If you are a beauty lover, then you must have tea tree oil in your kitty. This essential oil comes with anti fungal as well as antiseptic properties due to which it is widely used in skin and hair products. From acne treatment to controlling the excessive sebum production to treating blemishes as well as curing dandruff the list of its benefits is endless. 
Defining tea tree
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be used for several purposes, including keeping skin, hair and nails healthy.
In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed.
Tea tree and skin types
Tea tree oil is an excellent natural plant extract that is safe for use on the face. This essential oil has numerous medicinal benefits and can provide reliable protection for your skin, no matter how sensitive it is. Therefore, it can be used on all skin types. 
Nutritional ingredients
Tea tree oil which is also known as melaleuca oil is a highly effective essential oil which has multiple uses and benefits. This oil is extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia and can be applied to the face and body to treat pimples and as an active ingredient for skin care products.
Beauty products are made out of tea tree
Mostly skin care products for oily and acne prone skin contain tea tree oil.
Health benefits
Anti-inflammatory: The oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
A person can treat acne, athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis or head lice using tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should never be swallowed.
Beauty benefits of tea tree
The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it useful in relieving the discomfort of itchy skin. It soothes the skin and can also help heal infections that cause itchy skin.
The anti-inflammatory effect of tea tree oil helps to soothe and relieve painful and irritated skin. It may also help to reduce redness and swelling.
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may contribute to its ability to combat oily skin.
Helps tighten pores.
Things to look out for when using tea tree
You should not apply tea tree oil directly to skin. It’s important to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil.
For every one to two drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of a carrier oil. Also, be careful when using tea tree oil around the eye area. Exposure can cause redness and irritation.
Before you use tea tree oil, do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react to the tea tree oil.
Side effects 
Most people can tolerate products containing tea tree oil. However, side effects are possible.
Side effects are more likely to occur when using the oil in higher concentrations. They include:
*Skin irritation
* Dryness
*Flaking
*Rash
*Itching
Selecting tea tree for beauty products
Identify your skin type and then you can decide on the base on the product. For example if its acne prone skin it is advisable to select a gel based formula or a serum.
For dry skin a cream would be ideal or oil based.
Compiled by Ruwini Jayawardana
Tea tree beauty treatments
Use tea tree oil on the face
Tea tree oil is highly valuable for facial skincare as it offers many versatile advantages.
We recommend these three steps to for facial treatment
Step 1 
Every morning and evening, using lukewarm water and either a cream or foaming wash thoroughly cleanse you skin using sweeping circular movements.
Face Wash with a cleanser that contains tea tree oil which helps counteract bacteria, it is mild, non-drying and very effective. Without the need to scrub the skin it will cleanse away dirt, bacteria, make-up and other matter which can clog the pores.
Step 2
After cleansing use a suitable toner, which will help freshen the skin and remove excess cleaser. Again, it is important that you use a product that is especially suitable for a skin with pimples.
With face tonic, it is important to have a mild product that cleans the pores effectively, while at the same time providing the content of tea tree oil to counteract the occurrence of bacteria in the pores.
Step 3
There is often the temptation to over scrub or cleanse the skin in the hope it may make the blemishes, spots or pimples disappear, however this is not true and you risk causing excessive dryness and irritation and your skin will compensate by producing more oil.
Cleansing should be regular and gentle and always followed with a toner then an appropriate moisturiser for your skin type, it should be mild, non- irritating, maintain skin moisture levels and counteract bacteria.
* Lightening of scar tissue
Spots, pimples and other skin conditions can leave behind unsightly scars on the skin, a few drops of tea tree oil in a tablespoon of raw honey can help lighten scars and restore the natural oil balance of the skin.
Massage the mixture onto the scar for several minutes and leave until dry, then rinse with cool water and repeat the process daily to see the scars fade away naturally.
* Treatment of dry skin
By using a few drops of pure tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil such as almond oil, and massaging into your skin, you can help eliminate and remove dry skin. This will imprive the elasticity and softness of the skin and is usually recommended just before showering.
If you continue to use this mixture on a regular basis your skin will be more hydrated and less likely to become dry.
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