Tea tree oil for the face: reviews, cosmetic use for acne, wrinkles, papillomas, blackheads, skin inflammation, for lips, rosacea, demodicosis, how to use masks with essential essence

The use of natural cosmetics in daily skin care always brings stunning results. Get acquainted with one of these effective and affordable preparations - tea tree oil, used for facial skin - with proper use of which you can quickly eliminate many problems. You will learn about the enchanting properties of this wonderful oil and the opportunities to benefit from it by preparing excellent cosmetic preparations based on it yourself.

general description

The tea tree is a member of the Myrtaceae family and a “relative” of another medicinal plant: eucalyptus. Another name for the culture is Melaleuca. This is a low tropical tree or shrub with light, flaky bark, fluffy white or yellow flowers and dry leaves. They are of particular value. It is impossible to hide from the sun under the crown of a tea tree, since it practically does not create shade. But from the leaves, saturated with esters with the smell of camphor, you can get healthy oil.

Interesting to know. The Australian aborigines were the first to discover that tea tree leaves have healing properties. History says: people used plant materials to treat scurvy, intestinal poisoning, and skin problems. In the second half of the 18th century, explorer James Cook arrived on the mainland with an expedition. It is believed that it was he who gave the culture the name “tea tree”, since he brewed aromatic tea from its leaves, which saved against scurvy.

To obtain oil, the leaf is distilled with water. The method is gentle on the raw materials and retains useful substances in the finished oily liquid. The essence of the method:

water vapor is passed through crushed tea tree leaves under pressure;
it captures particles of ether;
The steam is cooled and filtered, releasing valuable oil from it. From 1 ton of tea leaves, about 10 liters of useful liquid are obtained;
the product is poured into bottles.

The main producer of this product is Australia, which is considered the birthplace of the tea tree. The longer the distillation lasts, the more useful substances manage to be released from the foliage. However, this increases the cost of oil. Therefore, analogues obtained using an accelerated method are sold at budget prices. They are not considered fake - they simply contain fewer valuable components. Visually, the oil looks like a pale yellow or slightly greenish liquid. The aroma is refreshing, cold, with spicy and woody notes.

Interesting to know. More than 150 years passed from the discovery of James Cook before science began to study the healing properties of tea tree oil. In the 20s of the 20th century, the product was called a natural antibiotic; it was proven that it effectively eliminates inflammation, heals wounds and cuts, and blocks the development of fungal infections. In the early 20th century, the drug was used during World War II to speed up the healing of wounds.

How does tea tree oil affect the skin?

Tea tree oil is obtained from the leaves of this tree, which is native to Australia. This is done by steam distillation. The finished product has a pale yellow or pale olive hue and a light spicy aroma. The resulting drug contains monoterpenes, diterpenes, viridiflorene, B-terpineol, L-ternineol.

These substances are a powerful weapon against bacteria and fungi, they accelerate tissue regeneration, maintain cell activity in a stable state, help remove toxins, and have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, cleansing, and mild analgesic effect.

The rich chemical composition of the oil allows it to be used for various purposes, and as a cosmetic product for the face it affects the skin surface in the following way:

normalizes the performance of the sebaceous glands, improving the condition of oily skin;
fills cells with useful substances - oxygen, vitamins, amino acids, which contribute to the rejuvenation of the epidermis;
improves skin color and elasticity;
eliminates pimples and acne;
treats rosacea;
whitens pigment spots in the same way as sea buckthorn oil;
accelerates tissue regeneration in case of microdamage;
slows down the aging process of the skin, eliminates fine wrinkles.

Composition and beneficial properties

Ether contains about 100 chemical compounds of various types:

mono- and diterpenes;
viridifloren;
allyl hexanoate, etc.

These components provide a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effect. Ether also reduces pain, reduces swelling, disinfects and heals wounds. It has been proven that the drug affects some staphylococci, viruses and fungi.

However, the oil can cause skin irritation, including due to an unbalanced composition. The Australian standard, approved more than half a century ago, states that the terpinen-4-ol content should be at least 30%, and preferably 40%. At the same time, the desired concentration of cineole is up to 15%, ideally 5%. Such proportions ensure high effectiveness of the product and reduce the likelihood of local allergic reactions.

