Tea tree oil has been used to soothe skin inflammation and treat blemishes for centuries.
But in a universe where technologically advanced ingredients and next-gen products steal the spotlight, does the essential oil still stand a chance as a favorable option for tackling skin-related issues?
Well, according to a slew of studies, this OG of the skincare industry works better than most AHA and BHA formulas.
Extracted from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, the essential oil offers a variety of benefits.
You can use it as an antiseptic, hand sanitizer, natural deodorant, DIY mouthwash, or makeup remover, to name a few.
Many home remedy aficionados also turn to the essential oil for various skin healing uses, thus making it a bathroom cabinet must-have.
Before you slather your face with a bottle of it, though, remember that unblended tea tree oil can be irritating to your skin.
So, diluting it with a high-quality carrier oil like olive oil, Tamanu oil, jojoba oil, or a moisturizing cream is your best bet.
A good rule thumb is ten drops of any carrier oil for every two drops of tea tree oil.
Want to try out with this dabbed ‘magical elixir of essential oils?’ Here are six impressive benefits:
Banish Acne
You know that saying ‘fight fire with fire?’ Well, sometimes you also have to fight oil with oil.
Many research studies point to tea tree oil as being an ideal zit zapper and pore cleanser.
Thanks to its antiseptic traits, the essential oil has been shown to reduce acne breakouts, treat dark spots, and unclog pores.
To use it, blend a drop of tea tree oil with argan or almond oil. After mixing, dab the fusion on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected areas.
Bonus Tip: Since the essential oil can be problematic to some people, make sure you always try it out on a tiny patch of skin, preferably your hand, before applying it to your face.
You can also mix the oil with your homemade mask and some water to form a thick paste. Allow it to sit for 25 minutes before rinsing.
Give Nail Fungus the Finger
Struggling with a hangnail or nail fungus? Tea tree oil might be your saving grace.
A study found that 80% of onychomycosis (nail fungus) patients were fungus-free after four months of using a tea tree oil cream.
So dabbing the essential oil on your nails might help improve nail appearance and symptomatology, thanks to its antibacterial qualities.
(Again, make sure to mix it with a carrier oil, preferably coconut oil or jojoba oil.
Eliminate Armpit Funk
In an ideal world, we’d always smell like we bathed in an ocean of vanilla, but that’s not our reality.
By the end of each day, most of us smell like we just walked out of college wrestlers’ locker room (anyone? Just us? O-okay…Awkward!)
Science suggests sweat itself is odorless but becomes putrid once it integrates with skin bacteria.
Using tea tree oil can help eliminate the BO and keep your armpits fresh all day long, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
So, dilute two drops of the oil in water, apply to your underarms, and voila! You no longer need to bathe in perfume.
Keep Dandruff At Bay
There’s a good reason why tea tree oil has become a popular ingredient in our favorite shampoos.
The EO’s anti-flake, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities come in handy when it comes to dandruff.
A study found that participants who used tea tree-infused shampoo noticed a 60% improvement in dry, itchy flakes commonly linked to dandruff.
As a natural cleanser, tea tree oil also helps keep your hair nourished and healthy, supporting optimal growth.
To use it, apply a mixture of tea tree oil with coconut oil on your scalp. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Use a tea tree oil-based shampoo (preferably one that features 5% of the EO), massage it into your scalp, and then rinse with warm water. Follow it up with a nourishing conditioner.
Radiate Your Natural Glow
Not only can tea tree oil reduce acne breakouts, but it also helps you achieve that dewy, glassy skin look you seek.
Several studies found that when participants used the essential oil, they experienced improved hydration, faded dark spots, and reduced oiliness. Hello, glow, so long shine.
Halt Staph Infections
While Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) might sound like some disease concocted in Dexter’s laboratory, you’d be surprised to know that these infections are more common than you’d like.
Staph can be present on your gym equipment or even your yoga mats ( that’s nasty, we know).
Thankfully, research shows that tea tree oil contains Terpinen-4-ol, a powerful agent that eliminates these microorganisms.
Therefore, after working on your hero pose and Bitilasana, use a tea tree oil body wash every day and get rid of these microscopic yukky.
Before trying any of these homemade remedies, check with your medical professionals to ensure you aren’t allergic or that the oil won’t interfere with any prescribed medication you may have.
If all is good grab yourself a bottle of tea tree oil today and kiss those blemishes goodbye!
