Natural skin oil
Tea tree oil can help with various skin problems, from open wounds to general inflammation. With antiseptic, antifungal, parasiticidal, germicidal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is an excellent natural option for disinfecting wounds, improving acne or treating nail fungus
Melaleuca oil or tea tree as it is also known many benefits for the skin. It is an alternative to conventional treatments.
It's important to remember that there are differences between vegetable oil, which can be used neat, and essential oil, which should never be used neat on the skin. This article is about melaleuca vegetable oil.
Tea tree oil can be used to treat diseases and symptoms that affect the skin, nails and hair.
What are its benefits for the skin?
Tea tree oil is effective in promoting healthy skin, soothing and healing a variety of skin problems.
Before using tea tree oil, do a contact test to make sure your skin doesn't react to the oil
Dry skin and eczema
Tea tree oil can help soothe dry skin by reducing itching and irritation. In addition, it has been shown to be more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams in treating eczema. (1)
How to use:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a small amount of moisturizer or apply moisturizer and then a layer of oil. Apply this mixture to the affected areas immediately after getting out of the shower and at least once a day.
Oily skin
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may contribute to its ability 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.
For 30 days, participants applied sunscreen containing tea tree oil to their skin. After 30 days, at least 1 in 2 areas of the face showed a reduction in oiliness and a decrease in pore size.
How to use:
Homemade soaps with tea tree oil, or by applying with your fingertip and occasionally to the acne wound, apply the pure oil to the desired area two to three times a day.
Itchy skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil are useful in relieving the discomfort of itchy skin. It soothes the skin and can also help cure infections that cause itchy skin.
A small 2012 study found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing itchy eyelids. An ointment containing 5% tea tree oil was massaged into the participants' eyelids. Sixteen of the 24 participants completely eliminated itching. The other eight people showed some improvement.
How to use:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a moisturizer, apply to the skin a few times a day.
Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effect of tea tree oil helps to soothe and relieve sore and irritated skin. It can also help reduce redness and swelling.
Research supports that the tree's oil reduces skin inflammation due to the skin's sensitivity to nickel. This study used pure tea tree oil.(2)
How to use:
Add tea tree oil to a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply to the affected area a few times a day.
Infections, cuts and wound healing
According to a 2013, study, tea tree oil helps heal wounds caused by bacteria. Nine out of 10 people who used tea tree oil in addition to conventional treatment showed a decrease in healing time compared to conventional treatment alone.
How to use:
Add drops of tea tree oil, portion of wound ointment and apply as directed throughout the day. Mix at the time of use in sufficient quantity for the affected area.
Hair and scalp treatment
You can use tea tree oil to treat dandruff by removing chemicals and dead skin cells from the scalp. Using tea tree oil on your hair can help it stay healthy and moisturized, promoting optimal growth.
How to use:
Apply a mixture of tea tree oil to the hair and scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Then use a shampoo. Massage it into the scalp and hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Then apply a tea tree oil conditioner.
Acne
Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help treat acne.
The results of a study involving 14 participants with acne support the use of tea tree oil to treat acne. The participants applied the oil to their faces twice a day for 12 weeks. The researchers measured the effectiveness of tea tree oil based on the reduction in acne lesions.
In the study they used products containing the oil such as tea tree oil gel (200 mg/g) and facial soap (7 mg/g).
Therefore, the results indicated that tea tree oil can help treat mild to moderate acne.(3)
Psoriasis
There is a lack of scientific research supporting the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis. However, there are reports that tea tree oil may be useful in treating psoriasis symptoms, such as infection and inflammation, while boosting immunity.
How to use:
Dilute tea tree oil in a small amount of carrier oil or apply pure gently to the affected area several times a day.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. Do not replace a medical opinion in any way.