In addition, if tea tree leaf extract is used incorrectly, there is a risk of burning the skin or internal organs. The ether is used in small dosages, diluted with base oils, and combined with other components. In its pure form, it is applied very carefully, precisely treating inflamed areas of the skin.

Cosmetologists' opinion

Cosmetologists recommend using essential oil from tea tree leaves for women who have problematic epidermis prone to oiliness. Those with thin, sensitive skin should not use this product.

Provided that the product is used systematically and correctly, good results can be achieved. Pimples will go away, age spots will fade, your complexion will become healthier, and small surface wrinkles will smooth out.

Indications for use

Melaleuca ether helps with various infectious diseases of the respiratory system (sinusitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, etc.), is effective in cystitis, arthritis, gynecological diseases, inflammation of the male genitourinary system, etc. The oily liquid is used to increase immunity, fight dandruff, improve condition of nails and maintaining oral health.

The benefits of tea tree essential oil for facial skin are also great:

treatment of pimples, acne, ulcers;
relieving swelling, eliminating itching and redness as a result of insect bites;
fight against warts, herpes, papillomas;
normalization of the sebaceous glands;
normalizing the lipid balance of the skin, eliminating oily sheen;
reducing the number of blackheads;
lightening pigmentation, improving complexion;
increasing the elasticity of the skin;
leveling signs of skin aging - enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, etc.;
acceleration of dermal regeneration;
healing of wounds, microcracks, including on the lips, etc.

Tea tree ether is also used as an additional therapy in the treatment of demodicosis. With regular use, the product reduces the amount of sebum, which deprives subcutaneous mites of a nutritional environment. The oily liquid is toxic to parasites and therefore causes their death. At the same time, the oil prevents the attachment and development of a secondary infection.

Attention! The extract is most effective on oily, problematic, and aging skin.

Use in its pure form

Tea tree oil is very effective on acne, including internal acne. To do this, it can be used undiluted, applied to each pimple pointwise using a cotton swab.

Important! If you feel that the drug is too aggressive for your skin, use it in combination with other components.

Let the oil act for several hours - redness and swelling should go away and the pores should cleanse. After this, you just need to wash your face with water. This needs to be done daily. For small formations, a one-time use will be sufficient; for purulent acne, 2-3 days will be required. Herpes blisters can be treated in the same way.

Where to buy and how to store

Since tea ether is a highly concentrated drug, it is produced in small dosages. Most often these are 10 ml bottles. Available in 15, 25 and 30 ml packaging. The cost varies greatly. Depends on the brand, the country in which the oil is produced, and other nuances. Some examples of oils that can be purchased at pharmacies or natural, organic cosmetics stores:

ether from TD SiNaM - approximately 55 rubles per 10 ml;
products from Elpharma - about 100 rubles per 15 ml;
oil from Camellia-LT - 115 rubles for 25 ml;
tea tree extract from the Zeitun brand - 860 rubles per 10 ml;
ether from the Botanika company - from 100 rubles for the same amount;
concentrate from dōTERRA - from 200 rubles per 1 ml, etc.

The Aspera company produces oils in the form of sprays, adding calendula or eucalyptus extracts to the tea tree base. Volume - 30 ml, cost - about 200-220 rubles. The Oleos company offers tea ether enriched with fir extract. A 30-ml spray will cost about 170 rubles. The Swiss manufacturer Vivasan produces one of the most expensive products in this category. A mixture of tea tree oils with manuka and kanuka extracts (also plants from the Myrtaceae family) costs about 1,400 rubles per 10 ml.

When choosing a quality product, give preference to a dark glass bottle. It ensures good preservation of the ether and protects it from sunlight. A good oil should not clearly smell like camphor, be cloudy, or have sediment. When purchasing, check the product certificates, release date, and expiration date.

Store the ether at a temperature no higher than +15 °C, or better yet, in the refrigerator. Close the lid tightly each time. Once opened, please allow the product to be used within 3-6 months. If the oil becomes sticky or has an unpleasant odor, throw it away.

