What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree essential oil, often simply called tea tree oil, is a versatile and potent natural extract derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), native to Australia. For centuries, the Indigenous people of Australia have utilized this plant for its medicinal properties. Today, tea tree oil or extract is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its numerous benefits.

Tea Tree Benefits for Skin

So, what is tea tree oil good for when it comes to your skin? The answer lies in its powerful chemical components. Because of these compounds, tea tree oil is celebrated for its ability to address a variety of common skin concerns.

Key Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin:

• Acne Treatment: One of the most well-known benefits of tea tree oil for skin is its effectiveness against acne. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness, swelling, and the presence of acne-causing bacteria. Products like tea tree cream or ointment are often used for targeted application.

• Soothing Irritation: For minor skin irritations that include bug bites and mild histamine reactions, a diluted application of tea tree oil can provide soothing relief. It helps calm angry skin and reduces discomfort.

• Minor Cuts and Scrapes: Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree salve or a diluted form of the oil can be applied to minor cuts and scrapes to help keep them clean and promote healing.

• Fungal Infections: Some people find tea tree oil beneficial in addressing certain mild fungal skin conditions.

• Parasitic Infections: Studies are currently being performed on tea tree oil’s antiparasitic effects. Some skin conditions can be attributed to parasitic infections and tea tree oil has been shown to have effects on various mites, lice, fleas, scabies, and worms.  Impetigo and rosacea are skin conditions that have shown promising results with tea tree oil treatments per studies.

What Makes Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Salve, and Tea Tree Cream So Effective?

The powerful antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil are primarily attributed to its complex chemical composition, particularly a group of compounds called terpenes. The two most significant components are:

• Terpinen-4-ol: This monoterpenol is considered the most active component and is largely responsible for tea tree oil's antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. It penetrates microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity and function, leading to cell death.

• 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): While also present, this compound contributes to the oil's aroma and some of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Other contributing chemical components, though in smaller quantities, include alpha-terpineol, gamma-terpinene, alpha-pinene, and sabinene, all of which contribute to the synergistic antimicrobial action of the oil.

How to Use Tea Tree for Skin

It's important to know how to use tea tree for skin safely and effectively. As an essential oil, tea tree oil is highly concentrated and should almost always be diluted before topical application.

Here are some common ways to incorporate tea tree for skin into your routine:

• Direct Application (Diluted): For targeted treatment of blemishes, dilute a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil before applying to the affected area.

• Blended into Products: Many commercial products, such as cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, already contain tea tree extract.

• Homemade Formulations: You can create your own tea tree cream or tea tree salve by mixing a few drops of the oil into a natural base like shea butter or coconut oil. This can offer specific tea tree salve benefits tailored to your needs. 

• Spot Treatment: Use a Q-tip to apply diluted tea tree oil directly to pimples or small irritated areas.

Can you put tea tree oil directly on your skin?

Nope! As with all essential oils, caution is important. 

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying tea tree oil more broadly to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction.

• Dilution is Key: Never apply undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to your skin, as it can cause irritation. Dilution recommendations range from 1-15% depending on what the use is, but 15% is considered quite strong and should be used with caution.

• Avoid Ingestion: Tea tree oil is for external use only and should never be ingested.

• Consult a Professional: If you have severe skin conditions or are unsure about using tea tree oil, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional.

• Note: Keep all essential oils out of reach of children.

Did you know Ora’s Amazing Herbal’s Tea Tree Lavender Salve, All Purpose Salve, Foot Care Butter, and After Sun & Shave Oil already contain tea tree oil in them? Tea tree oil is added in addition to Ora’s base oil that includes various healing herbs like calendula, comfrey, licorice root, and burdock root. These synergistically help reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and help the skin naturally repair itself.

By understanding what tea tree oil is and its proper application, you can harness the remarkable tea tree skin benefits to promote healthier, clearer skin.

Further Reading

1. Tea Tree Oil Reduces Histamine-induced skin inflammation, British Journal of Dermatology. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12452873/ 

2. Staphylococcus aureus and wounds: A review of tea tree oil as a promising antimicrobial. This research article explains that in many small studies, Tea Tree Oil has been very beneficial as an adjunct therapy for staph infections that have not responded to antibiotics. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15525915/ 

3. Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne - A review.  This is a review of studies done with a 5% concentration of Tea Tree Oil Gel and face wash and compared them with a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide gel. The benzoyl peroxide did achieve better results than the tea tree gel, but it had harsher side effects. The tea tree group had less side effects, and there was still a significant reduction in acne. - https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/6/1264 

4. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its monoterpene constituents in treating protozoan and helminthic infections. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33503761/ 

5. Antiparasitic Activity of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) and Its Components against Medically Important Ectoparasites: A Systematic Review - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36015213/ 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or making changes to your current healthcare regimen.