Tea tree essential oil has been used for years as a topical medicine for many common ailments, including cosmetic issues. Here is a basic break down of how to use tea tree oil to help improve your appearance and cure troublesome and sometimes annoying cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Moisturize Skin
If you suffer from dry and itchy skin, try making a lotion out of tea tree oil. Add 2 drops of the oil to a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and massage gently on any areas of dry skin. This concoction works great on the elbows, knees and heels to keep them from drying out and cracking. The oil can also be directly added to lip balm as extra protection for the lips.
Acne Treatment
Tea tree oil is one of the most ancient homemade remedies for acne. If you suffer from blemishes and breakouts, try this natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals found in over the counter acne creams. Tea tree oil should not cause any redness or irritation, like strong prescription acne medication can. To use as a medication, apply a drop to a Q-tip and rub on any affected areas. The oil should not be used on the entire face if not diluted, only problem areas. You may add a few drops of the tea tree oil to an existing face wash so that it can safely be applied to the entire face. If you don’t want to use a face wash, five drops of tea tree oil can be mixed with two teaspoons of raw honey and rubbed on to the face. It should be rinsed off after a minute.
Razor Burn Relief
If you find parts of your skin with uncomfortable razor burn, mix a couple drops of tea tree oil with a spoonful of coconut oil. Massage the oil gently and you should experience immediate relief from the discomfort of bumps and irritation. If the irritation worsens, stop using immediately.
Callus And Wart Remover
Tea tree oil treats fungi, viruses and bacteria naturally and is a great treatment for certain skin conditions. Calluses are common on the feet and hands and can be removed by soaking the affected areas in a basin with warm water and a few drops of tea tree oil for about twenty minutes. The callus should be soft and can then be removed with a pumice stone. To remove an unsightly wart, place one drop of undiluted tea tree oil onto the wart and place a bandage on top of it. The bandage should remain in place overnight Continue every night until the wart is gone.
Skin Conditions (Eczema and Psoriasis)
If you suffer from either of these skin conditions, you know that many of the suggested medications can have some nasty side effects. Try mixing five drops of tea tree oil, five drops of lavender oil and one teaspoon of coconut oil together to form a cream that should relieve any type of skin inflammation, including psoriasis and eczema.
Hair Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil can be used to combat hair loss. It helps restore nutrients that will grow stronger and healthier hair quickly. If you are having trouble covering the areas that you need to with the oil, you can mix the oil with what is known as a carrier oil, like coconut or almond oil. This will help with even distribution . Here are some ways that you can use tea tree essential oil to help improve the condition of your hair and scalp.
Hair Regrowth
Tea tree oil can help hair to grow in faster, thicker and stronger. The oil helps to unclog hair follicles that may be blocked from an excess of sebum or over the counter hair products. Note that it should be mixed with some sort of carrier oil otherwise it may be too strong for the scalp to handle. When applied correctly, the scalp should feel refreshed and invigorated. It may also help prevent hair from falling out. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in over the counter products that are marketed at preventing hair loss except that its benefits are often overshadowed by the negative side effects of other ingredients. When used alone, tea tree oil can really help improve hair. Only five drops should be applied to the head per day if you are using it as a hair regrowth treatment. If too much is used, the scalp can become red and irritated. Do this once every day for three weeks before checking results.
Treat Dry Scalp And Dandruff
Tea tree oil can be a safe and natural alternative to treating dandruff. It can either be added directly into existing shampoo, using about ten drops per eight ounces of shampoo. The oil can also be added to a carrier oil and worked through the hair and scalp.
Head Lice And Cradle Cap
Head lice can be tricky to get rid of, especially in children. Try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to their existing shampoo or adding the oil to a carrier oil for application. You can also have family members who are trying to avoid catching the lice from another family member use the shampoo to prevent the spread. For cradle cap (define cradle cap), massage the head with a little coconut oil and shampoo with a gentle store-bought tea tree shampoo. You can make your own at home, but be cautious when using tea tree oil on small children. They can develop rashes and may be allergic.
Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is what makes it so great for use on the hair and skin. When use correctly, it gently and safely removes bacteria from the skin while moisturizing it at the same time. As with any essential oils, test the oil on a small patch of skin to make sure that there are no allergies.
