Tea tree oil is one of the most well-researched essential oils. It comes from a tree called Melaleuca in Australia. The University of Sydney notes that native aboriginals used it for its healing benefits on skin conditions for thousands of years before chemist Arthur Penfold discovered its antiseptic properties in the 1920s.
Today, tea tree oil is famous for its numerous uses, especially for the skin. It’s a popular ingredient in many cosmetic products like skin and nail creams, massage oils, and face washes due to its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Many doctors of functional medicine recommend it as an alternative to conventional medications because it’s effective and doesn’t have adverse side effects.
Which Tea Tree Oil Is Best?
For the best results, it’s recommended to use 100% pure tea tree oil, like Plant Therapy Tea Tree Oil. While many lotions and creams contain diluted tea tree oil, pure oil is more effective. It’s generally safe for skin use, but it’s better to dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
10 Benefits of Putting Tea Tree Oil On Your Skin
1. Treating Acne
Tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties that reduce inflammation and swelling. Studies have shown it to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment, but without the harsh side effects. To use, mix a few drops of pure tea tree oil with a teaspoon of witch hazel and apply to affected areas with a cotton ball once or twice a day. For body acne, add a few drops to a bath with a carrier oil.
2. Relieving Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes red, scaly, and inflamed skin. Tea tree oil helps remove dead skin cells and reduce itching, redness, and burning due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and apply to the affected area two to three times a day.
3. Eczema
Eczema causes severe rash, dryness, itching, and blistering. Tea tree oil’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties soothe the itch and heal the skin. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with a half-cup of coconut oil and apply to affected areas twice daily. For widespread eczema, add 15 drops of tea tree oil diluted in 2 tablespoons of olive or almond oil to a bath.
4. Cuts and Infections
For cuts and infections, tea tree oil combined with lavender essential oil makes a great homemade ointment. Clean the cut with water and hydrogen peroxide, then apply a mixture of two drops of tea tree and lavender oil diluted in jojoba oil. Cover with a bandage to prevent infection.
5. Razor Burn Relief
Tea tree oil can alleviate razor burn. Mix several drops of tea tree oil with two teaspoons of witch hazel and apply to the affected area with a cotton ball after shaving.
6. Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot
Make a homemade athlete’s foot powder with tea tree oil, arrowroot powder, and baking soda. Mix a quarter cup of arrowroot powder, a quarter cup of baking soda, and 20 drops of tea tree oil. Apply the powder to clean, dry feet twice a day.
7. Makeup Remover
Tea tree oil can be used as a natural makeup remover. Mix a quarter cup of extra-virgin olive oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil in a glass jar. Shake well and store in a cool, dark place. To use, saturate a cotton ball with the solution and sweep over your face, then rinse with warm water.
8. Boils
Tea tree oil can fight staph infections, including antibiotic-resistant ones. Apply tea tree oil diluted in almond oil to boils several times a day.
9. Warts
Tea tree oil’s antiviral and antiseptic properties can help get rid of warts. Apply a drop of pure tea tree oil to the wart, cover with a bandage, and leave on for at least eight hours. Repeat until the wart disappears, usually within one to four weeks.
10. Soothe Chickenpox and Fade Scars
Tea tree oil can relieve the itching caused by chickenpox and help fade scars. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil to a warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes.
Ready to try tea tree oil? Purchase a bottle of 100% pure Plant Therapy Tea Tree Oil.
