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Read by Anne Thestrup Meimbresse

Pharmacist, Varde Pharmacy

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What does tea tree oil do for skin?

Tea Tree Oil has an endless number of uses and benefits for the skin which is why it has become an increasingly popular ingredient in numerous skin creams, nail products, massage oils, face washes and even hair products.

It has a potent antiseptic ability which is why some doctors and skincare experts even recommend Tea Tree Oil as an alternative to conventional medications and skin products – this plant based extract is just as effective and is not accompanied by any harsh adverse side effects.

Tea Tree Oil can be used by anyone with a very little chance of any side effects.

Skin care products containing Tea Tree Oil as their active ingredient will often be found in every home – particularly in those families with young children, elderly or who suffer from sensitive skin.

Common skincare products which are available in pharmacies and cosmetic stores often contain chemicals which can sometimes worsen and aggravate unpleasant skin conditions such as acne, dryness and lead to inflammation of the skin.

Tea Tree Oil can counteract and treat these conditions whilst providing reliable skin care and protection.


5 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin

Tea Tree Oil treatments for skin can be homemade or brought from a drugstore. You could make your own dilution in a carrier oil like olive oil, or you can trust the experts and buy a safety tested Tea Tree Oil skincare solution.  The choice is yours.

We have compiled the following list of benefits Tea Tree Oil can have on the skin;

1. Treatment of acne prone skin

The strong antibacterial properties of Tea Tree Oil can help to reduce the causes of swelling and irritation of the skin. Multiple scientific research studies have found that Tea Tree Oil is effective in treating mild to moderate acne.

Using a tiny amount of pure Tea Tree Oil, mixed with a few drops of witch hazel, apply to the affected areas of the skin with cotton wool twice a day. By doing this regularly, you can dry out whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, blemishes and disinfect the skin pores.

If you suffer from body acne you can dilute a few drops of Tea Tree Oil with a carrier oil and add to a bath, this can help in eventually clearing up the acne from problem areas with minimal effort.

Acne can sometimes be caused by oily skin Tea Tree Oil can help by clarifying the skin by lifting oil and dirt out of clogged skin pores.

Read more: How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne prone skin


2. Relieving Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterised by red, scaly and inflamed areas of dry skin. The skin condition can cause itchiness, pain and irritation yet currently there is no known cure for the condition.

Tea Tree Oil can help ease discomfort caused by psoriasis thanks to its anti-bacterial properties.

You can use it by combining ten drops of Tea Tree Oil with two tablespoons of melted coconut oil and massaging onto the affected area twice a day; this will penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and diminish psoriasis scars also.

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3. Tea Tree Oil for Helping Treat Dry Eczema Like Skin

Eczema can be a frustrating and persistent condition which can affect adults and young children. The condition can result in severe rashes, dryness, itching and painful blisters. Tea Tree Oil contains antiseptic properties which can soothe itching around rashes and blisters.

To treat dry itching skin, you can mix twenty drops of Tea Tree Oil with half a cup of coconut oil, by gently mixing this mixture over affected areas of the skin twice a day you will find some relief.

If your eczema has spread over your body, you can take a Tea Tree Oil bath as mentioned above.


4. Removal Of Skin Tags

Skin tags are small flesh coloured growths on the skin, although harmless they can be difficult to remove.

However, it has been found that you can use Tea Tree Oil as an effective treatment for skin tags due to its combination of antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

By simply using a proper dilution of Tea Tree Oil or a safety tested Tea Tree Oil treatment you can apply Tea Tree Oil to a skin tag using a cotton pad and leave to dry.

You will find that the skin tag will slowly disappear.


5. Soothe Chicken Pox

Although vaccinations are available for chickenpox, the disease still hasn’t been completely eradicated.

Chickenpox can be an extremely frustrating condition especially in young children due to severe amount of itching it causes, this can lead to scarring of the skin therefore experts recommend you avoid scratching.

To help relieve your skin from the itch which is caused by chickenpox, you can take a bath with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil diluted with some carrier oils and soak for half an hour.

