Tea tree oil is one of the most common ingredients in skincare, grooming, and personal care products. It's often found in body wash, shampoo, and other essentials you probably already have in your home.
But what does tea tree oil do? What benefits does it offer for men's skin? And what's the best way to use it in your skincare and grooming routine to get optimal results?
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is derived - usually through steam distillation - from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia. Because it's quite potent on its own and can cause skin irritation at full strength, many bottles of tea tree oil you purchase are actually blends of a carrier oil and tea tree oil. This dilution allows for safe use while still offering a variety of benefits.
Tea Tree Oil and Skincare
When used properly, tea tree oil has been proven to help treat several skin conditions. Here are a few examples.
Tea Tree Oil for Acne
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it an excellent choice for treating acne. Its ability to reduce breakouts has been confirmed. In one clinical trial, "both 5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients' acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions." Tea tree oil also managed to treat acne with fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. And in a 2006 review, it was demonstrated that "a wealth of in vitro data now supports the long-held beliefs that tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties."
Our line of acne controlling products leverage several natural active ingredients, including tea tree oil. You'll find it as a key ingredient in our Acne Controlling Face Wash and Acne Controlling Face Moisturizer Treatment.
Tea Tree Oil for Rosacea
If you have rosacea, you may be able to use tea tree oil to soothe your skin and reduce flare ups. Some folks report being able to calm their skin by using a tea tree oil soap and others prefer to add a couple drops of the oil directly to their moisturizer.
If you want to try tea tree oil for rosacea, start with a diluted solution and apply it to a small area. This will allow you to see how your skin reacts. Less is more, especially when starting out.
Tea Tree Oil for Eczema
Sensitive skin and dermatitis are common for guys with eczema. For these reasons, you should be cautious when using tea tree oil to treat it. Some studies have shown potential benefits for people with eczema who use products containing tea tree oil, but others have reported allergic reactions to it. When using tea tree oil for eczema, start with a product that contains a small amount or apply a well-diluted mix of the oil to your skin.
Tea Tree Oil Soap Benefits
Since tea tree oil is antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti fungal, it is an excellent ingredient in soaps and body washes. You'll find it in our Purifying Charcoal Soap Bar and our Invigorating Body Wash. Both are designed to cleanse, refresh, and nourish your skin. Thanks to tea tree oil, they help fight bacteria and reduce your chance of having an acne flare up. Plus they smell great, calm your skin, and stimulate your senses.
Tea Tree Oil for Hair and Scalp
Besides offering benefits for your skin, tea tree oil is also an excellent ingredient for your hair and scalp. Here are some of the ways it can benefit your grooming routine.
Tea Tree Oil and Dandruff
Tea tree oil has been proven to help fight dandruff and prevent the fungal overgrowth that is related to this common condition. In a 2002 study, researchers found that a "5% tea tree oil shampoo group showed a 41% improvement" over the placebo group when using a tea tree oil shampoo to treat their dandruff. No adverse effects were reported.
It's no surprise that you'll find tea tree oil in our Relieving Dandruff Shampoo - along with other natural ingredients like Ziziphus joazeiro bark extract, jojoba, and aloe vera.
Tea Tree Oil for Healthier Hair
By improving your scalp health, controlling dandruff, and preventing irritation, tea tree oil contributes to healthy, strong hair. You can apply it to your hair and scalp after a shower - or use a shampoo that already contains it. Since our Daily Strengthening Shampoo is designed to thicken, strengthen, and nourish your hair, it's only natural that it contains tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Oil for Beard
Just like your scalp, the skin underneath your beard can become irritated. Beard dandruff is also an issue that some guys struggle with. You can treat these concerns by applying a few drops of tea tree oil to your beard and the skin beneath it. Another option is to use our Daily Strengthening Shampoo to wash it, especially if your facial hair is long.
Does Tea Tree Oil Help with Ingrown Hairs?
Yes, tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it a good ingredient for calming the irritated skin around an ingrown hair. Instead of picking at or popping an ingrown hair, use a diluted solution of tea tree oil to reduce the irritation and related symptoms. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your aftershave or moisturizer and apply it after a shave. This will also fight bacteria growth and prevent your pores from becoming infected.
Tea Tree Oil for Skincare and Grooming
Thanks to its wide variety of benefits for your hair, scalp and skin, it's a great idea to include tea tree oil in your skincare and grooming regimen. You can use our products that already contain this potent ingredient or use the oil directly. Either way, enjoy the benefits!
