In recent years, tea tree oil has gained a lot of popularity, especially in the beauty world. From calming acne and healing its scars to relieving dry skin and itchiness, this natural ingredient is a must-have in every beauty junkie’s skincare shelf.
Enriched with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is very popular when it comes to successfully dealing with a wide range of skin and hair issues. We help you gain a better understanding of how exactly to use this oil and what its benefits are. Read on for a complete guide on the many benefits and uses of tea tree oil for skin and hair.
- 1. Benefits of tea tree oil for skin
- - Reduces and prevents acne
- - Heals minor wounds
- - Promotes glowing skin
- - Treats psoriasis and eczema
- - Prevents insect bites
- - Restricts body odour
- 2. Different ways to use tea tree oil for the skin
- - Tea tree oil + honey
- - Tea tree oil + coconut oil
- - Tea tree oil + bentonite clay + yogurt
- 3. Frequently asked questions about tea tree oil for skin
1. Benefits of tea tree oil for skin

- Reduces and prevents acne

Tea tree is one of the richest natural sources of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an incredible cure against acne and acne scars. Tea tree oil works to calm redness, unclog pores and heal existing acne. Regularly using tea tree oil in your skincare also prevents the possibility of future breakouts, thus promoting clear and flawless skin.
- Heals minor wounds

Another benefit of tea tree oil for skin is its ability to heal minor wounds, cuts and burns. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties speed up the healing process and keep the wound from festering. From cuts and scratches to minor wounds, tea tree oil is an effective way to hasten the healing process of wounds.
- Promotes glowing skin

Owing to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil works like a charm to reduce and prevent acne. Applying tea tree oil-infused products not only helps mattify your skin without making it dry, but also delivers moisture straight to your skin, making it look healthy and supple.
- Treats psoriasis and eczema

The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil are not just limited to healing and controlling acne. It helps deal with serious skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis quite effectively. Applying a mixture of tea tree essential oil with another carrier oil helps calm irritated and inflamed skin in just a few uses.
- Prevents insect bites

With the increase in insect-related illnesses, it only makes sense to properly protect your skin, especially if you are going to be outdoors. And this is exactly where tea tree oil comes in handy. Enriched with antiparasitic benefits, tea tree oil not only repels mosquito and other bug bites, but the anti-inflammatory and healing properties calm and soothe freshly bitten skin.
- Restricts body odour

Body odour is a major problem that annoys a lot of people, especially in the summers. No amount of antiperspirants, shower gels or talcum powders seem to have any effect. The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil eliminate odour-causing bacteria and greatly help reduce the chances of body odor.
2. Different ways to use tea tree oil for the skin

Armed with the knowledge of how tea tree oil benefits your skin, it is now time to look at the different ways in which you can use it. With the simple recipes mentioned below, achieving the skin of your dreams will be child’s play…
Note: But before we begin, it is important to remember that you cannot use tea tree oil directly on your skin or hair, as it could cause serious damage. Always mix a couple of drops of the essential oil with any carrier oil of your choice for maximum benefits.
- Tea tree oil + honey

This is the easiest face mask, but has incredible healing properties for people with acne. Honey has incredible moisturising and skin-healing properties, which will help in making your skin appear supple and glowing. Add to it the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil, and you’ve got yourself a pretty effective anti-acne face pack.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of honey 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
How to: In a bowl, mix both the ingredients together and apply it to your face and neck area. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with a gentle cleanser. Apply a little moisturiser to seal in the benefits of the face mask into your skin. Repeat this every other day for stunning results.
- Tea tree oil + coconut oil

Another nourishing face pack you need to try is this tea tree oil and coconut one. Perfect for people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, this face mask soothes itchy, inflamed skin to leave it properly moisturised and conditioned.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil
- 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
How to: Mix both the ingredients together and apply it over the affected area. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning with lukewarm water.
- Tea tree oil + bentonite clay + yogurt

If you have oily skin, then then this tea tree oil and bentonite clay mask are ideal for you. Bentonite clay helps remove excess oil from the skin, draws deep-set impurities out and unclogs your pores. It also helps in gradually regulating sebum production to keep your skin matte and prevents acne. Adding yogurt to this mixture prevents excessive drying of your skin to keep it soft and glowing.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay (you can replace this with Multani mitti as well)
- 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
How to: Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix them well to form a thick, lump-free paste. Wash your face to get rid of surface impurities and spread this face pack all over your face neck area while it is still a bit damp. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes or until it is completely dry and then wash it off with water and a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to apply some moisturiser after.
3. Frequently asked questions about tea tree oil for skin

Q. Can I leave tea tree oil on my face overnight?
A. For tea tree oil to have any effect on your skin, it is supposed to be left on for at least a couple of hours. Therefore, it is completely fine to leave it on overnight. Apply a mixture of tea tree oil and any other carrier oil such as coconut, olive, almond or jojoba before going to bed and then rinse it off the next morning. Doing this everyday will show a marked improvement in your acne situation within a few days.
Q. Does tea tree oil remove dark spots?
A. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil work really well to reduce post-inflammatory blemishes and dark spots. To remove blemishes, all you need to do is make a mixture of tea tree oil and honey, and apply it to the affected area for amazing results.
Q. Can you put tea tree oil directly on your skin?
A. If you are using tea tree essential oil, then it is highly advisable not to use it directly on your skin. Essential oils are extremely potent and can end up burning your skin. Therefore, always mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply it onto your skin.
Written by Urvi Dalal on 18th Dec 2020
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!