Tea tree oil is one of the most widely used essential oils. It has benefited from research and recognised for the health benefits it brings for almost every part of the body–the most popular of which is its role in treating a range of skin disorders.
Tea tree oil is nature’s gift for those in need of a remedy for their skin worries. But whether or not you have skin imperfections, you’d find it worthy to know how tea tree oil can do wonders for you.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Also known as melaleuca oil, the tea tree oil is derived from the boiled leaves of the Australian tea tree. It is also identified by its pale yellow to almost clear colour and comes with a refreshing scent.
This essential oil is believed to have its antibacterial properties, but apart from that, there are also healing benefits associated with it–thanks to the chemicals present in tea tree oil that can eradicate bacteria and fungus, and even work in the reduction of allergic reactions. It is loaded with skin benefits and has been used for the treatment of a range of conditions for thousands of years.
Fast forward to the present, tea tree oil is now widely used as an ingredient in a variety of skin care products and has been recognised as a natural beauty staple due to the number of benefits it offers.
Is tea tree oil starting to interest you? There are more things that you have to know to understand and harness the life-changing benefits of tea tree essential oil.
10 Awesome Skin Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
1. Treats Acne
Packed with the power of antibacterial and antifungal compounds, tea tree oil helps in the reduction of inflammation, making it an effective for cases of mild to moderate acne. Studies revealed that it can control acne by penetrating the skin and clearing clogged sebaceous glands. It will dry out whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and other blemishes, as well as disinfect the pores too.
2. Works as a Natural Toner
One of the most common beauty goals among women is having a poreless looking skin. Thanks to the wonders of tea tree oil, you can use it as a natural astringent that can help reduce your pores and eventually control your oily skin so you can have a flawless looking complexion!
3. Prevents Worsening of Eczema
Persistent, frustrating, and causes serious discomfort–eczema is one of the conditions that are hard to manage. It can lead to severe manifestations in the form of rashes, dry skin, and even blistering. Not to mention, it’s itchiness is so severe that it can even interrupt sleep. Fortunately, tea tree oil can offer relief through its antiseptic properties that also heals the skin. In cases when infection occurs, its antibacterial properties also work to deal away with the infection and keep it from worsening.
4. Works as a Natural Astringent
Do you experience irritation after shaving? Or worse, do you get bothered by the unsightly mark it leaves? Razor burn is a skin problem that has to be addressed and tea tree oil can do the trick. Mix it with witch hazel then use a few drops on areas that usually suffer from razor burn to be relieved from discomforts, as well as unwanted marks that it can leave.
5. Relieves Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that has no known cure, but with the healing properties found in tea tree oil, it can offer relief from the discomforts it brings and may even help speed up its healing process. So how is this possible?
As psoriasis is characterized by dry, scaly skin, tea tree oil counters its effects by getting rid of the dead skin cells. It offers antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects to provide relief from itching, redness, and burning sensations. Furthermore, it doesn’t only inhibit the excessive production of skin cells, it also contains a compound known for the treatment of psoriasis, terpinen-4.
Did you know?
Psoriasis can increase a person’s chance of acquiring skin cancer and as tea tree oil can rapidly reduce cancerous tumors, you have more reason to include it in your regimen.
6. Acts as a Natural Makeup Remover
If you want a natural makeup remover, you can make tea tree oil an essential part of your beauty routine. It is a natural ingredient that can effectively remove makeup with just a simple sweep on your face–without the unwanted side effects!
7. Gets Rid of Warts (and even skin tags!)
Warts are caused by HPV or Human Papillomavirus and with the terpinen-4, as well as the antiviral properties present in tea tree oil, you can stay free from the worries of warts and much more, prevent its spread to other parts of the body like your hands, feet and genitals. With regular use from 1 to 4 weeks, you can halt the growth of warts, dry them out, and eventually let them fall off, naturally.
Tea tree oil also works in the removal of skin tags. While they are not painful, they are very unsightly especially those found in prominent or exposed areas of the body. For the best results, use tea tree oil on the affected area directly 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
8. Manages Chickenpox Itch and Scars
One of the diseases that you wouldn’t want to acquire is chicken pox. This condition comes with uncontrollable itchiness and even after the disease is over, you will find yourself bothered by the scars that it will leave. The good news is you can control and manage chickenpox with the help of tea tree oil. Simply take a warm tea tree oil bath to control itchiness and reduce the risk of scarring your skin.
9. Treats Dandruff
Chemicals and dead skin cells contribute to the formation of dandruff–but these problems can be thwarted with the help of tea tree oil. This essential oil can maintain hair health, leave it moisturised, and get rid of its causes. Ideally, use a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil and follow with a conditioner for the best results.
10. Fights Athlete’s Foot
With its antifungal properties, tea tree oil can solve your problem with stinky feet! Combined with other natural ingredients like arrowroot powder and baking soda, it helps absorb the moisture from your feet and eliminate odour–along with the itch that may come with it.
PRECAUTIONS IN USING TEA TREE OIL
Although tea tree oil is generally regarded as a safe and non-toxic ingredient, safety shouldn’t be set aside to reduce the potential for irritation–and this is especially true if you’ll be using it as a carrier oil or mixing it with other essential beauty oils.
- Apply to the inner wrist and observe for a negative reaction before using regularly;
- Keep it away from the eyes, ears and mucous membranes to prevent irritation;
- Use only a small amount for the hair and skin to avoid negative reactions;
- Do not ingest. While it is a natural ingredient, it is not meant to be ingested. It should also be avoided during pregnancy and must be kept away from children, as well as pets.
As with most essential oils, tea tree oil isn’t intended to be applied directly to your skin or hair. Use it as a carrier oil and mix with other natural essential oils such as coconut, olive, jojoba, almond, and many more to prevent untoward reactions.
Want a more convenient option while harnessing the benefits of the tea tree oil? Check out to find the best selling beauty products infused with this ingredient.
TOP PRODUCT PICKS FROM OUR SHELVES
BRIOGEO CHARCOAL + TEA TREE SCALP TREATMENT
The perfect treatment for people with a dry and irritated scalp, this product from Briogeo has charcoal that draws out impurities and tea tree oil that works as an antiseptic for optimal scalp health.
UMA DEEPLY CLARIFYING FACE OIL
This beauty essential effectively combines and balances a range of essential oils, including tea tree oil, to moisturise and purify the skin, while keeping it free from impurities. This natural beauty product is especially suited for those with oily or combination skin.
ODACITE BLACK MINT CLEANSER
Packed with the purifying power of tea tree oil, this cleanser can provide deep cleansing and invigorating effect to keep the skin fresh. It also works effectively for a range of skin conditions including combination, oily, or acne-prone skin.
ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY MOISTURE MILK ULTRA-LIGHT MOISTURISER
Nourish your skin with the natural ingredients that can purify and keep it protected from environmental damages. This lightweight moisturiser comes with antibacterial properties, therefore, reducing oil and preventing breakouts. Perfect for use during summer and in humid environments.