General recommendations

Tea tree essential oil may cause irritation and allergic reactions to the skin. Therefore, be sure to do a test before use. Mix a couple of drops of the product with any base oil and spread on the inside of your wrist or elbow.

The skin may turn slightly red, but this usually goes away soon. Check the treated area after a few hours, optimally after 12. Feel free to use tea ether on your face if the skin does not peel off, does not itch, or remains red.

Other rules and features of using oil:

The aromatic oily liquid should not be heated too much, otherwise it will lose its healing properties.
At the same time, warm ether penetrates the skin better, so use a water bath.
The optimal oil temperature is 36–38 °C. Test by dropping a little tea extract on your wrist. If you don’t feel any heat or cold, it means you have achieved the most comfortable ether temperature for the skin.
Before using any oil-based product, clean and steam your face.
Tea tree leaf concentrate should not be applied in its pure form. The exception is pimples, wounds, etc., but not fresh, just emerging. It is convenient to treat small areas with a cotton swab, lightly rubbing in the tea extract.
Masks and creams are applied with clean hands, making light patting movements with your fingertips. The direction is strictly along the massage lines.
You can enrich your usual day or night cream with oil at the rate of 1 drop of ether per 10 g of oil. Remember that the aromatic extract evaporates over time, so it is better to prepare small portions of the cream before each use.
The remaining mixture is washed off with water without using soap.
Melaleuca leaf ether is used until the problem is eliminated (for example, for acne, pimples or wounds) or in courses of 10-15 procedures with a frequency of 1-2 per week and a month break.

Methods of application

Tea ether is not suitable for removing makeup or performing massage. The scope of its application is limited to addition to various masks, lotions, and creams. In these cases, the oil is used in minimal dosage. Local treatment of acne, abrasions or scratches with pure extract should be previously agreed with a doctor.

For oily, problem skin

If the skin is greasy and prone to acne, prepare a lotion from 100 ml of clean water, 50 ml of herbal decoction (the raw materials are at your discretion, if desired) and 10 drops of oil. You can use the liquid twice a day, wiping your face. The duration of the course is not limited. The product is stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For enhanced care , another recipe is suitable: 200 ml of water is combined with 15 ml of alcohol and 10 drops of tea tree ether. The drug is kept in a glass container in the refrigerator. Use as a lotion before applying night cream.

A honey mask will make the skin more tender and well-groomed, and will help cope with rashes. Use it once a week for a month, but only if you are not allergic to honey and tea tree oil. Combine 1 tbsp. l. sweet natural product with 5 drops of ether. Turn into a homogeneous mixture and spread over your face. Wash off after half an hour.

Oily skin prone to inflammation will benefit from a mask for which you need to beat chicken protein. Add 2 drops of lavender and rosemary esters and 3 drops of tea tree oil to it. The composition is distributed over the skin, and after 15 minutes it is washed off with warm water.

There is another option for the protein mixture. Beat the main ingredient until foamy, combine with 1 tbsp. l. crushed oatmeal and 20 drops of tea oil. Keep the mask on your face for 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.

You can add 1 tbsp. l. oatmeal into warm, freshly brewed green tea to create a thick paste. Additional ingredients: 10 ml lemon juice and 1-2 drops of tea ether. This composition not only cleanses, but also tones the skin.

A mask made from 1 tbsp has cleansing properties. l. milk thistle oil and the same amount of grape seed extract. Add 1 tsp to the base ingredients. black cumin oil extract and 3 drops of tea tree ether. Using wheat flour, the mixture is brought to a thick paste and spread over the face for 25-30 minutes. Wash off with warm and then cool water.

To cleanse clogged pores, combine 50 g of honey with 30 ml of flaxseed oil. Warm slightly in a water bath. Pour in 2-3 drops of tea tree ether and stir. Distribute over skin, rinse with warm water after 20 minutes.

