“Tea tree oil” might make you think of new-age remedies or over-the-counter vitamins. Maybe you associate this essential oil with skincare products or recognize it as an all-natural treatment for thinning hair. 

Whatever the case, you may be interested in using some of this oil yourself, or you want to learn why you should be interested. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about the uses of tea tree oil here.

What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The plant, native to Australia, is believed to have been used by Indigenous communities for centuries to treat various ailments. Tea tree oil (or Melaleuca oil) is an essential oil, which means it’s a highly concentrated plant extract. It’s sold diluted, in other products, or at a pure, undiluted concentration. 

Some modern wellness cultures emphasize the ability of essential oils to treat various conditions, and for tea tree oil, the list of potential uses is long.

The benefits of tea tree oil include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties that can help with skin issues, insect control, and even cleaning supplies. It gained its reputation as a traditional antiseptic before it’s modern widespread market adoption. It can have strong potential side effects.

What does tea tree oil do for your skin?

The reason for tea tree oil’s success in the skin comes down to the Terpinen-4-ol compound found within the oil, which stimulates your white blood cells and helps fight off bacteria. 

When tea tree oil is applied to your skin or scalp, the antifungal and antibacterial properties of Terpinen-4-ol kick into action, promoting better health in the affected areas within weeks. It has been shown to treat acne and dry skin with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Are you wondering if you can put tea tree oil on your face? You should never apply 100 percent tea tree oil to the skin, but instead a diluted form. Sometimes tea tree essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil, or a less irritating oil, to maintain their texture but reduce their potency. In skin care, you’ll usually find tree oil in lotions or diluted with other oils, and always with a strong recommendation that you should never ingest it orally.

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How to use tea tree oil for skin and related conditions

Enough about what tea tree oil is, and more about what tea tree oil can do for you. Remember to always patch test a product on a small area of skin before applying it directly to skin infection or affected area. 

Some different possible applications for tea tree oil include:

1. Treating acne with tea tree oil

Using tea tree oil for pimples is something you can explore if you’re struggling with acne. A topically-applied diluted oil is as effective as the popular acne-fighting ingredient benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil has the added benefit of causing less skin irritation during the application and reducing the overall severity of your acne.

But if you’re dealing with a bad case of cystic acne, you should book a dermatology consultation with your healthcare provider before treating it with essential oils. 

2. Athlete’s foot

Athletes’ foot occurs when a fungal infection spreads over the skin because of improper footwear or poor foot hygiene. Sometimes, it’s a combination of the two. 

Symptoms of this condition include cracking or peeling skin and blisters. Applying a diluted tea tree oil to the affected area can reduce your athlete’s foot symptoms. You may need a secondary product to remove the infection long-term. 

Consider tea tree oil an anti-inflammatory way to reduce painful skin conditions before you can see a doctor and rush in with heavy-duty products. Always seek medical advice if you suspect you have a condition like this one.

3. Toenail fungus

This problem is what its name suggests: a fungal infection of the toenail. When you apply undiluted drops of tea tree oil to the nail fungus, you’ll see an improvement in its appearance, and the irritation will fade within six months. 

Unfortunately, anything less than 100% tea tree oil will not work, so check the concentration before using it. 

4. Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the scalp dries out, either because of the products you’re using, a skin condition, or both. A dry scalp flakes, creating an unflattering appearance and causing severe irritation and itching. 

Fortunately, a tea tree oil shampoo can help with these side effects. Applying these shampoos to the scalp as prescribed significantly improves dandruff control and reduces itching. 

5. Lice

Everyone hates lice, but many of us have had a run-in with them at one point in our lives — or know someone who has.

These tiny pests live on a person’s head, laying their eggs at the roots of the hair follicles. Insect bites can irritate in the short term and cause long-term skin damage, especially if left untreated. The psychological side effects of dealing with these tiny creatures are also deeply unpleasant. 

Tea tree oil mixed with lavender oil or a tea tree oil shampoo can make a severe dent in a lice’s ability to survive. 

6. Bad breath

You should never ingest tea tree oil, but using it as an all-natural mouthwash allows you to fight bad breath and tooth decay. 

This oil effectively controls common bacteria found in the mouth, but it doesn’t stop plaque formation 100% and can be toxic if ingested. Be careful when using it, like you would with regular mouthwash.

7. Soothing general skin irritation

Because this product works well to minimize irritation from specific conditions, it’s helpful when dealing with contact dermatitis or general skin inflammation. Combine it with a moisturizer to alleviate dryness and itchiness in the skin to see the best results.

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For cleaning purposes

If you want to keep up the “all-natural” trend you’re using for your skin conditions, make sure to stock up on natural household cleaning products; there’s no sense in cutting harmful chemicals out of one part of your life if you don’t intend to do the same with others.

Here are a few other ways to introduce tea tree oil into your home:

1. Hand sanitizer

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to hand sanitizer has been crucial. Tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial properties make it a strong barrier against common contaminants, so you’re likely to find it in a sanitizing product.

2. All-purpose cleaners

Are you putting together a cleaning supply list? Make sure to add a tea tree oil product, as it’ll help with sanitizing countertop surfaces. You can either buy this cleaning solution online or make your own. 

3. Insect repellent

Studies have found that tea tree oil effectively repels insects, so if you can’t find any insect repellent at your next bonfire, grabbing some of this diluted oil from the cupboard will keep you safe from pests.

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How to use tea tree oil safely

A few items to consider before you use tea tree oil for any ailments:

• Tea tree oil has various side effects, especially if you’ve experienced an allergic reaction to other plant-based products. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin rashes, itching or burning, redness of the skin, swelling, or shortness of breath.

• Oral ingestion is dangerous. Mild side effects can include rashes, while severe ones induce a coma. 

• It’s inadvisable to use tea tree oil on or around children as there’s a higher risk of oral contact.

• Tea tree oil isn’t recommended if you’re struggling with eczema. 

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