STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I don't have a recipe, but I do have a super cheap alternative.  You can buy 100% tea tree oil for around $15-$20 for a bottle that will last you probably a year to year and a half, or longer.  You simply wet a cotton ball first, then put some tea tree oil on it (very diluted, just tilt the bottle over with the cotton ball at the opening momentarily).  I also love it as a subsitute for Benzoil Peroxide for acne treatment, and as an antiseptic for cuts.  The stuff is truly amazing and works great as after shave treatment.

PS.  I am so thrilled with Tea Tree Oil I was planning on doing a full-on review.  It is some amazing stuff and works on lots of problems.  Here is a link to the one I use.  I get it from drugstore.com:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=33967&catid=13549&trx=GFI-0-EVGR-49973&trxp1=60&trxp2=33967&trxp3=1&trxp4=154&btrx=BUY-GFI-0-EVGR-49973

The reviews:

Tea tree oil does amazing work for such a simple thing. First of all, it's not that oily. You put it on, it absorbs quickly, leaving a small medicinal scent that fades faster than expected. Its mild antimicrobial characteristic makes it ideal for bringing down ugly red pimples and cysts overnight. It cures and keeps away fungus on the feet. It helps heal fleabites, and doesn't taste good, so the dog doesn't chew himself as much. Amazing!!
-- Anonymous on July 9, 2004


I have found this to be an excellent product for several skin cleansing uses: (1) applied to a blemish with a cotton swab - cleans and promotes rapid healing (2) applied with cotton over an area where my skin is irritated after shaving (3) applied to a cut on my cuticle (4) applied to a little kitty cat scratch. It's mild, fragrant, pure, and does the job for all these uses, and more. I'd suggest people get a bottle and just add it to your medicine cabinet.
-- Kim, Dallas, TX on May 13, 2004


This product is awesome! I have never had skin this clear! I have tried everything from all kinds of over the counter products, to Pro-Active and Zenmed. I use this at night after I wash my face with Clearasil Total Control; the results are great.
-- Anonymous on May 2, 2005


This is the best treatment for blemishes that I've ever used. Just dip a dampened cotton swab into the bottle and apply to the affected area twice a day. You'll be amazed at the results just overnight, and within 2-3 days the blemish is completely gone - even those "ingrown" zits that never seem to go away. It's also great for other minor skin irritations...bug bites, irritation from shaving, etc. The scent is quite strong at first but it dissipates quickly.
-- Anonymous on April 19, 2005


Good enough. Works better than any other OTC acne product.
-- Anonymous on April 17, 2005


Another use - clears a stuffy nose. Dip a cotton swab in water FIRST, then in tea tree oil (to dilute it) and swab inside your nose. It may sting but it a) kills germs, and b) will get you breathing better fast!
-- Anonymous on February 8, 2005


This is the best stuff ever! I put this on my acne and the next day it was dried up, and by the second day it was gone. This is truly a gift from God. It does sting and kinda dries your skin, but it gets rid of acne and that's all I care about. Highly recommend.
-- Anonymous on January 26, 2005


I've been looking for an effective acne treatment for years!!! From over-the-counter products to the apple diet, I have never gained more results other than this. I mix a drop or two into my favorite liquid facial wash (Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Wash) and use it twice a day. Followed by two to three drops into wet/moist cotton and clean away. Before going to bed, I mix olive oil and a drop or two of tee tree oil in my palm and just put it on overnight. Results? Good skin, NO MORE CYSTIC ACNE, and no more ugly blackheads and whiteheads. WHEEE!
-- Dennis, Harlan, IA on January 22, 2005


This was perfect for my mom who cut herself while attempting to change the water filter. However, I don't think it's doing much for my acne. Overall, this is a wonderful product and I will continue to buy this from drugstore.com.
-- Anonymous on December 11, 2004


I am psyched that more places are stocking this. I've used it for so many things, most of which have already been mentioned here in other reviews. The best use I have found for it though is for sunburns. It is the ONLY thing that can make me stop itching. And it helps alleviate the inflammation too. I never travel without it now.
-- Kristen, Boston, MA on September 20, 2004


Tea Tree Oil is amazing. I use it on my two large dogs for fungal and bacterial skin infections which they frequently get as we live in a very hot humid climate. I mix the oil 50/50 with water and put it in a small spray bottle and spray it directly on the red irritated skin at the first sign of infection. (Do not dilute the oil any more than this, as the solution needs to be strong.) The redness, itchiness and irritation usually disappear within 24 hours. Tree tree oil has saved me a fortune in vet bills (that I had before I tried this product).
-- Karen on September 15, 2004

This tea tree oil is wonderful! I have used everything in the book on my very acne-prone skin and nothing has worked. Until now. I use a cotton square and a drop of oil and rub it across my face twice a day. I've been doing this for four months and I haven't had an outbreak since.
-- Anonymous on September 2, 2004