Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin Problems
What I Use
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can be used to treat a variety of skin aliments. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant in it's native country of Australia. Though tea tree oil has been used for years as a natural remedy, there have been several recent studies to determine the scientific benefits of the healing properties of tea tree oil on infectious conditions. Pure tea tree oil is highly concentrated. Most people find it can be harsh on their skin. As a result, tea tree oil products and creams usually come mixed with other natural ingredients to cut the intensity of the tea tree oil.
Benefits
Tea tree oil creams can be used to:
- reduce the redness and swelling of bug bites, rashes, acne and more
- prevent infection in sores, cuts and other areas of broken skin
- soothe and cool irritated and inflamed skin due to allergic reactions, fungus and bacteria
- minimize itchy, flakey scalps.
Personally, I have found tea tree oil to reduce and make pimples go away fast. In addition, tea tree oil has helped heal a sore on my scalp that was hard to medicate, as well as reduce my scar from a minor staph infection and prevent the reoccurrence of the staph infection.
Tips
- Use tea tree oil at the first sign of minor skin irritation (not deep cuts), such as the minute you notice the red spot of a bug bite or reaction. Using the tea tree oil right away will help maximize its effectiveness. Don't wait until infection has already set into the skin.
- Keep a bottle of cream handy at all times so that you can address irritations right away.
- Make sure to use a product that is natural and without parabens and chemicals that could further irritate your skin.
- Always mix pure tea tree oil with another type of oil such as olive or lavender to dilute its potency, especially if using it for the first time.
Warnings
- Do not use tea tree oil internally as it can be toxic;
- Be aware that it can smell a bit medicinal until you get used to it;
- As with many "natural" products, it can be a bit on the pricey side;
- Some controversy exists on whether or not the combination of tea tree oil and lavender causes hormonal imbalances in young boys. These reports result from the use of such properties in baby products and the inability for scientists to pinpoint the exact cause of a rare hormonal condition in some boys that causes breast tissue development. The jury is still out on the impact of tea tree oil and lavender on these conditions, as the majority of individuals never experience any negative side effects. To be on the safe side, use these products only on adults.
As with any herbal remedy, always seek out the expertise of a physician if you develop a serious condition such as an infection and be mindful of your own body's reaction to any creams in order to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.