Tea Tree Oil For Face – Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Tea tree oil is the other name given to melaleuca oil, and it is an essential oil. It is extracted from the tea tree.

The botanical name for the tea tree is Melaleuca alternifolia. Essential oil is extracted from trees, plants that possess antiseptic properties.

The tea tree oil has been used for many years for its wide range of antimicrobial properties. It also has wound healing properties.

The properties of the tea tree oil may vary from batch; therefore, it is essential to establish specific standards.

The tea tree oil can be obtained with the help of steam distillation. It is mainly derived from the leaves and branches of the tree.

Contents of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a mixture of almost 100 compounds that are each unique in their own way. Many of these compounds are terpenes.

Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil for face has some benefits. The research to cultivate the maximum of its advantages is still going on.

But based on whatever is currently known. Tea tree oil is associated with multiple health benefits.

Tea tree oil is applied topically to help with several health conditions such as:

• Acne

• Athlete’s foot

• Dandruff

• Lice

• Scabies

• Burns

• Cuts

• Insect Bites

Tea tree oil is also inhaled through steam to cure cough and congestion.

Due to the benefits that it has on skin and hair, it has been commercially used in several cosmetic products.

You can now see shelves of supermarkets filled with stuff made out of tea tree oil. Shampoos, lotions, soaps are few of the toiletries that are seen.

Medicinal pastes, ointments are also available to help people with severe acne.

MEDICAL USES

1. Acne

Acne is a type of skin condition that many of us have suffered from during our teenage years.

It happens due to the blockage of pores with oil. As a result of acne, people, and more importantly, teenagers develop whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.

Many people treat it successfully, but for many, it is a recurring skin condition. Long term acne can leave the skin with scars. Tea tree oil helps in the treatment of acne.

This benefit is due to the antibacterial properties it possesses. It helps to get rid of the inflammation around the pimple.

All you have to do is just apply drops of tea tree oil with the help of cotton. Tea tree oil helps to clear out acne-prone skin within a month.

2. Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition of excessive hair on women. This is mostly seen in the area of the body, which is dependant on androgen.

A research was carried out to test out the effects of tea tree oil and lavender on hair growth.

This research in 2013 concluded that this combination was a safe and effective method to reduce mild hirsutism within three months.

3. Psoriasis

This particular skin condition causes the skin of the face to be bumpy. The multiplication of skin cells is multiplied to ten times.

The skin becomes covered with red patches. Psoriasis develops in adults and can happen to anyone at any time.

Severe psoriasis can also lead to psoriatic arthritis when it affects the joints. Tea tree oil has been characterized as the new method of treatment of psoriasis.

It helps reduce the inflammation on the face. Apply teat tree oil in combination with few drops of coconut oil and massage it on the face. Tea tree oil also helps to get rid of scars developed due to this skin condition.

4.Warts

Warts is a skin condition that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 100 different strains of the virus are the causative agents for warts.

Tea tree oil has found very effective against warts due to its medicinal properties.

It is used by the Australians for the very same purpose by combining it with eucalyptus oil.

5. Scabies

Scabies is an infestation of mites on the skin. Due to this skin condition, a number of body parts are affected, including the face.

Scabies forms red rash n the severely itchy skin. Scabies is very effective in killing mites. Tea tree oil is used as an adjunct to normal treatment for scabies.

This is due to the development of resistance to many medicines.

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

The side effects of tea tree oil for face varies. This depends on the type of skin that a person has and in what way the oil is applied.

• For people using tea tree oil for the first time, it may cause irritation to the skin. This is more prominent in cases when concentrated oil is used. Therefore, it is essential to dilute the oil before use.
• Redness of the skin
• Dryness of the skin
• Itchin on the skin
• Burning and stinging sensation on the skin
• People are often allergic to tea tree oil. This condition is referred to as Allergic contact dermatitis. Therefore, it is essential to first perform a patch test before using tea tree oil for face.
• If swallowed by mistake, tea tree oil is toxic for children and pets. Therefore, keep children and pets away from this oil.
• People who have eczema should not use tea tree oil. This is because tea tree oil has a tendency to worsen this condition.

CONCLUSION

As stated above, tea tree oil for face has a number of benefits. It is readily available and cost-effective.

It can not only be used for the face but is also helpful for personal and household care as well. But one thing that is to understand is to not consider this as a magical solution to all problems.

It may aggravate many skin conditions if not used properly. Research studies have revealed that Tea tree oil is associated with multiple health benefits, such as reducing inflammation.

Therefore, discuss with your dermatologist about the right concentration of tea tree oil for your skin. This way, you will get good guidance on whether the tea tree oil will suit your face or not.