Also suitable for oily and problem skin are masks that combine clay and fermented milk products. For example, there are the following options:

At 2 tsp. low-fat sour cream add 0.5 tbsp. l. blue clay powder and 3 drops of tea ether. Mix, spread over face for 15 minutes, rinse with cool water.
Combine 3 tbsp. l. kefir with 0.5 tbsp. l. dry clay, add 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice and 4 drops of tea tree ether. Distribute over the skin, after 12–15 minutes, remove the residue with a damp cosmetic pad.
Mix 200 g of cottage cheese and 3 tbsp. l. clay. Pour in 2 tbsp. l. chamomile infusion and apricot oil. Add 6-7 drops of melaleuca essential oil. Beat until creamy. Keep on skin for 10-15 minutes.

Homemade creams will help improve the condition of oily skin. Popular options:

Glycerin . Leave 6 g of gelatin to swell in half a glass of water. After this, add 50 g of honey, 1 g of salicylic acid, and 80 g of glycerin. Keep it all in a water bath until it turns into a homogeneous mass. After cooling, add 3 drops each of tea tree and geranium esters.
On beeswax . Melt 2 tbsp in a water bath. l. main ingredient. Add 1 tbsp. l. orange juice, 1 tsp. honey, 6 tbsp. l. any base oil (peach, apricot, jojoba, etc.). Pour in 5 drops of mint and rosemary esters, 10 of grapefruit or orange), 2 of tea tree.

If you want to deal with comedones and acne, cleanse your skin and improve your complexion, prepare the following compress mask:

Mix 20 g of dried calendula flowers and oregano herb.
Pour 100 ml of boiling water and let it brew.
Filter through cheesecloth.
Pour in 5 drops of lavender ether and 2 drops of tea tree.
Dampen a small cloth or gauze napkin in the resulting liquid.
Apply to face and keep for 20 minutes.
Rinse your face with cool water.
After 10-15 minutes, repeat the same procedure.

For dry epidermis

People with this type of skin can also sometimes use products based on tea tree oil. The result will be clear skin without peeling, inflammation and redness. An oatmeal mask is considered effective:

combine 2 tsp. flakes with a similar amount of blue clay;
add a couple of drops of tea ether;
pour in 50 ml of kefir;
spread the mixture over your face;
after 15 minutes, wash your face;
repeat weekly.

Attention! If the dermis is very dry, use sour cream instead of kefir.

You can also prepare an egg mask:

beat the chicken yolk;
add 5 g of olive oil;
add 2 drops each of lavender and tea tree esters;
apply to skin;
wash your face after 25 minutes.

With demodicosis

To recover from this disease, you need a comprehensive approach. One of the drugs can be a lotion from the series. Measure out 2 tbsp. l. this herb, pour a glass of water. Let it brew, add 6 drops of tea tree oil. Treat skin morning and evening to reduce redness and flaking.

For acne

In addition to spot treatment of inflamed areas with pure concentrate, you can prepare various masks that will help cope with acne. The components for this mixture are purchased at the pharmacy: 10 g of badyagi (powder) is combined with 1 tsp. zinc ointment and 3 drops of tea ether. Keep the mixture on your face for 15 minutes.

Advice. For local treatment of acne, you can combine 2 drops of melaleuca leaf oil with 2-3 tsp. liquid honey or aloe leaf paste.

A mask of 20 ml of warm water, the same amount of alcohol and 80 g of honey will help cleanse the skin Enrich the composition with grapefruit and tea tree esters (2 drops each). Using a cotton swab, spread over your face. After 20 minutes, rinse your skin with cool water.

A cream-based mixture will help cope with rashes In 1–1.5 tbsp. l. of this product, add 3 drops of lavender and birch esters, 10 drops of tea tree oil. The mask is applied for 10 minutes.

For daily wiping, prepare lotion:

Buy sage tincture.
Measure 25 ml and combine with 3 tbsp. l. rose water.
Pour in 15 drops of tea tree oil.
Rub your skin several times a day to reduce breakouts.

Another way is to combine dry St. John's wort, sage and calendula, take 2 tbsp. l. this mixture and pour a glass of boiling water. After cooling, filter the infusion and add 9 drops of tea tree ether. If the epidermis is oily, you can pour in 1 tsp. lemon juice. This lotion is used for wiping morning and evening.

