Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree which is scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. It is not a novel discovery and instead has been known for centuries. This oil is a natural antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent. Acne, athlete’s foot, eczema, and oiliness are a few to name among the symptoms it can very well treat.
These qualities get their place in skin care products. So, let’s go even deeper and learn the best 10 expert-approved uses of Tea Tree oil and how to use it effectively. Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil. It is preferred by many people around the world. Experts hone it as a natural alternative to more conventional skin care treatments. It’s a gentler treatment with minimal to no side effects.
The oil is used for a wide variety of health and medicinal purposes. These include healing of acne blemishes, cold sores, and surface wounds. It can also soothe dry and itchy skin. These exquisite properties have given this oil its irreplicable reputation and are backed by an article reviewed by Dr Jessica Wright. Did you know that by World War II, Tea Tree oil had become a popular remedy, and Australian soldiers carried it in their first aid kits?
Tea tree oil has numerous compounds and this number is estimated to be more than a hundred. The impressive list includes terpinene-4-ol. This bioactive compound has been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells. These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy. Treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection, and promoting healing, this oil is a jack of all trades. A comprehensive list of the bioactive compounds in Tea Tree oil is available on NCBI's official site.
Tea tree oil promotes healthy skin. It is the panacea for a wide range of skin issues like acne. It works because it kills bacteria and helps dry up pimples as speculated by a 2015 review of 35 studies. Y. Claire Chang who is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist of UnionDerm, along with Jordan Carqueville, a Chicago-based celebrity dermatologist has also backed these claims.
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may help combat oily skin and infections. Arthur Penfold found that tea tree essential oil was 13 times stronger than phenol and by the way, phenol was a commonly used disinfectant in the 1920s.
Itchy skin? Try this oil and probably you’ll thank us later.
The anti-inflammatory effect of this oil helps to soothe and relieve painful and irritated skin. It was demonstrated in a small 2012 study where it relieved inflamed eyelids.
Tea tree oil is known to reduce scars and blemishes. This oil has also been seen promoting even skin tone.
Research suggests that Tea Tree oil can rehydrate your skin. Especially the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of our skin) is hydrated by the oil. It also helps balance the pH of the skin.
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may contribute to its capability to combat oily skin. A small 2016 study found that participants who used sunscreen containing tea tree oil for 30 days showed improvements in oiliness. It also rejuvenates skin and is a natural moisturizer. Therefore this oil is an excellent skin application that comes in handy for various cosmetic purposes. No wonder, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, once mentioned in an interview with Allure that she always carries a small container of tea tree oil while traveling. Celebs too celebrate this oil!
This oil relieves the symptoms of psoriasis too, It reduces inflammation and scaling very effectively. The research suggests that Tea Tree Oil can become a novel agent against psoriasis.
This oil promotes wound healing due to its antiseptic properties and is a good first aid to apply on small open wounds. Little bruises while sporting or a paper cut while reading your favorite novel? Tea tree oil is the answer.
This wonder oil works to kill infection-causing fungus too! It is a strong choice in treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus. This property makes it an active ingredient in anti-fungal powders and sprays.
Remember to ensure the purity of the oil. This will allow you to control what you use to dilute or mix into your oil. Also, be careful when using tea tree oil around sensitive areas near the eyes. Sometimes, exposure to this oil can cause redness and irritation.
You should also look at the quality of the packaging carefully. Loose packaging that allows exposure to air, light, or moisture is a strict no!
The oil provider must control bioactive compound levels in an optimum range and a compound called Cineole must be in minimal amounts.
At The BulkCart, all the above quality checks are practiced before we make it available to you. Click here to buy the safest, purest and most effective stock of Tea Tree Oil.
Important Caution: Tea tree oil should never be swallowed. It should be kept away from the reach of children. High Cineole also called Eucalyptol content makes the product fatal on ingestion.
So we see now that Tea tree oil is a versatile and natural remedy. But remember that though it may soothe various ailments, expert consultation is always necessary.
Tea tree oil as already discussed is a great disinfectant. It also has antimicrobial properties. Anti-inflammatory capabilities are also seen and hence it helps you get rid of that acne.
For facial skin, the dilution ratio should be 1:100 if 1 drop is used per teaspoon of carrier oil; for body care and hair care the dilution ratio should be between 1:50 and 1:20 if 2-5 drops of tea tree oil is put into a teaspoon of carrier oil.
When using tea tree oil on the skin, especially for treating any ailment, it is better to first apply some oil to healthy skin. Now, take a little, almost invisible amount of this oil and apply it to your palm or any other area of skin and see the reaction. However, if the oil has no negative effect on the skin’s sensitivity; then the product can be applied to acne.