What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree essential oil comes from an evergreen shrub or a small tree that grows in Eastern Australia, predominantly in NSW and Queensland. They are hardy plants that can tolerate drought, wind, and poor sand soil-resistant plants once established. The indigenous people of eastern Australia are believed to have used tea trees as a medicine to treat coughs and colds, skin wounds, and infusions for many years.
Tea tree oil is a very strong antiseptic. It has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-yeast properties and is used in the cosmetic, perfume, therapeutic and pharmaceutical industries.
Tea tree oil can irritate sensitive and delicate skin for some people. They may have an allergic reaction, the more pervasive reaction from tea tree oil are rashes, and dermatitis. Ensure you do a patch test to know if it’s safe to use tea tree oil on your skin.
Where does the oil come from?
The essential tea tree oil is collected from the oil sacs in the leaves of the plant. The leaves are heated with steam and explode to create a vapor. The vapor is brought out with the steam and once it is condensed it is returned to the form of a liquid and the oil can be separated from the water.
What are the benefits of tea tree oil on the skin?
Anti-bacterial
Tea tree oil contains an isomer of terpineol: Terpinen-4-ol. This compound has been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi and increase the activity of white blood cells. For this reason, tea tree oil is a great alternative preventative and treating method for treating and healing bacterial and fungal conditions in addition to preventing infection. In another study, tea tree oil was found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication (1)
Combat acne
Tea tree oil contains an isomer of terpineol: Terpinen-4-ol. This compound has been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi and increase the activity of white blood cells. For this reason, tea tree oil is a great alternative preventative and treating method for treating and healing bacterial and fungal conditions in addition to preventing infection. In another study, tea tree oil was found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication (1)
Anti-fungal
It’s often used to treat minor skin scrapes and fungal skin infections. Tea tree oil is effective in reducing the growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. This fungus is commonly found in nail infections. T. rubrum is a fungus that can cause infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus. (2)
Anti-Inflammatory
Cleanser
Tea tree oil also works as a cleanser. It effectively removes grease and dust easily and helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. Tea tree oil mixes with the skin’s natural oil which prevents the blocked poes from becoming food for bateria.