that Kardashian is a fan of Australian botanical extract that's found in a large number of acne-fighting products, like Bath & Body Works' Totally Tea-Riffic Face Sheet Mask, Renée Rouleau's Rapid Response Detox Masque, and Cosrx's Salicylic Gentle Daily Cleanser.
And there's a damn good reason it's so prevalent. "Tea tree oil has been used as a natural treatment for pimples because it has antimicrobial properties, lowering the levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin," says Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
However, it may not be the most effective option. "Natural is not always better. Tea tree oil is known to cause skin irritation," he explains. "It's also not as effective as traditional acne spot treatments." Zeichner recommends looking for a spot treatment with a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which, he says, is the "most powerful topical acne fighter we have."
So while Kardashian's advice was solid this time, it ultimately is a dermatologist who knows best when it comes to clear skin.
More options for fighting acne flare-ups:
- How to Banish Back and Chest Acne for Good
- Woman Swears This Skin-Care Routine Totally Cleared Up Her Acne
- Adult Acne: How to Make It Kindly Fuck Off
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