09 Mar Tea Tree Oil – Your Skin’s Best Friend
The popularity of tea tree oil is a testament to its near-magical properties. Which shelf of skin-care products doesn’t boast of some product or the other with this miraculous ingredient?
This gift from nature comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree (which is not to be confused with the tea plants that give us black, green, or oolong tea). With its anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties, tea tree oil is indeed a blessing for human skin.
The Aborigines of Australia traditionally used this oil. They would crush the leaves and extract the oil. They used the extracted oil for various purposes, such as treating cold and cough and treating infections and burns.
The amazing potion that is tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which is known to kill certain bacteria (including staph), viruses, and fungi.
Did you know that this oil was extremely popular in the 1930s and 40s during World War II? It was used extensively by Australian soldiers. They used it in combination with honey to treat burns and to reduce scarring.
In fact, this essential oil has also shown wonderful results in treating stubborn skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also proven to help prevent dark spots.
Let us learn more about why tea-tree oil is the BFF your skin can have.
Some benefits of tea tree oil
Before you read further, it is very important to remember that this oil is extremely potent and must be diluted before use.
Helps with acne
Tea tree oil is the boon that counters the bane that is acne! This is where the anti-inflammatory and soothing power of tea-tree oil comes into play. It also helps in drying and killing the acne-causing bacteria. Oily skin in particular is prone to acne. And you would have noticed many skin-care products for oily skin contain tea-tree oil.
Heals minor cuts, and scars
The anti-septic properties of the oil have proven to be far more effective than other antiseptics (research says around 12 times more). This makes tea-tree oil a great ingredient to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Works as a great pore minimizer
People with open and large pores would do well to try tea tree essential oil. It is known to be able to reduce the size of pores on the skin. In fact, trying to close open pores is important. Else, you’re just inviting dust and other unwelcome bacteria and fungus into your skin. Tea tree oil goes deep into the skin pores. It removes toxins while at the same time shrinking them.
Prevents dandruff and lice
The skin on your scalp is extremely sensitive. Pollution and lifestyle today also make our scalps prone to dandruff, which is basically white flakes of dead skin. Tea-tree oil soothes the scalp. It also reduces symptoms of itchiness and dryness associated with dandruff. It also has anti-parasitic properties which repel lice when used regularly.
Prevents and treats skin infections and sunburns
This miraculous oil used to cure serious skin diseases such as herpes, fungal nail infections, staph infections, and athlete’s foot (in addition to eczema and psoriasis). It also helps to prevent their occurrence in the first place. Adding a few drops of the oil to a natural moisturizer is a great way of ensuring your skin is protected against such infections and sunburns.
Treats and soothes insect bites
The menthol-like cooling sensation that the oil produces on the skin is what you need to feel relief after that insect bite. But besides the cooling effect, it is also helpful to counter the accompanying swelling, pain, and itching. In fact, some insect repellents also contain tea tree essential oil.
Reduces oiliness and hydrates the skin
Even though it itself is an oil, #teatreeoil helps to regulate the sebaceous glands and deeply moisturizes the skin. (So folks with oily skin, don’t shy away from this oil!) It helps get rid of that shine of oiliness and replaces it with a dewy glow.
We could go on and on about the virtues of good old tea-tree oil because it really does have so many. But all-in-all, if it is healthy, glowing skin that you desire, then this oil is a must-have. It will also fortify your skin against bacterial and fungal infections.
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