For almost 100 years, tea tree has been used as a healing treatment in Australia particularly for skin conditions and is still highly used today. Tea tree is used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis or even head lice.[2] It’s also known to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation.
Why is tea tree so great?
Well, it has:
- anti-inflammatory properties that lessen irritation
- anti-fungal properties that may help reduce itching
- antimicrobial properties that help fight infection-causing germs
- antibacterial properties that can reduce infection and stop it from spreading
- antiseptic properties that can help soothe the skin
- antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from free radicals [5]
Treating mild to moderate acne.
Studies have found applying a 5% tea tree oil gel is as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide for treating acne. Tea tree oil might work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, but studies showed that using tee tree as apposed to the chemical alternative saw reduced cases of associated side effects. [2] Using the oil twice a day over 45 days can reduce acne severity.[1]
Anti inflammatory properties
Studies found that tea tree can help reduce inflammation for those experiencing allergy related swelling. [2] Exposure to allergens can lead to red, itchy and sometimes painful skin. In a study comparing the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis, found tea tree oil reduced symptoms by 40%, significantly more than standard medications. [4]
Treating contact dermatitis
This form of eczema is caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Studies comparing different treatments including; tea tree oil, zinc oxide, and clobetasone butyrate, found that tea tree oil was more effective reducing the severity of allergy caused dermatitis than other treatments.[2] Tea tree oil is thought to be the best essential oil for eczema. [5]
It could help with Psoriasis
Although there is no clinical studies to suggest that tea tree helps with psoriasis, there is anecdotal evidence that claims it to be an effective remedy in reducing the symptoms. When using tea tree to treat psoriasis, it needs to be diluted with water or with another oil before applying to the skin to make it safe for use. [3]
Using tea tree oil at home on the skin
- Wound dressing- Place a few drops of oil onto fresh wound dressing to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation
- Natural dandruff remedy- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into regular shampoo and wash hair as normal
- Acne treatment- Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to a half cup of water. Apply to the face with a cotton pad once a day
[1]https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-113/tea-tree-oil
[2]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262944
[3]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314496#use
[4]https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil#5.-Boost-Wound-Healing
[5]https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/tea-tree-oil-for-eczema#benefits