Tea Tree Oil is considered one of the safer essential oils that can be used on the skin.

However all essential oils should be pre-diluted with an appropriate carrier oil to unlock their skin benefits. This is not always accurate, so we recommend investing in a pre-made, safety tested tree tree oil product such as a shampoo, serum or moisturiser.


How to Get Clear Skin with Tea Tree Oil

By following a regular skin care routine and healthy diet you can easily get and maintain flawless, glowing skin within a matter of days!

1. Cleanse; you need to make sure that you wash your face before bed and in the morning on a daily basis. Face washes that contain Tea Tree Oil are excellent for unclogging pores from oils and dirt and should be massaged into the skin for at least thirty seconds before washing off.

2. Exfoliate; use a mild exfoliating scrub two to three times a week after you’ve cleansed your face to scrub off dead skin and reveal a healthy radiant glow.

3. Spot Treatment; if you’re suffering from pimples you can help get rid of them by using a spot stick with Tea Tree Oil regularly throughout the day. This helps you treat only effected areas while also being a helpful on-the-go remedy.

Read more: Tea Tree Oil for spots

4. Moisturise; always follow up your cleansing routine with a gentle moisturiser to restore the skins natural balance. By hydrating the skin you allow it to stay smooth, glowing and prevent conditions such as dry skin.

Video: How To Get Clear Skin With Tea Tree Oil

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tea Tree Oil for The Skin

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea Tree Oil is a volatile essential oil which is derived from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant extract has been known to be used widely throughout Australia for the last century, however, it has only recently become popular around the world after its beneficial properties have been studied and documented.


What Does Tea Tree Oil Do for Skin?

Tea Tree Oil can do multiple wonders for the skin as it acts as an anti-bacterial and antiseptic agent. It can be used to relieve the skin of many conditions and unpleasant symptoms.


Does Tea Tree Oil Remove Skin Tags?

Yes, Tea Tree Oil can be used to remove skin tags. Spot sticks with Tea Tree Oil are the perfect solution. They can be used specifically on the area your skin needs help and they can also be popped into your bag or pocket for an on-the-go remedy.


Can You Apply Tea Tree Oil Directly to Skin?

Tea Tree Oil should not be applied directly to your skin in its neat concentration, instead it should always be diluted into a carrier oil. The safest way to use Tea Tree Oil is to buy a safety tested shampoo/serum/moisturiser designed specifically for the problem you want to treat.


How to Apply Tea Tree Oil to Skin?

Usually for larger areas of the skin you should apply Tea Tree Oil in a diluted form with secondary carrier oils and massaged onto the affected areas. Otherwise if you are doing a spot treatment you can dab the oil directly onto the skin with a cotton bud.


Can Tea Tree Oil Burn Your Skin?

It is possible for Tea Tree Oil to burn your skin, which is why it’s always recommended that you carry out a small discreet patch test before using Tea Tree Oil as a treatment option. If you feel any tingling or irritation to the skin, rinse the area immediately and avoid using the oil.


Does Tea Tree Oil Dry Out Skin?

Yes, Tea Tree Oil can dry out your skin which is why diluting it with secondary carrier oil is always recommended.


Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Oily Skin?

Tea Tree Oil is an excellent active ingredient for oily skin care products as it can help lift excess oil out of skin pores, unclogging them leading to an improvement in skin health and visibility


Does Tea Tree Oil Help Itchy Skin?

Tea Tree Oil can help itchy skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe itchiness. If the itchiness is caused by an infection then the antimicrobial properties of the oil can also help clear the condition and resolve the cause of itching also.


Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Acne Prone Skin?

Tea Tree Oil is excellent for acne prone skin and is a common active ingredient found in acne fighting skin care products. This plant extract has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which can help fight acne and improve the condition.


Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Sensitive Skin?

Yes, Tea Tree Oil is suitable for sensitive skin as it can be diluted down to a consistency which is less harsh. As Tea Tree Oil is a natural alternative to many harsh chemicals and medications which can be harmful and aggravate existing skin conditions, people are less likely to react to it when used correctly.

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