Why tea tree oil deserves a spot in your skincare and hair care re
Third party image referenceWe got the top dermatologist to give you the lowdown on this anti-acne miracle worker, and on how to optimise its benefits for the best skin and hair of your life tea-tree-oil-for-acne-and-dry-scalp Tea tree oil has found top billing in the beauty aisle with a reputation built on a solid bedrock of fighting last-minute breakouts. A favourite with those in the know, this humble ingredient has also won the approval of celebrity dermatologist, Dr Harshna Bijlani, and Dr Batul Patel, medical director, The Bombay Skin Clinic. Here, they give you a quick tour of the virtues of tea tree oil, along with tips on how to leverage its benefits in your daily skincare gig.
Third party image referenceTea tree oil is an anti-acne skincare hero According to Dr Bijlani, “When it comes to skincare, tea tree oil is known as an anti-acne star. It is commonly used in a diluted form with other carrier oils as a spot treatment to kill the active acne bacteria. It also finds use as an anti-acne ingredient in face washes, face masks, creams, toners and body washes. Apart from fighting breakouts, tea tree oil can also be used to combat excessive oil production, especially for those with oily or combination skin, wherein its use is prescribed for the oily areas.” In fact, studies have showed that using tea tree oil reduces mild to moderate acne-related lesions, whether they’re inflamed or non-inflamed. For a spot treatment, mix a drop of tea tree oil in to two drops of a hydrating carrier oil like argan oil or rosehip oil, and apply with a cotton ball. To use it as a mask, add tea tree oil to multani mitti and yoghurt to deep cleanse and mattify the skin.
Third party image referenceTea tree oil can also help soothe an irritated scalp for haircare
“Tea tree oil can be used with a carrier oil and massaged into your scalp or you can opt for a shampoo which contains this miracle worker. Its anti-fungal properties help significantly reduce dandruff by removing dead skin cells, as well as the yeast that causes dandruff,” elaborates Dr Bijlani.
Third party image referenceThe best ways to use tea tree oil
For best results, she recommends “mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, and applying on your active acne as a spot treatment. If you have sensitive skin, then you may want to dilute the tea tree oil and mix it into a soothing cream that works for your skin. It can also be used along with your toner, moisturiser or sunscreen.” If applying to the hair, combine a couple of drops of tea tree oil (we like the Body Shop Tea Tree Oil) with a carrier oil and massage it on the scalp, or use a scalp treatment like the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment. For acne-prone or oily skin, use a toner or or face wash like the Kama Ayurveda Anti-Acne Cleansing Foam. Dealing with body acne issues? Tea tree oil body washes are ideal for this purpose too. Things to keep in mind while using tea tree oil Tea tree oil can be harsh on sensitive skin, so always do a patch test. Also avoid applying it near the sensitive eye area too. “Tea tree oil is generally meant for acne on oily skin as compared to acne on dry skin, since it might further dry the skin leading to worsening of the condition,” says Dr Patel. “Before using over-the-counter products, it is best to consult with a dermatologist, and when shopping, it is essential to use a natural variant of the oil, as quality differs between manufacturers. It is also important to bear in mind that tea tree oil should not be applied directly to skin or hair because it may cause dermatitis and irritation. Instead, dilute it with a carrier oil such as almond, olive or coconut oil, before use,” advises Dr Patel.
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