5 Daily Uses for Tea Tree Oil

When we buy skincare products, we often come across tea tree oil in the ingredients.

What is this oil, and why is it so popular with companies and consumers?

Let’s find out as we go along.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

According to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), tea tree oil is called Melaleuca alternafolia.

The Melaleuca alternifolia is a small tree that’s native to two regions of Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. When the leaves of this tree are steamed, the essential oil is extracted.

We term this oil tea tree oil.

For centuries, Aborigines, or native Australians, have used this oil as traditional medicine. They crush the leaves and breathe in the oil extracted in the process to cure simple ailments and even damaged skin.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

There are a few compounds in the oil that are beneficial to us, like terpinen-4-ol. This compound has been proven to eliminate some types of fungi, bacteria and viruses. It also boosts white blood cell activity and helps to combat germs.

This is why it’s a well-known natural cure to treat skin infections. It prevents infection and encourages healing at the same time.

What Is Tea Tree Oil Used for?

Hand Sanitiser

Today, hand sanitiser has become an everyday necessity to deal with potential COVID-19 viruses around us. Studies have revealed that tea tree oil can get rid of a few illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

Adding tea tree oil to cleansers has even been shown to improve their effectiveness against the E.coli virus.

This makes it an ideal natural hand sanitiser to repel germs and viruses.

Insect Repellent

In Singapore, we’re plagued by cases of dengue and Zika all year round.

Using insect repellent can help to reduce the chances of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. Studies have shown that tea tree oil is more potent at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the most frequently used active ingredient in commercial insect repellents.

Combat Acne

You might wonder whether tea tree extract is good for your skin.

A particular study proved that applying 5% tea tree gel to acne was at least three times as effective at decreasing the lesions than a placebo. It was also about six times as effective in decreasing the severity.

The most prevalent anti-acne medication is benzoyl peroxide. A study showed that the oil was as effective against acne as this medication.

This is why tea tree oil can be used against acne, and why many skincare brands use tea tree oil in their popular products. And yes - you can apply tea tree oil directly on your skin.

For example, when you buy our Anti-Acne Series, it comes with a bottle of Intensive Purifying Cream that contains tea tree extract.

Calm Skin Inflammation

Contact dermatitis happens when your skin comes into contact with a particular allergen. When this happens, skin irritation may occur, leading to itchy, red and occasionally tender skin.

Research suggests that this may help to decrease the severity of symptoms. It may even provide relief for reactions caused by insect bites. Tea tree oil may reduce swelling, itching and redness.

These symptoms occur because of your body’s natural reaction of releasing histamine to fight the insect’s saliva.

Encourage Healing

Cut yourself?

Tea tree oil can prevent infection in abrasions and cuts, and boost healing.

It can decrease inflammation and stimulate white blood cell activity that is key in the wound healing process.

The Bottom Line

Tea tree oil is a substance that has a number of incredible properties and benefits.

These benefits make it suitable for daily use for various purposes. Reap the best effects when you get our Anti-Acne Series!