Tea tree oil a popular essential oil. It has been used for over a thousand years but has gained popularity only recently. This essential oil comes from the leaves of the tree called Melaleuca alternifolia which grows in Australia.  Tea tree oil helps treat several conditions. It provides numerous health and cosmetic benefits. Given below are some of the skin and hair benefits of tea tree oil. Read ahead to know what those benefits are:

Skin and hair benefits of tea tree oil

For SKIN

Acne

Tea tree oil may help treat acne due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to research reported by a leading lifestyle daily, 14 participants with acne were involved in a study. The participants applied the oil on their face twice every day for 12 weeks. The research concluded that the tea tree oil was giving results and the acne of the participants started to reduce. Although mild peeling and dryness occurred, no serious adverse effects developed.

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Oily Skin

Tea tree oil is also beneficial for oily skin. A medical study reported by a lifestyle portal evaluated the use of sunscreen containing tea tree oil to determine whether or not it reduced oily skin in participants. For 30 days, the participants applied sunscreen containing the oil to their skin. A month later, at least one out of two areas of the face showed a reduction in oiliness.

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HAIR

Treats dry scalp

According to medical research reported by a well-acknowledged lifestyle portal, tea tree oil can improve symptoms of common skin conditions in which patches appear on the scalp. Research also indicates an improvement in itchiness and greasiness after using tea tree oil shampoo. In addition, as tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is useful in soothing skin irritation and wounds. The oil acts as a natural conditioner and eliminates agents that cause the skin to flake.

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Treats dandruff

Causes for dandruff include dry scalp and hair, along with oily, irritated skin, poor hygiene, skin conditions like contact dermatitis, or infection by a fungus called Malassezia. Tea tree oil is known for its anti-fungal properties, which means it can help treat dandruff. It is also a potential cleanser. Hence, its regular use can keep the scalp clean from grime and dead skin cells, keeping the hair dandruff-free. Tea tree oil can also help control excess oil production by the sebaceous glands, keeping the scalp moisturised and clean of dandruff.

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Prevents hair loss

Dandruff is a common cause for hair loss as hair that grows on a dandruff-infected scalp suffers a great amount of cuticle and protein damage. Dandruff and excess sebum can block hair follicles, making hair roots weak and resulting in hair fall. Other reasons for hair loss are inflammation and scratching the scalp. As tea tree oil is effective in soothing the scalp and treating dandruff, it can also prevent excessive hair fall.

DISCLAIMER: The effects may vary from person to person. If you are allergic to any natural ingredients, consulting a doctor is advised before using any tea tree products.