The Wonderful World of Tea Tree Oil

Does everyone know what tea tree oil is? See, I have the tendency to assume that everyone does because I'm obsessed with it and its oh-so popular here in the esthetics world. However, I must remember that I do NOT live in my own bubble (as much as I would like to), so I'll make a point to tell you about all the badass stuff tea tree oil can do.

Tea tree oil comes from the tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia (those Aussies have everything, don't they? Rawr!) It has a looooong history of medicinal use, used to treat a number of ailments- from colds and upper respiratory infections to healing wounds and killing fungus.

Tea tree oil is antifungal and antibacterial. The scent is very strong, as this stuff is potent, so you certainly don't want to overuse it or put it directly on open wounds or abrasions. The scent is.. well, medicine-like. Refreshing. Almost "mint" like, since there's really no other way to describe it, besides...tea tree oil. Put some on your finger and you're sure to feel- and smell- the oil doing its job. Put some in your mouth and you'll be regretting it (don't do it!)

Seeeee? It says not to apply to cuts or abrasions :-D

Since this stuff is so so potent, its really important not to overuse it. A few drops is totally sufficient if you're going to use it as a treatment. So.. what kind of treatments can you use it for? Ummm, everything??!? From yeast infections to acne to scalp problems to colds and sore throats. Sooooooo, how do you use it!?

Okay, well, since I've been using tea tree oil for a while, I'll explain some of the ways I have used it. If I am experiencing some dandruff or scalp issues (which oftentimes are due to an overgrowth of yeast anyway, btwwwwwww), I'll throw JUST A FEW DROPS of tea tree oil into my shampoo and massage it into my scalp. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. And, I really must stress the JUST A FEW DROPS thing... one time I was trying out that god-awful "conditioner only" cleansing thing for my hair and my scalp got outta control. Out of desperation (and the cleansing thing  that was recommended by a friend who did NOT stress how potent this stuff was- gotta love the estheticians that forget that you actually sometimes have to EXPLAIN this stuff!) I poured a bunch of tea tree oil on my head. Annnnnnnnnnd, let me tell you... my scalp had NEVER, EVER looked worse in its life. A few days later, my scalp literally just started falling off of my head. It. Was. AWFUL!! Do NOT do that, but don't let it scare you either- tea tree oil can work wonders, and its great that you need so little of it! Apothecary Extracts sent me this bottle of tea tree oil that'll last for a year, I'm sure.

What else do I use it for? Breakouts. Mmhmm. They say not to apply the tea tree oil directly onto the blemish... I do. It has never caused any problems for me personally, and I have a few friends who do the same thing that don't have any issues either. BUT,  use with caution of course. I'll just apply a drop or two of oil directly onto the cursed area. I do this twice a day, until the blemish goes away. Works pretty well!

You can really use tea tree oil in sooooo many things. It's kind-of magical. In fact, I just found this awesome site that lists 80 different uses of tea tree oil and how to use it.You can add a few drops to your cleaning supplies, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. I make my own homemade facial toner with  tea tree oil. Wanna know what's in it?

Erin's Apparently Awesome Facial Toner / Spritzer
(best suited for combination / oily skin types)

- 1 four-once spritzer bottle / pump container
- Fill up 3/4 with distilled water
- Add 3-4 drops tea tree oil  (if your skin is really oily, add 4.. if normal, add 3)
- Add about a pump of hyaluronic acid  (I like VoilaVe's low and high weight hylauronic, which you can buy here).
- Add a dollop of fresh aloe vera juice

Voila! This toner works great to help kill bacteria and breakouts (tea tree oil), soothe (aloe vera), and hydrate (hyaluronic acid). Since the aloe and hyaluronic acid is thicker, it does tend to settle on the bottom. Shake well before applying.

The point, you guys, is that you really should have a bottle of tea tree oil in  your medicine cabinet at all times. In fact, I sometimes think that most people do.. do they? Anyway, Apothecary Extracts' tea tree oil is straight-up, potent tea tree oil that'll last you a loooong time. A four once bottle plus recipe book normally sells for $28, but right now they have a sale going on at amazon. Get it here!

Just, remember not to overuse :)
 

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.