The following lotions are also suitable for daily use:

prepare a healing mixture of 100 ml of calendula tincture (70%), lavender, oregano and tea tree esters (2-3 drops each);
measure 1 tsp. dilute this liquid in a glass of warm water;
soak a gauze pad or cosmetic disc with the mixture and apply to areas with acne;
hold for 10 minutes;
Place the remaining concentrated mixture of calendula tincture and essential oils in the refrigerator and use in the same way.

For wrinkles

Deeply cleansing and toning the dermis, tea tree ether slightly smoothes out wrinkles. To do this, it is mixed with different components. For example, with white or green clay. For 30 g of powder you will need 1 drop each of rosemary, lavender, frankincense, carrot, calendula and tea tree oils. The mask is kept on the face for 30 minutes.

You can mix 2 tsp. sour cream with the same amount of persimmon pulp, and then add 2 drops of tea ether. The composition is applied to the skin for half an hour. The same amount will be needed for the procedure with the next mask. Dilute 25 g of starch with 0.5 tsp. coconut oil. Pour in 2 drops of tea tree ether.

A different recipe is suitable for the area around the eyes. The oil mixture reduces the severity of folds, increases the elasticity and tone of the delicate skin of the eyelids. Recipe:

combine 8 ml of almond oil with 2 ml of grape oil;
add 2 drops of carrot ether, 1 drop each of chamomile and tea tree;
turn everything into a homogeneous mixture;
soak 2 cosmetic discs in it, squeeze out the rest;
apply to the eye area;
wash off after 10 minutes.

For papillomas and warts

The oil acts very aggressively on these formations, literally “drying” them out. The concentrate also has a positive effect on local immunity, the decrease of which is one of the reasons for the appearance of warts and papillomas. You can use undiluted concentrate on the body, but this method is not suitable for the face. Combine a little ether with nourishing cream or base oil. Apply to problem areas 4 times a day.

For rejuvenation

One of the signs of aging skin is enlarged pores. The following mask can reduce their severity:

1 tsp. powdered activated carbon is combined with 2 tsp. quality cocoa;
add 2 drops of tea tree ether;
turn into a not too liquid mixture using any base oil - almond, grape or peach seeds, etc.;
keep on face for 15 minutes.

Epidermis whitening

This mask is suitable for you if your skin tolerates soda normally. Take 1 tsp. this component, add 2 drops of tea ether. Dilute slightly with water to make a paste. Distribute over the skin with massaging movements, rinse off after a few minutes.

To whiten acne spots, use the following recipe:

Thinly slice half a medium ripe tomato;
combine 5 ml of jojoba oil with 3 drops of tea ether;
add to chopped tomato;
puree the mixture;
spread over face;
After 10 minutes, wash your face.

For eyelid skin

Mix 5 ml each of almond, grape seed and wheat germ oils. Pour in 2 drops each of sandalwood, tea tree and orange esters. Distribute over the skin around the eyes. After half an hour, remove the residue with a dry cloth.

For lips

Diluted with any base oil, this essential oil will help get rid of herpes or “stuck” in the corners of the lips. You can also prepare a healing balm:

Melt 5 g of beeswax and the same amount of cocoa butter in a water bath.
Remove from heat and add 2 g of jojoba to the mixture (if it is solid, add to the first two ingredients).
Pour in 5 drops of mint ether, 2 drops of tea tree, and 2 g of vitamin E oil solution.
Stir and pour into glass bottles.
Store in the refrigerator for no longer than 1 year.

Inside

Only the highest quality product is suitable for these purposes. Sometimes some manufacturers give their recommendations for taking the oil internally. Most often this applies to expensive goods. The main indications for use are the treatment of herpes (in parallel with external application), the fight against intestinal infections and parasites, improving digestion, etc.

The maximum dosage for an adult is up to 6 drops per day, divided into several doses. The ether must be diluted with any edible oil in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Another way is to drop a little onto the bread crumb, roll it into a ball and swallow it like a capsule.

Attention! In any case, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is required, especially if you have chronic ailments of internal organs or diseases of the nervous system. It is easy to get poisoned by tea ether.

