The ‘Head to Toe’ Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Most people we know have tea tree oil or a product made with tea tree oil somewhere at home. And why not? Tea tree oil is one of the most versatile and universal essential oils available. Whether as first aid, insect repellant, or a pimple treatment, tea tree oil seems to do it all. This 'jack of all trades' masters healthy skin and more. Find out about tea tree oil, its benefits, and how to use it below. 

What is Tea Tree Oil? 

Did you know that tea tree oil, aka melaleuca alternifolia oil, is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Australian "tea tree?" Before commercialization in the 1920s, the oil had been used for centuries by aboriginal Australians. In later decades, tea tree oil reached the masses and has since remained mainstream. Nowadays, thanks to its medicinal qualities, many items, especially skincare products, like our  Blem Pen,  contain tea tree oil.

The Skincare Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree leaves have been used as a botanical medicine for centuries. The Aborigines would crush tea tree leaves into a paste to cover and heal wounds. Also, they would drink the tea tree tea to soothe sore throats. 

Now, tea tree oil has modern use, and the scientific community backs its benefits. For example, scientists have confirmed the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities of tea tree oil and its role in wound healing. Specifically, tea tree oil has disinfectant properties (both antibacterial and antifungal) that make it a beneficial addition to any skin regimen.

Tea tree oil is an all-natural, inexpensive essential oil with many therapeutic qualities. Its antiseptic, antifungal, and healing properties make it a versatile way to keep your skin, hair, and nails healthy. Below we’ll see the specific benefits of tea tree oil in skincare.

• Treats Acne -  The skincare industry acknowledges tea tree oil for its role in treating acne. Its antimicrobial properties help heal the cause of acne, and its anti-inflammatory qualities soothe swelling and inflamed skin. Tea tree oil may also help minimize and prevent scarring caused by acne.

• Controls dandruff - Tea tree oil helps remove dead skin cells from the scalp and makes an excellent scalp treatment. Furthermore, the antifungal qualities of tea tree oil help control dandruff and keep the scalp fresh and healthy.

• Heals minor cuts - Minor nicks and scrapes can happen to anyone at any time but occur more often while shaving. Men may find tea tree oil's wound-healing qualities useful in helping soothe inflammation and heal abrasions from frequent shaving. Furthermore, its antiseptic properties help prevent infection. Tea tree oil also encourages wound healing by triggering white cell activity.

• Treats Athlete's Foot - Studies show that tea tree oil can be an effective remedy against the symptoms of Athlete's Foot. The antifungal properties of the essential oil can help treat Athlete's Foot or other fungal skin infections. For example, tea tree oil appears to work as well as common antifungal medications in the relief of Athlete's Foot symptoms like inflammation, scaling, and burning.

Tea tree oil is generally available and can be used in many ways - as shown above - and as an insect repellent, hand sanitizer, shampoo, natural deodorant, etc. Specifically, tea tree oil can be applied topically to improve your complexion and treat skin conditions like acne. That’s why we formulated  Blem Pen  with tea tree oil as one of the active ingredients to help shrink pimples and prevent breakouts. Moreover, the tea tree oil in Blem Pen helps reduce inflammation and scarring associated with acne. The scientifically-proven benefits of tea tree oil can give you a clearer complexion and keep skin, nails, and hair looking vibrant and healthy.