Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For The Skin

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from a specific type of melaleuca tree known Melaleuca alternifolia, or the "ti tree". The oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree through a distillation process and then sold on the market as tea tree oil. Although toxic if ingested in high doses, tea tree oil is often used in smaller doses as a beneficial and natural active ingredient in skin care.

Acne

One of the most well known uses of tea tree oil is in acne treatment. In fact, a five percent solution of tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as a five percent solution of the common acne treatment product known as benzoyl peroxide, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tea tree oil works on acne by reducing the population of the acne-related bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. acnes is partially responsible for the inflammation and infection that results in more serious forms of inflammatory acne.

Dandruff

Dandruff is another skin condition that can benefit from the use of tea tree oil. One common possible cause of dandruff is the overgrowth of a fungus known as malassezia. Malassezia is commonly found on the skin of your scalp, but causes dandruff problems if it is able to grow out of control. Tea tree oil can be used to reduce population of the fungus, resulting in dandruff relief.

Parasitic Skin Infestations

Tea tree oil may also be used as a natural treatment for skin infestations such as lice, scabies and bedbugs, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Tea tree oil is used to kill the parasites, relieving skin irritation from the infestation.

Inflammation

When your skin comes in contact with allergens, your body may respond by activating histamine, which causes the skin to become inflamed. Tea tree oil may be used to reduce this inflammation, but more research is needed to confirm the full benefits of the oil, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot may also benefit from the use of tea tree oil. Athlete's foot is a common fungal-based skin problem that can cause severe itching and burning sensations on the affected area. Tea tree oil works on athlete's foot by killing the fungi associated with the infection.