The Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil on Your Face

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. Also known as melaleuca oil, this natural oil has been used for centuries by the Aboriginal people of Australia for its medicinal properties.

The oil is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. The resulting oil is a pale yellow color with a fresh, camphorous aroma. Tea tree oil contains a number of active compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that provide it with its therapeutic benefits.

Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has gained popularity in recent years for its many health and beauty applications. Here are some of the top ways it is used:

• Acne treatment - The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make tea tree oil an effective natural acne fighter. It can be applied directly to pimples or diluted in a carrier oil and used all over the face.
• Dandruff shampoo - Tea tree oils ability to soothe dry flaking scalp and get rid of fungi and bacteria makes it a common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos.
• Natural deodorant - The antimicrobial effects help neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Its commonly found in natural deodorants and body sprays.
• Hand sanitizer - Tea tree oil can be added to DIY hand sanitizer recipes along with aloe vera gel and essential oils like lavender oil.
• Skin infections - Due to its germ-fighting abilities, tea tree oil can help treat fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm when applied topically.
• Cold sores - Early research shows that applying a tea tree oil gel to cold sores may help them heal faster.
• Foot soak - Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a basin of warm water to help treat toenail fungus, athletes foot, and soothe tired feet.
• Household cleaner - A small amount added to DIY cleaners helps kill germs and freshen up surfaces.

Tea Tree Oil for the Face

With its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, tea tree oil can provide several benefits for facial skin care. Here are some of the top ways it is incorporated into face care routines:

• Spot treatment - Applying tea tree oil directly to blemishes can help clear them up faster. Always use a carrier oil to dilute.
• Skin toner - Add a couple drops of tea tree oil to your favorite natural toner to help kill acne-causing bacteria.
• Face wash - Look for cleansers that contain tea tree oil to help manage oily skin and breakouts.
• Face mask - Mix a drop or two into diy face mask recipes, like bentonite clay or turmeric masks, to boost the skin-clearing benefits.
• Moisturizer - Mix a drop with your regular face moisturizer to add an extra boost of oil-fighting, complexion-brightening properties.
• Face steam - Add one or two drops into a bowl of hot water, tent your head with a towel, and let the steam open up your pores.
• Face oil - For super dry and flaky skin, combine tea tree with nourishing carrier oils like argan, jojoba, or marula oil for a hydrating and clarifying facial oil.

Tea Tree Oil Face Oil Recipe

One of the most popular ways to use tea tree oil for the face is in the form of a nourishing facial oil. Made by combining tea tree oil with other skin-loving oils, a tea tree face oil provides moisture while helping to keep breakouts at bay.

Follow this simple tea tree face oil recipe:

Ingredients

• 10ml roller bottle
• 3 tbsp jojoba oil
• 2 tbsp argan oil
• 5-6 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3-5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the jojoba oil, argan oil, and tea tree oil to the roller bottle. Leave a little room at the top for mixing.
2. Add the lavender oil if you want a nice calming aroma. Lavender also pairs well with tea tree for the skin.
3. Replace roller top and shake well to mix all the oils together.
4. To use: Roll a small amount onto clean face morning and night. Focus on areas prone to breakouts. Let sink in fully before applying other products.
5. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Should last for several months.

Tips for Using Your Tea Tree Face Oil

• Do a patch test first - try a couple drops on your arm to check for allergic reaction.
• Always do a skin test - Tea tree oil can cause irritation in some. Start slowly with 1-2 drops before adding more.
• Use a carrier oil - Don't apply undiluted tea tree oil directly as it can burn and dry out skin. Always mix with a carrier oil like jojoba or argan.
• Use sparingly - Just a drop or two of tea tree oil is plenty for most diy skin care recipes.
• Avoid eyes - Rinse immediately if you get any near your eyes.
• Store properly - Keep your face oil tightly sealed and away from heat and sunlight to preserve freshness.
• Shake before use - The natural oils can separate so be sure to remix before each use.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for the Face

Using tea tree oil can provide several advantages for all skin types, but especially acne-prone complexions. Heres a look at what it can do:

• Fights breakouts - The antimicrobial activity helps kill P. acnes bacteria that cause acne while also soothing inflammation.
• Unclogs pores - Helps remove dirt, makeup residue, and excess oil that can clog pores and cause blackheads and pimples.
• Controls excess oil - The natural astringent properties help regulate oil production leaving skin balanced, not dry or overly oily.
• Reduces redness and swelling - The anti-inflammatory compounds calm irritation resulting in a more even skin tone.
• Lightens acne scars - Antioxidants help heal and fade old acne scars over time with continued use.
• Soothes skin - Natural terpenes provide a slight numbing effect that calms irritation from breakouts.

How Often Can You Use Tea Tree Oil on Your Face?

Most experts recommend using tea tree oil on the face no more than 1-2 times per day. Many people find that once daily is enough to get the benefits. Pay attention to how your skin reacts.

In the morning, rinse your face with water and apply a light moisturizer before makeup. At night, remove makeup with a natural oil cleanser, cleanse your face, apply toner, serum, or treatment products, and follow up with your tea tree face oil or night cream with tea tree oil.

Always mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil or lotion before applying it directly to the skin. Start with just 1-2 drops of tea tree oil per ounce of product and increase slowly as needed. Using too much can cause redness and dryness.

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is generally very safe when used topically in small amounts and diluted properly. However, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of:

• Skin irritation - Redness, stinging, dryness, and peeling can happen if tea tree is overused or applied directly undiluted.
• Allergic reaction - Minor allergic reactions like rash, itching, and swelling have been reported in some users, especially with repeated use.
• Hormonal effects - Tea tree oil has weak estrogen and testosterone-like effects so its not recommended for use by children, pregnant women, or women with hormone-sensitive conditions except under medical supervision.

To minimize risk, always dilute tea tree oil properly with a carrier oil, do a patch test before initial use, and discontinue use if any irritation develops.

Who Should Avoid Tea Tree Oil?

While tea tree oil is safe for most healthy adults, the following groups should use it more cautiously or avoid it completely:

• Children and infants - Don't use tea tree oil on babies or children under age 5.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women - Due to potential hormone-like activity, pregnant/nursing women should avoid topical use without medical approval.
• People with skin conditions - Those with eczema, psoriasis and very dry or sensitive skin should use tea tree oil carefully as it may increase skin irritation.
• People with hormone issues - Due to potential endocrine effects, tea tree oil is not recommended for individuals with estrogen/testosterone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, or conditions like PCOS without medical approval.

For everyone else, tea tree oil is generally recognized as safe and effective when used according to guidelines on proper dilution and usage.

The Takeaway

With its scientifically-proven ability to fight acne-causing bacteria, regulate oil production, and reduce inflammation, tea tree oil is a great natural addition to facial skin care routines, especially for those with breakout-prone skin.

Look for acne treatments, cleansers, toners and moisturizers containing tea tree oil. Or make your own custom face oil with a few drops added to carrier oils like jojoba, coconut or argan oil for a natural DIY alternative.

Use tea tree oil skin care products just once or twice a day and be sure to always dilute pure tea tree oil properly before applying it to your face. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and discontinue use if any irritation develops.

Combined with proper gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, tea tree oil can help clear up current blemishes while keeping future breakouts at bay and improving your overall complexion.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.