Wrinkles are a sign of aging for which a variety of treatments and remedies are available. Tea tree oil has been traditionally used for skincare in Asia and Australia, where tea trees are native flora. Tea tree oil is commonly used as an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent and to treat acne. However, its use in fighting facial wrinkles has not been proven.
Identification
Tea trees are tall, evergreen trees with white bark that the University of Michigan Health System website describes as "spongy." The oil used medicinally is extracted from the leaves. Tea tree oil contains terpenoids, which are chemicals often found in plants and are used to make essential oils.
Misconceptions
Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it's necessarily safer than chemical-based products. Tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions in people whose skin is sensitive to it. Natural chemicals can also have side effects. A 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tea tree oil has some estrogen-like effects, so consult your doctor if you are taking any medications containing estrogen.
Expert Insight
Wrinkles are caused by the natural drying and thinning of the skin as you age. They can also be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight and by smoking. According to the experts at the Cebu Cardiovascular Center, one way to help prevent wrinkles, or at least to slow their appearance, is to keep your skin moisturized. Tea tree oil in small amounts or moisturizers containing tea tree oil can be useful for keeping skin moisturized; however, tea tree oil has not been proven to prevent or reverse wrinkles.
Benefits
Tea tree oil and products containing it are not as expensive as some commercially available skin creams. It has a very light scent. Keeping your skin moisturized with products containing tea tree oil may help prevent acne and help with drying of skin caused by acne medications.
Warning
Always start with a small test patch when using pure tea tree oil. Don't get it in your eyes or nose because it will sting and burn. Do not ever take tea tree oil internally because it can cause nerve damage. Stop using tea tree oil if you experience any redness, itching or other discomfort.
Member Comments