Home remedies with tea tree oil: Use this hack to stop acne breakouts, bites, dandruff, more

Tea tree oil is often used in acne treatments to calm redness and swelling, but it should always be diluted to prevent skin irritation (Image: Canva)

Tea tree oil is found in face washes, shampoos or even insect repellent. Derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree through steam distillation, tea tree oil has been used for centuries by Aboriginal people to treat wounds and skin irritations. Today, it’s found everywhere from beauty shelves to home cleaning hacks.

Tea tree oil has been used  to treat cuts, insect bites, and infections. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help to treat acne, fungal infections, head lice, bad breath, and more. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), tea tree oil is used for acne and athlete’s foot when applied topically.

Here are 6 everyday uses of tea tree oil and their benefits:

Also read | 9 benefits of Tea Tree Oil, best home remedy to stop acne, dandruff

• Calm breakouts: Tea tree oil can help reduce acne-related redness and swelling when used in diluted form. According to a study in the Medical Journal of Australia, a 5 percent tea tree oil gel was effective in reducing acne lesions. It also works against the acne-causing bacteria Cutibacterium acnes, as found in research from the University of Western Australia.

• Fight fungal feet: Used regularly, tea tree oil may help relieve athlete’s foot symptoms. A study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology showed that a 50 percent tea tree oil solution improved athlete’s foot in many patients. Its antifungal properties interfere with fungal cell growth, making it a supportive remedy alongside other treatments.

• Treat insect bites: Diluted tea tree oil can soothe itching and reduce discomfort from insect bites. Research shows that tea tree oil eases swelling and itching in allergic skin reactions. It also helps calm inflammation involving mosquito-like irritants.

• Reduce scalp flakes: Adding a few drops to shampoo can help manage dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo reduced dandruff severity and itch within four weeks. It works by targeting yeast on the scalp, which is a common cause of flakes.

• Freshen smelly shoes: Tea tree oil helps reduce odour in shoes due to its natural antimicrobial action. Research has confirmed its effectiveness in killing bacteria that cause shoe odour, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. It provides a cleaner, chemical-free way to neutralise smells.

• Cleanse minor cuts: When diluted, tea tree oil may help clean small cuts and prevent infection. Studies show that it has antiseptic properties which reduce the growth of common wound bacteria. It should not be used on deep or open wounds and always needs to be diluted properly.