How is tea tree essential oil used on the face?

This essential oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to Australia. Like other essential oils, tea tree oil has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. The Aboriginal people of Australia used it to clean wounds and treat infections.However, it was not until 1922 that the antiseptic properties and antibacterial properties of the plant were demonstrated by the chemist Arthur DE RAMAN PENFOLD. An interesting fact, at the beginning of the Second World War, the tea tree essential oil was added to every first aid kit of the Australian army and navy due to its anti-infectious virtues.

The essential oil of tea tree is the result of asteam distillation process (hydrodistillation).Typically, 100 kg of tea tree leaves are required to harvest 1 to 2 litres oftea tree essential oil. Organoleptically, it is a clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid with a woody scent. It primarily containsmonoterpenols(around 45% terpinen-4-ol) andmonoterpenes(gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, limonene). These compounds are responsible for itspurifying and sanitising properties. It is particularly recommended for oily skin with blemishes as it limits acne outbreaks and reduces the scars that may result from them.

You should never apply undiluted tea tree oil to the skin. Indeed, tea tree oil can be drying and even irritating when used pure on the skin. Therefore, always dilute this essential oil in a high-quality vegetable oil. High-quality vegetable oils are less likely to be contaminated by other ingredients. Here are some points you should keep in mind during your search for a carrier vegetable oil.

• If possible, opt for an organic oil.

• Ensure that the oil you purchase is 100% pure.

• Always conduct research on the brand to ensure that it has a good reputation.

Regarding tea tree essential oil, some bottles may indicate its terpinene concentration. Terpinene is the primary antiseptic agent in tea tree oil. To derive the maximum benefits, choose a product with a terpinene concentration between 10 and 40%.

Next, mix the essential oil with the carrier oil (for example olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, avocado oil). Adhere to the following proportions: 12 drops of carrier oil for 1 to 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.

This blend can be applied to the face in the evening as well as in the morning, however, it should be avoided near the eyes. Furthermore, you can apply this blend locally, only on your blemishes. Dip a cotton swab into the blend and apply it directly onto the spots. Repeat this process 1 to 2 times per day, as needed.

Always conduct a patch test. Apply a coin-sized amount of the diluted oil on your forearm. If you experience no irritation within 24 hours, you can safely apply it elsewhere.

We have incorporated tea tree essential oil for its purifying virtues into the following four treatments.

• Thepurifying botanical blendwithpeony: This night serum helps to purify the skin through the sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory actions of 7 botanical extracts.

• The anti-blemish shower gel with glycolic acid and tea tree extract. This formula, rich in exfoliating and purifying active ingredients, unclogs pores, reduces blemishes and fights against the appearance of ingrown hairs.

• Thepurifying body serumbased onzinc PCAandtea tree extract. This serum is applied locally to blemishes, only in the evening. It helps to combat spots that do not only appear on the face but can also be found on the body.

• The targeted blemish care Bakuchiol 1% + tea tree extract has been formulated to dry out blemishes and promote skin renewal to minimise scarring. Its poultice-like texture soothes inflammation and reduces the sensation of heat.

• KAZEROUNI A. & al. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology (2013).

• ÇALISKAN K. U. & et al. Tea tree oil and its use in aromatherapy. Current Perspectives on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (2018).

• EL-ESAWI M. A. & co. River tea tree oil: composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and potential uses in agriculture. Plants (2021).