According to recent studies, the clean beauty trend is still growing: About a quarter of American adults now support the notion that their skin-care products should be natural (though there is still some disagreement about what that means). proper up arrow You need look no further than tea tree oil if you fall into this category and are searching for a tried-and-true, plant-based component to include in your regimen to treat acne.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil is an essential oil made from Australian tea tree leaves. proper up arrow It is also referred to as melaleuca oil. According to Jennifer Holman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the regional president of U.S. Dermatology Partners in East and South Texas, “We turn to it for its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and there are a lot of ways it can be utilized on skin, hair, and nails as a natural treatment.”

Pure essential oils of tea tree are available. It can also be found in personal care items including cleansers, toners, body washes, gels, lotions, and other treatments, especially those meant to prevent or treat acne.

The National Capital Poison Center advises against ingesting tea tree oil since it is deadly if consumed. proper up arrow Never consume tea tree oil; always use topically.

What are its benefits for the skin?

Tea tree oil is effective in promoting healthy skin by soothing and healing a wide range of skin issues.

Reduces and prevents acne

One of the most abundant natural sources of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities is tea tree. It is therefore a fantastic treatment for acne and acne scars. Tea tree oil helps clear clogged pores, reduce redness, and treat acne that has already formed. Tea tree oil can help you maintain clear, beautiful skin by regularly preventing the likelihood of new outbreaks.

Inflammation

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties aid in the relief of itchy, sore skin. Redness and swelling may also be lessened with its aid.

According to research, nickel sensitivity causes skin to become less irritated when treated with tree oil. Although it is typically advised to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, this study used pure tea tree oil on the skin.

Prevents insect bites

It only makes sense to properly protect your skin, especially if you’re going to be outside, given the rise in diseases brought on by insects. And tea tree oil is really useful in situations like this. Tea tree oil, which is rich in antiparasitic effects, deters mosquito and other bug bites in addition to calming and soothing newly bitten skin due to its anti-inflammatory and healing characteristics.

 

Heals minor wounds

Tea tree oil’s capacity to restore skin health includes its capacity to treat minor burns, cuts, and wounds. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, the wound heals more quickly and doesn’t become infected. Tea tree oil works well to speed up the healing process for minor wounds like cuts and scrapes.

 

Promotes glowing skin

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial qualities are what make it so effective at treating and preventing acne. Tea tree oil-infused cosmetics offer moisture directly to your skin, giving it a healthy, supple appearance while also helping to mattify your skin without making it dry.

Dry skin and eczema

Tea tree oil helps ease the itching and irritation of dry skin. Additionally, studies have shown that it is more successful at treating eczema than creams containing zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate (Trusted Source).

 

Different ways to use tea tree oil for the skin

Now that you are aware of the advantages tea tree oil has for your skin, it is time to consider the various applications for it. Using the straightforward techniques listed here, getting the skin of your dreams will be simple…

But before we get started, it’s crucial to keep in mind that applying tea tree oil straight to your skin or hair could result in permanent harm. For best advantages, always combine a few drops of the essential oil with any carrier oil of your choice.

Tea tree oil + honey

Even though it’s the simplest face mask, it offers remarkable acne-healing abilities. Honey offers amazing skin-healing and moisturizing qualities that will help your skin look soft and radiant. Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics can be added to create a face pack that is quite helpful at treating acne.

Tea tree oil + coconut oil

This tea tree oil and coconut face pack is another healthy face mask you should try. This face mask is ideal for those with skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis because it calms itchy, inflamed skin and properly conditions and moisturizes it.

 

Tea tree oil + bentonite clay + yogurt

This tea tree oil and bentonite clay mask is perfect for you if you have oily skin. Bentonite clay draws out impurities from deep within the skin, unclogs pores, and aids in the removal of excess oil. Additionally, it aids in progressively controlling sebum production to maintain face matte and avoid acne. Yogurt stops your skin from drying out too much, keeping it smooth and radiant.

Potential Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

When taking tea tree oil, irritation is the biggest adverse impact to watch out for. According to Hooper, “up to 4% of people can have allergies to tea tree oil.” Before applying tea tree oil to a new region, it is wise to conduct a patch test. However, you can later discover that the component has a bad effect on your skin. According to her, if you are allergic to it, tea tree will irritate your skin within the first two to three weeks and every time you use the product after that. Tea tree oil is causing that skin rash since you are allergic to it, thus you should stop using it altogether.

Other Uses for Tea Tree Oil

According to Holman, you can use tea tree oil as a natural remedy for athlete’s foot or nail fungus, but it won’t be as successful as a prescription medication. According to several in vitro studies, tea tree oil prevents the fungus that causes onychomycosis from growing. the term for the fungal nail infection that results in thick, deformed, discolored, and often odorous fingernails and toenails. proper up arrow However, more study is required to assess it. Consult your doctor if the condition is not improving or is getting worse.

Tea tree oil should be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, if it is being used to treat a nail fungal infection. (Aim for a tea tree oil to carrier oil ratio of two to three drops to fifteen to twenty drops.) Use tea tree oil at a higher dose for nail fungus than for facial skin, advises Holman.

A healthy scalp may also be aided by tea tree oil. As an excellent element for clarifying hair, it helps with dandruff-related diseases like seborrheic dermatitis, scalp folliculitis, and overall scalp irritation, according to Holman. (A product is “clarifying” if it can aid in removing product buildup and oil from the scalp.) She advises finding tea tree-based shampoos or scalp treatments and using them two to three times each week. Research suggests that tea tree oil’s antibacterial capabilities may be useful in preventing flakes when added to the formulation of antidandruff treatments. proper up arrow

Summary

After using tea tree oil consistently for a few days, symptoms should start to disappear. Some conditions could take longer to fully recover. To stop further recurrences, you could decide to keep using tea tree oil.

People who are interested in using tea tree oil are advised to first have an allergic skin patch test and then carefully dilute tea tree oil to prevent further irritability. Additionally, you can purchase goods that have already been infused with tea tree oil. This guarantees that you are receiving the proper consistency.

If your symptoms don’t go away, get worse, or are very bad, consult a doctor.