We all have scars on our bodies due to various reasons, some are minor others are major. This is completely fine and it is not something you should be ashamed or embarrassed about.
This article will be discussing a method by which you can use tea tree oil for scars.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of using this essential oil and how it may just be the perfect remedy for your scar.
Tea tree oil, scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia, is an essential oil that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions.
It originates from the leaves of the tea tree plant which are steam distilled to yield this oil. A small bottle can be purchased at most health food stores for around $10.00.
Many people use this oil for its anti-bacterial properties which help to disinfect wounds and prevent scarring caused by infection. It also reduces redness and swelling, making it easier for the skin to heal. Many people have reported that their scars are less noticeable after using tea tree oil on their skin.
Let’s look at the benefits of tea tree oil for scars;
1. Tea Tree Oil Is Antibacterial
One of the best-known benefits of tea tree oil is that it can be used to combat infections. The oil works by killing certain types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on contact. By applying this oil to a wound or scar daily, you can help speed up the healing process and prevent possible infection.
These unsightly purple and red lines appear when the skin stretches too quickly, usually during pregnancy. By applying a teaspoon of tea tree oil to the problematic area each day, you can see a dramatic difference in the appearance of your stretch marks.
6. Tea Tree Oil Is Fungicidal And Virucidal
Tea tree oil is also fungicidal and virucidal, which means that it can be used to kill fungi or viruses.
This makes it an excellent treatment option for people with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, herpes, or cold sores.
7. Tea Tree Oil Provides Relief From Pain And Itchiness
Another excellent benefit of tea tree oil is that it provides relief from pain and itchiness.
This means that it can be used to treat itching caused by hives, bug bites, poison ivy, or an allergic reaction.
By applying a drop or two of this essential oil directly to the area, you will notice immediate relief. It can also be used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, and rheumatism.
8. Tea Tree Oil Has Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, are known for their anti-aging benefits and disease-fighting abilities.
These nutrients prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the body and help to reverse the signs of aging.
9. Tea Tree Oil Is Rich In Vitamins And Minerals
This includes vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, C, and E and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Drinking tea tree oil will not provide these nutrients because it is too difficult for the body to absorb.
However, topical application of the oil will allow it to readily absorb into the skin where these nutrients can be put to work.
10. Tea Tree Oil Prevents Infection
By applying tea tree oil to a cut, scrape, or burn right away, you can help prevent potential infection. This is because the oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties that will allow your skin to heal quickly and naturally.
11. Tea Tree Oil Prevents Scarring
It also helps prevent scarring by reducing redness and swelling. This will allow you to heal quickly and naturally without unsightly marks or bumps left behind by the injury.
12. Tea Tree Oil Promotes Healing
Applying tea tree oil directly to wounds, cuts, and rashes will promote healing and prevent infection. It also helps clear up acne and can even remove warts when applied daily for two weeks or more.
13. Tea Tree Oil Is An Effective Acne Scar Treatment
Applying a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected areas will help clear up acne and prevent further breakouts. You can also add a teaspoon or two to your bath water for an all-over body treatment. It also helps with acne scars, sunburns, cracked heels, athlete’s foot, and poison ivy.
14. Tea Tree Oil Is Antiseptic And Antifungal
The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective antiseptic and anti-fungal agent. This makes it a great treatment for acne, athlete’s foot, boils, cold sores, herpes, ringworm, and yeast infections.
How To Apply & Use Tea Tree Oil For Scars
In 2015, research showed that tea tree oil has properties that can heal wounds. It is available as an essential oil and also in diluted form. It does take time for scars to fade but using tea tree oil consistently does help.
To use tree tea oil for scars follow the following steps:
Wash the area with antibacterial soap and warm water to remove any surface bacteria. Pat dry so that no additional moisture is trapped against the skin.
Use a cotton ball or cotton pad to apply about three drops of tea tree oil directly over the scar. Be sure to use enough oil so that it covers the entire scar, as this will give it the best chance of healing properly.
Place a bandage over the treated area to keep the oil from rubbing off onto other parts of your body or clothing.
Repeat this procedure three times a day for one week and then twice daily until the scar is completely gone.
It might take up to four weeks before you see any noticeable results, but after four to six months the scar should be completely gone.
Keep in mind that applying tea tree oil may cause a mild tingling or stinging sensation. If this occurs, only apply it every other day until your skin gets used to it.
This just means that you have a low tolerance for the product and you will need to dilute it before applying it to the skin.
What to do in Irritation:
If you experience any form of irritation, wash the treated area thoroughly with soap and water and discontinue use. This is rare but some people may be allergic or sensitive to tea tree oil, so always do a patch test first by using it on a small area of your inner arm.
You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly can help fade scars by moisturizing the skin and allowing the product to absorb more efficiently.
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on your arm, then add a few drops of tea tree oil into it and mix. Apply this mixture over the scar three times a day for two weeks, but after that re-apply only once daily until you achieve desired results.
Tea tree oil is effective in treating scars, but it is important to have realistic expectations. Some scars are due to deeper damage under the skin so there’s not much you can do other than wait for them to heal.
Also, scar tissue cannot turn into regular skin so don’t expect your scar mark to disappear completely.
However, with consistency, you can expect to see an improvement in the texture of your skin and a fading of red or dark pigmentation. For best results, continue using this oil for at least four months or longer if your scar is old or deep.
Caution:
Everyone’s skin is different so while some people will show great results with tea tree oil, others may not. Be patient and continue to use the product on your scars for at least four months or more if necessary.
Tea Tree Oil For Scars – Conclusion
Tea tree oil is a natural product that has been used as an antiseptic for centuries, but only recently have scientists begun to understand its benefits for skincare. In 2015, a study showed that tea tree oil can be used as a topical treatment for scars.
Tea tree oil is readily available in the form of essential oil, but it can also be purchased in a diluted form which makes it easier to apply directly to the skin.
It is important to remember that tea tree oil does not work instantly; it takes time, consistency, and patience for scars to heal.
The best method for using tea tree oil on scars is to use it three times a day for at least four weeks. Apply the oil directly over the scar, place a bandage on top of it and leave it in place for at least eight hours.
Once your skin gets used to the daily application, you can drop down to twice daily until you achieve desired results.
