Tea tree oil is a multi-purpose oil that should be in every home. And no, the spirit of the La Hierbas series has not possessed us. Still, its properties are so innumerable – it treats dandruff, nail fungus eliminates lousy breath, defines curls, helps to remove makeup and impurities more naturally, and even fight acne– which we believe is worth making a little space on the bathroom shelf to use whenever our skin, hair or other areas of the body need it.
“The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) comes from Australia and New Zealand, and its essential oil is obtained from the distillation of the leaves. It was discovered by Pierre Franchomme –author of ‘Aromathérapie excitement and a pioneer in the use of essential oils according to French aromatherapy– and among its properties, it stands out that it is bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal”, explains Melanie Clark, primatologist specialist in beauty. This makes it suitable for solving skin problems (acne, herpes, psoriasis, eczema, burns, wounds …), pathologies of the respiratory system (sinusitis, rhinitis, angina …), fungi (athlete’s foot or candida), as well as improve mouth sores or gingivitis. Although surely if you ask your mother or grandmother about it, they will tell you that it was used to kill unpleasant lice in their homes.
How to choose it and how to use it well
When buying essential oil, you have to differentiate the use you are going to give it to define the quality you need: “If you are going to apply it externally (skin, diffuser or bath), you can buy a less purist reference, but if you are going to use to do ‘pulling,’ you have allergies or your skin is delicate, you should use one of higher quality and traceability,” advises the expert. In addition, you also have to know how to use it properly since, as with the vast majority of essential oils, it can be irritating, so you have to use the correct dose. “In an emergency, it is better to use the 1/1 rule, which is to use one drop of essential oil for every drop of vegetable oil (almond, jojoba, macadamia …), for 7-10 days, applied tomorrow, afternoon and evening. If its use is preventive, mix 30 milliliters of vegetable oil with 30 drops of essential tea tree oil, since this is the ideal proportion to be highly effective and not cause any reaction”, recommends Clark.
Tea tree oil and acne
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, this oil is widely used as a treatment for acne since it helps to eradicate the bacteria that cause this skin condition. The best way to apply it to eliminate the happy pimples is to put a drop with a swab on each of them, even diluted in a bit of moisturizer or serum if you see that it irritates you too much. And don’t even think about applying it all over your face.
You also have to keep in mind that it can become photosensitizing, so do not forget to apply sunscreen afterward if you use it during the day – although you already know that this cosmetic should be used 365 days a year, regardless of whether it is sunny. or not-. But if you want to avoid headaches, it’s best to save them for your nighttime beauty routine.
All the benefits of tea tree oil
In addition to treating acne, which is the most widespread, there are ten other ways to use this super product. Read on to learn some (very practical) uses for tea tree oil:
Treat wounds (and scars)
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, which means that it kills (or at least stops) the growth of bacteria and other potentially harmful microorganisms, it is also anti-inflammatory, thus calming redness, swelling, and pain. Clean the area well and apply it with the help of a cotton swab.
Avoid dandruff
The appearance of dandruff is often associated with the overgrowth of Malassezia, a fungus that lives on the scalp. “Within a global treatment to improve its appearance, this oil is highly valued for its antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, which is why it is a perfect option,” says hairdresser Angela Navarro.
Remove makeup
If you have run out of your facial cleanser and are looking for a natural makeup remover until you replace it, this oil will also help you remove makeup, impurities, and excess oil from the skin. Mix it with vegetable oil that is not too buttery (avoiding the eye area, yes), and then “it is important that you remove it with the help of a mild soap to remove all the remains,” explains Nathalia Arango, co-owner of the center. Specializing in personal care and well-being, Opuntia Organic also says that “it is not recommended that you continuously use this remedy. Instead, you must do it only in a specific way since essential oils are extracts with a very high composition in polyphenols, which in the long term can cause your pore to open or even have a flaccid complexion.”
Soothe sunburn
Although you should always sunbathe with high sun protection, who has not been confused at some time and has finished a little red after the beach day? In this case, its anti-inflammatory qualities will help you reduce redness, itching, and burning. Add a few drops to your ‘aftersun’ cream. You will soon notice the relief And, “if you mix it with 30 milliliters of rosehip oil and 20 drops of lavender essential oil, you will enhance its action, and it will not only serve to soothe burns but also psoriasis, eczema, and atopic skin, “says Clark.
Prevents hair loss
Sometimes the clogging of the pores of the hair follicles can cause a loss of hair density. And, although “this product itself does not have any anti-hair loss properties, it is the perfect complement to any treatment for the improvement of hair loss,” explains Navarro. This is because cleaning the scalp removes any harmful fungus or bacteria that prevent hair regrowth.
Eliminate bad breath
If you woke up with a pasty mouth, you have two options to eliminate the bad smell: Add a few drops to your usual toothpaste or, if not, gargle. Of course, you must know that “essential oils are not soluble in water, so you should never gargle with them diluted in this liquid or the mouthwash. The best thing is to combine the vegetable oil of coconut (a tablespoon of coffee is enough) with a couple of drops of the tea tree, massage the gums well with your tongue and then spit it out”, warns the primatologist. We assure you that it is the hand of a saint.
Softens cuticles
A few drops added to your hand cream and applied to the area with the help of a small massage with the fingertips, a couple of times a week, will be enough for you to notice the difference. A tip: do not drop the oil directly into the tube or the jar, but what you have to do is mix both cosmetics in the hollow of your hand. And if your cuticles need extra softness, “it is best to put a specific oil on them every night before going to sleep. You will facilitate its absorption and achieve a deeper treatment if once or twice a week you cover your hands with a hot towel for 10 minutes”, suggests Maude Aubin, Product Manager at Manucurist.
