10 Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil for Skin, Hair and Health
You may have heard about tea tree oil as a miracle treatment for acne but this amazing oil is much more than just that. Tea Tree oil has an endless number of uses and benefits for the skin, the hair and the health, which is why it is such a popular ingredient amongst numerous beauty products. Here, we’ll talk about some of its benefits and how to safely use it in everyday skin and hair care.
10 Benefits and Uses of Tee Tree Oil
Moisturizes Dry Skin
Tea Tree essential oil has a moisturizing effect, which helps to soothe dry skin, as well as reduce itching and irritation. If you’re suffering from dandruff or dry scalp, add a few drops to a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut) and apply to your scalp. You can also apply the mixture to your beard to use as a beard oil, or to any dry area on your face or body as a natural moisturizer.
Promotes Hair Growth
Tea Tree oil stimulates and increases blood flow near the hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth. Apply a few drops to the scalp daily, diluted in a carrier oil (we recommend Argan oil), and experience its hair growth and scalp healing benefits.
Removes Skin Tags
Tea Tree oil is an effective treatment for skin tags due to its antibacterial properties. By dabbing 2-3 drops of the essential oil (properly diluted) to the skin, the essential oil will quickly dissolve the skin tags in no time.
Balances Oily Skin
The antiseptic properties of Tea Tree oil contribute to its ability to combat oily skin, helping to remove surface oils without over drying or causing irritation. Simply add a few drops to your daily moisturizer or directly to the skin, properly diluted in a carrier oil (we recommend Rosehip Seed Oil) to remove oils and help even skin tone.
Reduces the Appearance of Dark Spots
Since Tea Tree oil is rich in healing properties, it helps to quickly heal and reduce the appearance of scars that cause discoloration, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.
Reduces Inflammation
Because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, this healing essential oil calms redness, swelling and inflammation. It also helps to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving the skin smooth and silky. Simply add a couple of drops of Tea Tree oil to a carrier oil or your daily moisturizer and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
Reduces Acne Causing Bacteria
Acne is usually caused by oily skin and Tea Tree oil can clarify the skin by lifting the oil and removing dirt and impurities from clogged pores. The strong antibacterial properties of Tea Tree oil also help to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin in order to eliminate acne and prevent it from reappearing. You can mix 2-3 drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil then apply it onto the skin as a toner, face wash or moisturizer.
Antiseptic for Cuts and Scrapes
Because of Tea Tree oil’s strong antibacterial properties, it can be used to disinfect minor cuts, scrapes and wounds. By killing the bacteria, it helps to prevent infections and quickly heal the skin. Keep Tea Tree oil in your First Aid kit and use it as an alternative to medicated creams.
Anti-fungal Properties
Tea Tree oil is not only antibacterial, it also has strong anti-fungal properties, which make it an excellent choice for curing nail fungus and other skin infections. Dilute a few drops in coconut or olive oil and add directly to infected areas.
Surface Disinfectant or Hand Sanitizer
When it comes to natural disinfectants, tea tree oil is at the top of our list for most effective essential oil. Simply mix 20-30 drops with a cup of water and a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, shake well, and spray on surfaces to remove bacteria. To use as a hand sanitizer, add about 10 drops of Tea Tree oil to 2 ounces of organic cane alcohol, a few drops of vitamin E and a half ounce of aloe vera gel, then use to cleanse and hydrate your hands.
Safety Precautions to Keep in Mind
While essential oils can be a great addition to your skin care routine, it is important to understand all the precautions before using the highly concentrated oils. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using Tea Tree Essential Oil:
Tea Tree oil is for external use only, do not ingest it.
Tea Tree oil should not be applied directly to the skin. It is important to dilute it with a carrier oil such as Argan oil, Rosehip Seed oil, or Olive oil.
Be careful when using essential oils around the eye area. Exposure can cause redness and irritation.
Before applying to a large area, it is important to do a patch test to make sure your skin does not react negatively to Tea Tree oil. As with any new skin care products, sensitivities and reactions may occur.
Pregnant women or people with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid using Tea Tree Essential oil.
Learn more about Tea Tree essential oil at the Aromatherapy Press.
Products with Tea Tree Essential Oil
