The natural ingredient you should be using if you suffer from acne

Tea tree oil.

If you've tried dozens upon dozens of products, medications, and remedies to clear your blemishes with zero results, there's one key ingredient you might be missing out on. As a teenager, my skin suddenly started breaking out and hormonal blemishes, sometimes escalating to cystic acne,  can be pretty painful as anyone who has experienced them will know. Tea tree oil is one of the oldest tricks in the books when it comes to acne and came recommended to me by several Irish mammies and you know they always have the best advice. If that's not enough to convince you of the healing properties of tea tree oil, here's some expert advice to back it up. Elizabeth Tanzi, the founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care in Maryland spoke to Women's Health: "Tea tree oil will reduce inflammation and help calm acne-prone skin and works as well as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide without the irritation". Pure Tree Oil, Holland & Barrett, €4.95 It kills bacteria, contains anti-inflammatory properties and best of all it's cheap. There are a few ways to use it too: dab it onto the offending spot/spots with a cotton wool bud, add a couple of drops to hot water and give yourself a DIY facial or look out for products containing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can prove irritating for some people because of its antiseptic properties so keep this in mind if you have sensitive skin in addition to troublesome acne. The Body Shop's Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution, €19.95