Lotion for problem skin

The product is suitable for all skin types. It removes inflammation, slightly brightens the skin and promotes healing of existing wounds and moderately moisturizes without saturating acne. It will require a list of components:

rose water - 0.5 tbsp;
calendula decoction - 0.25 tbsp.;
tea tree oil - 10-15 drops.

To prepare a decoction of calendula, pour 1 tsp. dried flowers of the plant with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 2-3 hours, strain, cool. Add rose water and ether to the decoction and mix thoroughly. It is useful to wipe your face with the prepared mixture in the morning and evening.

The lotion can be stored for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake the container with the product easily before each use.

Video of making tea tree oil lotion

This lotion is made from two ingredients - oil and water - but the lightness does not affect the effect. The product is recommended for people with a large number of rashes or skin lesions, as well as for the prevention of acne.

The properties and use of the lotion are described in more detail in the video.

Precautionary measures

Using oil in home cosmetology according to all the rules will help you avoid troubles and skin problems. The test, which did not reveal an allergic reaction, is just one of several factors in the safe use of tea tree leaf concentrate. Other recommendations:

Do not increase the dosage of ether and the time the mask is left on the face.
Be careful not to get the tea extract into your eyes. If this happens, rinse the mucous membranes with plenty of water.
Do not take the oil internally without medical prescription.
Try to use products with tea concentrate in the evening. If you do this in the morning, before going outside you need to smear your skin with sunscreen or spray.
Do not apply masks and lotions with ether to very dry, burnt skin.
Be sure to consider contraindications. In addition to individual intolerance to the components of the hood, these are:

exacerbation of chronic ailments;
age up to 6 years inclusive (some sources advise postponing the use of oil until 10 years);
pregnancy and lactation;
very dry, sensitive skin;
open wounds, etc.

When should it not be used?

It is not recommended to use oil from melaleuca leaves for those with thin, sensitive epidermis.

In addition, before you start using, you need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the product. This product is concentrated, so the skin may react inadequately to contact with it.

It is not recommended to use the product in the following cases:

during pregnancy and lactation;
for hypertension;
with increased nervous excitability;
for epilepsy.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the broadcast:

effectively copes with inflammation;
fights various pathogens - fungi, viruses, bacteria;
regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
treats pimples, blackheads;
rejuvenates the skin;
can be used not only on the face, but also on the entire body, on the lips;
Sold in pharmacies and stores - the choice of products is varied.

Disadvantages of the product:

has contraindications and restrictions;
not universal in use - for example, does not help with rosacea;
Suitable mainly only for oily and problem skin.

User reviews

The broadcast collects a lot of positive reviews. It is often praised for its effectiveness in whitening teeth, but most of all for its cleansing and acne-free skin. For example, this girl - the owner of problematic, oily skin - suffered from monthly rashes. Positive changes came after “getting acquainted” with the oil.

The author of the following review advises adding ether to masks.

When treating acne, fresh rashes should not be treated. It is advisable to apply the product to inflamed skin when acne is still at the maturing stage. Otherwise, it is fraught with a strong negative reaction.

Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic that is useful in your home medicine cabinet and as a cosmetic product. Ether copes well with its tasks, but has some peculiarities of use. Carefully study all the recommendations to understand whether it is worth applying masks with this oil to your face. Ideally, of course, you need to consult a doctor. The properties of ether have been well studied, but in each individual case there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction. Listen to the advice of experts and your own body to qualitatively improve the condition and appearance of your skin.

Contraindications and side effects

Tea tree oil is toxic and should not be consumed internally.

External use of the product is prohibited when:

pregnancy and breastfeeding;
high blood pressure;
epilepsy;
mental disorders;
individual intolerance.

Cosmetologists strictly do not recommend using the product on sensitive thin skin. Severe irritation and the appearance of spider veins are possible.

If you feel an unbearable burning sensation on your skin after applying a mask with tea tree oil, quickly rinse off the composition with plenty of water.

For symptoms of poisoning with melaleuca essential oil: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, drink 2 liters of salted water and induce vomiting. However, these measures are effective only for 1–1.5 hours after ingestion of the toxin. If there is confusion, loss of coordination, convulsions, or difficulty breathing, call an ambulance.