Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia in Australia and has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Prevention is key when treating minor cuts and abrasions to promote wound healing and avoid infections, while at the same time decreasing inflammation by inhibiting monocyte production of inflammatory mediators.
Hooper notes that tea tree oil works effectively against acne by targeting two main causes of breakouts: bacteria and inflammation. She stresses the importance of performing a patch test first before diluting and applying any full strength oils directly.
Antimicrobial Activity
Tea tree oil is an aromatic essential oil produced from the leaves and twigs of an Australian tree known as Melaleuca alternifolia. It possesses antiseptic and antifungal properties as well as some antioxidant activity, making it an excellent natural alternative to synthetic medicines for skin care products, preventing and treating various health conditions, or acting as preventative medicine in general.
Studies suggest that tea tree oil may help reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing. It’s often included in products like gels, shampoos, body washes, and mouth rinses in concentrations between 5% to 50% – although its effectiveness against specific forms of fungus cannot be guaranteed as its action doesn’t cover an extensive area.
Tea tree oil is generally safe when applied topically, though it may irritate sensitive skin. For optimal results it is important to only use products containing diluted tea tree oil and perform a patch test prior to application on your skin. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally as this could result in serious adverse side effects.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Tea tree oil can be found in various skin products to combat acne, skin itchiness and promote wound healing. Furthermore, it has also been known to kill fungi and mites responsible for dandruff, lice and bad breath – potentially making these remedies all-purpose remedies.
However, evidence for these uses remains scarce. Many trials failed to include a control group who did not receive treatment or standard of care and frequently did not compare the effects of tea tree oil with that of placebo pills.
Note that undiluted tea tree oil can irritate skin and is poisonous when taken internally, so when applying to skin it should be diluted with an appropriate carrier oil such as coconut, olive or almond. Tea tree oil may interact with certain medications or cause side effects for certain people if taken undiluted.
Anti-Infectious Activity
Tea tree oil may help alleviate acne breakouts by decreasing excess sebum production and bacteria levels, and also having antifungal properties that could possibly aid wound healing. Unfortunately, research on this subject remains inconclusive and sparse.
A 2023 review indicated that regular use of tea tree oil-containing gels and face washes reduced oiliness in people with acne-prone skin, although further studies with less variables are still required.
Apply a product containing tea tree oil on your skin prior to using, to check for irritation or allergic reactions. When properly diluted, tea tree oil should be safe for most uses; however, people with sensitive skin may still experience contact dermatitis. It should also be consumed orally to avoid confusion, unsteady movements, rash and even coma; it’s also toxic if swallowed by pets so keep out of reach of them as well. Tea tree oil can be found both online and at natural grocery stores as gels, face washes lotions hair care as well as insect and parasite repellents/preventives/protectors etc.
Anti-Oxidant Activity
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) contains chemicals that kill microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while also helping reduce swelling and itching. As part of an anti-acne regimen it may cause skin irritation for some individuals; use tea tree oil with caution!
At no time should it be consumed orally as this could result in severe side effects for infants, including confusion, inability to walk and even coma. Large doses are toxic to liver and kidneys while applied directly can also become skin irritants.
There has been limited research conducted on the topical application of tea tree oil, though some small studies indicate it might kill certain bacteria such as E coli and S pyogenes. Furthermore, it may help eliminate Candida albicans by altering cell permeability, inhibiting membrane ATPase and disrupting cell morphogenesis2. Finally, tea tree oil could relieve contact dermatitis in humans by decreasing swelling.