is tea tree oil good for your skin

Tea tree oil has become a popular natural remedy for skin issues, particularly with acne, wrinkles, sun damage and dry skin. But what exactly is tea tree oil and why does it work so well for many skin conditions? This article explains why you should be using tea tree oil for your own beauty regimen.

 Is tea tree oil good for your skin?

Tea tree oil can be used for a wide variety of beauty problems, and it can even be applied topically as a preventative measure. Tea tree oil is often used as a topical application because it penetrates the skin more easily than other essential oils. The tea tree oil molecules can help in absorption through the skin, unlike many other essential oils which can simply be washed off the skin.

When it comes to natural remedies for wrinkles and fine lines, tea tree oil is an effective alternative to Botox. Many people find that the effects of botox wear off after a few months, while tea tree oil will continue to work to tighten up your face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Tea tree oil can be purchased in any cosmetic store, or you can make your own at home using our recipe below.

Tea Tree Oil Recipe

1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil

1/2 cup (125 mL) lemon juice

3 drops tea tree oil (or enough to cover the olive oil)

Mix ingredients together and apply to the affected area every night for a week.

How do you know if tea tree oil works?

You have to use the oil yourself to know whether or not it works for you, so do some research first. You’ll want to find out what specific problem you’re trying to solve with the oil and then research how tea tree oil can be used for that specific problem. If you have a specific problem you’re trying to fix, we encourage you to research the topic before you try the oil.

Does tea tree oil work for all types of skin?

If you are looking to use tea tree oil for your skin, we recommend starting with the oil for external use and slowly introducing it to your body. You’ve been using tea tree oil as a facial cleanser, consider taking it back to cleansing. If you’re interested in using the oil for internal use, we encourage you to start small and work your way up.

If you are new to using tea tree oil internally, start out with just a couple of drops. Be careful to follow the directions on your bottle carefully to avoid getting into trouble with over-use.

What conditions are tea tree oil good for?

While we haven’t found any studies yet, there are numerous anecdotal reports of tea tree oil helping with skin conditions such as:

acne

bleeding gums

fungal infections

skin rashes

wound healing

wrinkles

sunburn

How long does tea tree oil last?

The shelf life of the oil is usually around two years. After that, the tea tree oil loses its potency and effectiveness. If you keep your tea tree oil in a cool, dark place and consume it regularly, it can last for up to five years.

Benefits of using tea tree oil on your skin

Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has been used for its potential skin benefits for many years. Here are some of the benefits of using tea tree oil on your skin:

1. Tea Tree Oil and Acne

Tea tree oil is beneficial in treating acne-prone skin as it contains antibacterial properties that kill the bacteria causing acne. Tree oil may be applied directly to the affected area, or can be blended into a cleanser to be applied with a cotton pad. A few drops of tea tree oil can also be mixed into a carrier such as witch hazel.

2. Tea Tree Oil and Dermatitis

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it may be useful in treating dermatitis. It may be applied topically, or can be mixed with salve or a carrier to be applied to the affected area.

3. Tea Tree Oil and Eczema

A study in Australia found that tea tree oil was effective at relieving the itching associated with eczema. Tea tree oil may be applied to the affected area, and can be mixed into a carrier such as salve or lotion.

4. Tea Tree Oil and Fungal Infections

Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial properties, which may help prevent or treat fungal infections on the skin. A few drops of tea tree oil can be applied directly to an affected area, or can be mixed into a carrier and applied with a cotton ball.

5. Tea Tree Oil and Warts

Tea tree oil may be helpful in treating warts, as it has antifungal and antiviral properties that may help break down the dead skin cells that build up over time to form warts. A few drops of tea tree oil can be mixed into a carrier and applied directly to the affected area.

6. Tea Tree Oil and Sunburn

Tea tree oil has astringent properties that can help relieve the pain caused by sunburn. It can be mixed into a carrier, such as aloe vera gel or a water-based cream, and applied to the affected area.

