If there was a multitasking award for skin care ingredients, tea tree oil would be on the short list of deserving of the honor. With a stellar reputation for its numerous skin-healing benefits, it’s no wonder this plant is one of nature’s best-known offerings.
Through cleansers, moisturizers and masks, we can deliver the powerful benefits of tea tree oil right where our skin needs it most. Find out what makes this superstar such a great choice in your quest for clear skin!
What is Tea Tree?
Tea tree essential oil is derived from the steam of the evergreen leaves of the iconic Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree (not to be confused with the tea plant that produces the hot drinks we love).
Steam distillation creates a clean, pure oil uncontaminated by chemicals in solvent extraction methods. This process also preserves its active ingredients, such as terpinene 4-ol, which make it such a powerful anti-inflammatory.
It’s hard to miss the strong yet earthy aroma of tea tree oil. With more than just an ability to prevent bites, this wonder plant can also soothe coughs and colds and has been the go-to remedy for killing bacterial conditions and other ailments for centuries.
Traditionally, tea tree leaves were crushed and placed over skin infections. Soldiers even brought it to the battlefields with them as an antiseptic. Today, the popularity of tea tree oil has grown so much that you will definitely find it in many topical medicines, household products and skin care.
How does tea tree oil work?
What gives tea tree oil its wealth of skin care powers? This powerful oil has naturally beneficial compounds that help many skin care conditions.
One such compound, terpinene 4-ol, has effective anti-inflammatory properties and wound healing abilities. The high concentration of this active compound also makes tea tree oil a natural antimicrobial for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions and preventing infections.
Thanks to the strong yet woody aroma of tea tree oil, it is a real mainstay in aromatherapy. Its fresh, herbal and camphorous aromatic notes give your home a clean scent while acting as a deodorizer and air freshener.
How to use Tea Tree essential oil
We know that tea tree oil is an all-star with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Unlike many other essential oils, this oil is also non-caesogenic and non-pore clogging. Check out some of the top uses of tea tree oil and how you can use it.
#1. For acne
Bacteria play a big role in acne breakouts, and tea tree oil is great for treating breakouts and reducing redness, blemishes, and acne scars. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree make it ideal for soothing and healing skin that is irritated or reddened by the sun, insect bites or bacteria. No wonder we feature it as the main ingredient in Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent
#2. For warts
Unfortunately, most skin warts seem to appear out of nowhere. Thanks to its antiseptic and antiviral properties, using tea tree oil for warts makes sense – that’s when a spot treatment comes in especially handy! Tea tree oil can heal wounds and fight infection, and according to some studies, it can even activate white blood cells that fight the viral infections that cause warts.
#3: For the scalp
As a natural antifungal herb, tea tree can help treat fungal scalp conditions. Irritated skin caused by problems such as dandruff, cradle cap and lice can all be treated with tea tree oil.
#4. For itchy skin
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural alternative to relieve the discomfort of itchy skin. Its additional antimicrobial properties help it to be effective against infections that can result from scratching, such as soothing irritated skin and relieving itchy little bug bites.
#5. For skin tags
Tag, it’s you! Let’s be honest, no one likes skin tags. Although painless, these fleshy growths tend to appear in inconvenient areas such as the armpits and around the neck. Skin tags are harmless and can be treated effectively and naturally. Dabbing a little tea tree oil around the base of the tag can help cut off the blood supply, causing it to dry out and fall off.
#6: For athlete’s foot and nail health
Surprise: you can get athlete’s foot even if you haven’t been to the gym. It covers two separate infections: one that affects the skin on your feet (classic athlete’s foot) and another infection that affects your toenails (called toenail fungus).
Tea tree oil can kill many types of bacteria and fungal infections, meaning it is effective against athlete’s foot. Thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree can soothe the itching, scaling and burning associated with athlete’s foot.
#7: For body odor
Fun fact: sweat doesn’t actually smell. That pungent smell after a steamy sweat is thanks to the bacteria on your skin and the antibacterial powers of tea tree are perfect for neutralizing unpleasant odors. Try a tea tree deodorant to keep your underarms smelling fresh!
Tea tree oil smells great and offers many antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Now that we’ve discovered the many benefits of tea tree oil for skin, you can use this pure ingredient in your beauty routine for everything from acne to eczema!
FAQ
How can tea tree oil be used to treat acne?
Tea tree oil can be used to treat acne by applying it directly to the affected area. Its antibacterial properties help fight bacteria that can cause acne breakouts. It can also help reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. For application, dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil) to minimize potential skin irritation. Typically, a 5% concentration of tea tree oil in solution is recommended for treating acne.
Is tea tree oil effective for managing oily skin?
Yes, tea tree oil can be effective in managing oily skin. Its antiseptic properties can help control excess sebum production in the skin, reducing oiliness. In addition, it can help unclog pores and prevent the formation of acne, which is often more common in oily skin types. Using products made with tea tree oil or diluting the oil for direct application can be beneficial.
How does tea tree oil fight skin inflammation?
Tea tree oil contains compounds such as terpinen-4-ol that have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help soothe and reduce inflammation in the skin, making it beneficial for conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Its ability to reduce swelling and redness can also relieve irritation and discomfort associated with these skin conditions.
Can tea tree oil help reduce the appearance of scars?
While tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of scars. However, its ability to promote healing and reduce inflammation may be beneficial during the healing process, which may indirectly help minimize scarring. For scar treatment, it is often recommended to use products specifically designed to reduce scars alongside your general skin care practices.
How often can Tea Tree essential oil be applied for skin care?
Tea tree essential oil can be applied once or twice daily as part of a skin care routine, depending on your skin’s tolerance. It is important to start with a low concentration and frequency to see how your skin reacts. If you experience irritation or dryness, reduce the frequency of application or the concentration of the oil. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil or use it in standard skin care products to avoid skin irritation.
