This Powerful Essential Oil Can Solve Your Skin, Nail, and Hair Problems

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Sometimes it seems like essential oils are magical elixirs that can do just about anything, including promote energy, shorten the duration of colds, and ease menstrual cramps. And as it turns out, there's one in particular that can also do wonders for your skin: tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil, otherwise known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil distilled from an Australian plant called Melaleuca alternifolia, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston. It's a popular essential oil, particularly for its many purported skin benefits. It's also a relatively inexpensive product, with the cheapest bottles around $5.

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But does it really work? Tea tree oil is an organic, healthy, and harmless ingredient that helps to keep the hair, skin, and nails healthy, says Frieling. How? The oil is proven to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

It’s important to note, though, that tea tree oil should not be applied directly to the skin, explains Frieling. Doing so can cause inflammation, irritation, and burning, adds celebrity facialist Candace Marino.

Before using, dilute it with other lotions or oils, which are typically called carrier oils, like olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, moisturizer, and sunscreen. A good rule of thumb is 12 drops of carrier oil for every one to two drops of tea tree oil, Frieling recommends.

Want to experiment with this coveted essential oil? Here are a dozen proven benefits:

1. Reduces Acne

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Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help reduce acne and soothe irritated skin, says Melissa Quinones, an esthetician at Eternal Hair and Esthetics. It's noncomedogenic, too, meaning it's unlikely to clog your pores and cause additional problems.

2. Prevents Infection in Minor Cuts and Abrasions

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Use tea tree oil as an antiseptic to help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected, says Frieling.

3. Speeds Healing Time of Small Wounds

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It may also shorten the duration of healing time, thanks to the proven boost in white-blood-cell activity.

4. Treats Nail Fungus

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There is some evidence that the topical use of tea tree oil helps get rid of nail fungus. Participants in the study were tasked with applying the oil twice daily for six months, and researchers found that the topical therapy provided "improvement in nail appearance and symptomatology."

5. Improves Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

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Similarly, studies suggest a 50% tea-tree-oil solution significantly improves symptoms—redness, itching, peeling—of athlete's foot.

6. Soothes Psoriasis

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In one study, researchers found that tea tree oil targeted inflammation, helping improve skin conditions like psoriasis.

7. Relieves Eczema

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The same study suggests tea tree oil can reduce the severity of the red, itchy skin associated with eczema. In fact, it was more effective than standard medications like zinc oxide.

8. Decreases Body Odor

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Some people use tea tree oil as a natural deodorant since it has antibacterial properties that can help reduce odor-causing bacteria, says Frieling.

9. Keeps Bugs at Bay

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There's evidence that tea tree oil may help prevent itchy bug bites. In one study, tea tree oil repelled mosquitos more effectively than deet.

10. Reduces Itchiness Associated With Bug Bites

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If you do get bitten, there's evidence that tea tree oil may quell any itchiness, redness, and swelling you experience.

11. Minimizes Dandruff

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Participants who used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil noticed a 40% improvement in dry, itchy flakes commonly associated with dandruff, according to a study.

12. Gets Rid of Lice

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In one study, tea tree oil was shown to kill both nymph and adult lice, plus reduce the number of lice eggs that hatch.

Tea Tree Oils We Recommend

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Freelance Contributor

Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer and editor based in New Jersey. She currently works for a variety of women's lifestyle publications including Oprahmag.com, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and more. Most of her content is focused on helping women find all the best products—from beauty and wellness to home décor and beyond—but she routinely pens stories about health and wellness, relationships, parenting, and work. Her previous experience includes more than eight years at Real Simple. In fact, this is where she began her career as an editorial assistant, working her way up to her most recent full-time editorial staffing position as the deputy editor of its website. Before beginning her professional career, she graduated from Loyola University in Maryland with a bachelor's degree in business administration then The Medill School of Journalism with a master's in magazine journalism. She also snuck in a stint at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. When she's not typing away, you can find her cooking something new, starting some renovation or organization project at home, and playing with her two young sons. Sometimes, she can even sneak in a run or—even better!—a barre class.