I remember early in my teens when I first started breaking out. It may not have seemed like a huge issue as acne is normal in most teens. Being the perfectionist that I am, I could not help but constantly touch and stare at the new ‘guests’ on my forehead and chin. At this point, I was willing to try out any if not all organic skincare products that would get rid of my pimples. Eventually, I came across tea tree essential oil which promised to handle my delicate situation.
I dubbed a cotton pad soaked in a mixture of warm rosehip oil and tea tree oil. I did this every single night 30 minutes before bed, rinsed out and moisturized as usual. As promised my pimples slowly disappeared without scarring and blemishes. I continued my research on the oil and found out essential tea tree oil is not only great for your skin but also for hair. Stay with me and I’ll reveal the miraculous uses of tea tree oil for skin and hair.
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Why Tea Tree Essential Oil Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Medicine Cabinet
This essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree (native to Australia) has been used medicinally for aeons. The people of Australia used it to cure cuts, burns and boils and as an antiseptic. It has a fresh camphoraceous scent with its colour ranging from nearly colourless to pale yellow. Today, most beauty brands use tea tree oil as one of their main ingredients from face wash, and shampoos to various skin and hair oils. Tea tree oil is known to offer antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits which help conditions such as cradle cap, dermatitis, dandruff, athlete’s foot, acne and more. Tea tree oil is however not fit for consumption and when used in high concentrations it may do more harm than good. Let us get right into the 7 uses of tea tree oil for skin and hair.
1. Treats Dandruff
We develop dandruff when our scalp develops white, dry flakes of dead skin which is most of the time accompanied by itching. The other major causes of dandruff are the result of having oily irritated skin, skin conditions such as dermatitis, poor hygiene or fungal infection by a fungus called Malassezia.
The antifungal and antiseptic properties in tea tree essential oil are what make it great for treating dandruff. When mixed with your mild shampoo it ensures your scalp stays clean from grime and dead skin cells while keeping your follicles free of build-up. It also controls excess oil production while still keeping your scalp moisturized and dandruff free.
READ MORE: 5 Ways to Get Rid of Acne Naturally
2. Prevents Acne
I consider tea tree oil as one of the most effective ways to treat acne not only on the face but back, chest and arms. It contains anti-microbial properties which kill the acne-causing bacteria. Tea tree oil can deeply penetrate your pores removing toxins and preventing clogging. It also lightens scars and reduces inflammation. That’s not all, as it goes further and moisturizes your skin and restores the natural oil balance. Most people tolerate tea tree oil well although you may experience mild peeling and dryness.
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of raw, organic honey. Apply on your pimples using a cotton pad and rinse out after 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply on the affected areas.
3. Gets Rid of Head Lice
Head lice are easily spread by contact or occur due to poor scalp health. The lice suck blood from the scalp, causing inflammation and itchiness. Mother lice lay eggs along the hair shaft which get strongly attached. Tea tree oil has insecticidal properties which help break the connection and kill the lice, making it easier to remove the lice while combing.
To every tablespoon of vegetable oil, add about five drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply on your scalp, wear a dry shower cap and leave overnight. In the morning use a mild herbal shampoo to wash your hair. Repeat three to four times a week.
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4. Relieves Athlete’s Foot
Burning sensation, itching, inflammation and scaling are some of the discomforts associated with athlete’s foot. This common condition should not stop you from wearing your favourite kicks as it can be cured by tea tree oil. The anti-fungal properties in tea tree essential oil work wonders when it comes to treating athlete’s foot.
Add a drop or two to a carrier oil such as rosehip oil or olive oil and apply to the area after washing and drying. You can also try soaking your feet in a footbath containing a few drops of tea tree oil and warm water for about 40 minutes every day.
5. Promotes Hair Growth
Tea tree essential oil is known to stimulate dormant hair follicles. It also helps encourage better blood circulation which helps remove toxins from the scalp and hair. The antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and antioxidant properties ensure your hair stays healthy and clean as it reaches down the roots in your scalp which promotes hair growth. When your scalp is healthy, your follicles become more receptive to nutrition. With your pores unclogged your hair has no other choice but to flourish.
Mix about 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with warm carrier oils such as jojoba oil. Apply on your scalp and hair daily for 3 weeks and I assure you you’ll be shocked when you carry out your routine length check.
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6. Prevents Hair Loss
Dandruff is usually accompanied by a bit of hair loss. Hair that grows on a dandruff-infected scalp suffers protein and cuticle damage. The scalp also becomes inflamed and when you scratch breakage occurs leading to hair loss. Tea tree is amazing when it comes to soothing an irritated scalp and preventing excessive hair fall. It also helps unclog the hair follicles from excess sebum which make your roots weak resulting in hair fall.
Remember to mix your tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp and hair.
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7. Eliminates Toe Nail Fungus and Foot Odor
Toenail Fungus impacts most adults and non-prescription options such as tea tree can work wonders on your toenail due to its antifungal properties. For this one, we will apply 100% undiluted tea tree oil on the affected clean dry toenail. Let it soak for 10 minutes and use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the nail. Repeat twice a day until your toenail gets its healthy regular appearance.
Foot odour is no fun especially when you have to take off your shoes at your friend’s house. The odour happens due to bacterial overgrowth in sticky damp areas. Tea tree essential oil not only reduces the bacterial overgrowth it also leaves your feet smelling fresh. Add a few tea tree oil drops to your lotion or cream and apply this on your clean and completely dry feet.
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Have you tried using tea tree essential oil? What did you use it on and what were your results. Share in the comments below.
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