7. Tea Tree Oil and Skin Irritation

Tea tree oil can be helpful in preventing or alleviating skin irritation caused by a rash. It can be applied directly to the affected area, or can be mixed into a carrier, such as aloe vera gel or a water-based cream, and applied to the affected area.

8. Tea Tree Oil and Sore Throats

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, and may help alleviate sore throats. You can mix it into a carrier such as aloe vera gel or a water-based cream, and apply it directly to the sore throat. Or you can use a steam inhaler to inhale the vapor created by steaming a tea tree oil solution.

9. Tea Tree Oil and Staph Infections

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, so it may help prevent or treat staph infections. You can mix it into a carrier, such as aloe vera gel or a water-based cream, and apply it directly to the infected area.

10. Tea Tree Oil and Yeast Infections

A study in Australia found that tea tree oil was effective at treating yeast infections on the skin. Tea tree oil may be applied directly to the affected area, or can be mixed into a carrier, such as salve or lotion.

11. Tea Tree Oil and Zits

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil may help treat zits. You can apply it directly to the affected area, or mix it into a carrier, such as salve or lotion, and apply it to the affected area.

12. Tea Tree Oil and Pimples

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that may help treat pimples. It may be applied directly to the affected area, or can be mixed into a carrier, such as salve or lotion.

Tips and tricks for using tea tree oil on your skin

When using tea tree oil on your skin, it’s essential to do so with care, as it is potent and can cause skin irritation if not used correctly. Here are some tips and tricks for using tea tree oil on your skin: 

1. Use sparingly

Tea tree oil is very potent and should be used sparingly, as applying too much will result in a painful sting that may last for days. Tea tree oil should never be applied to broken or open wounds.

2. Avoid sun exposure

Avoiding direct exposure to the sun will help prevent burning and irritation, and help the oil penetrate better into the skin. Sunburn and inflammation may occur.

3. Dilute with a carrier oil

Before applying tea tree oil, dilute it with a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil, which has a lower melting point. This will help the oil spread evenly across the skin and also provide an added barrier of protection from the elements.

4. Add to your skin moisturiser

Once you have diluted the oil, apply it to your skin regularly as part of your daily skin routine to keep your skin supple, hydrated and soft.

5. Apply directly after showering

Apply the oil to dry skin and massage it into the skin gently for about 10-15 minutes. You may also rub the oil between your hands first to warm it up before applying.

6. Use a carrier oil during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, use a carrier oil rather than tea tree oil as the latter contains high levels of salicylates and may make you more prone to nausea. If you are worried about using a carrier oil, you can use coconut oil instead.

7. Apply before bedtime

Apply the oil before you go to bed to ensure maximum absorption, so that you wake up feeling refreshed and radiant.

8. Cleanse well

If you’re using tea tree oil as a spot treatment, cleanse your skin well first. You can use a cleanser designed specifically for sensitive skin or follow this tip. Simply exfoliate your face and remove any make-up. Rinse the area well with water and pat dry. This will ensure that the oil spreads easily.

9. Pat dry

After cleansing, pat the area dry with a lint-free towel, avoiding rubbing, as rubbing can remove the oil’s protective layer and cause the skin to dry out.

10. Apply the oil every day

Use the tea tree oil once or twice a week. It’s important to use the tea tree oil consistently to see its full benefits.

How to use it:

The best way to use tea tree oil is as a spot treatment, as it has a strong scent that can be irritating to the eyes. Before using, dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil. Massage the oil onto the problem area, avoiding the eyes. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

You may also want to try using tea tree oil as a toner or an astringent.

Conclusion

It is well established that tea tree oil can provide both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits. In fact, tea tree oil can be used topically for its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. These features make tea tree oil an excellent topical treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. It also helps to promote healthy skin and hair and acts as a natural deodorant. So, should you be using tea tree oil to treat your skin? That’s really a personal choice, but for a lot of people, tea tree oil seems like a smart choice.