Long heralded for its acne-busting properties, tea tree oil is one of those natural remedies every mother had in the back of her bathroom cabinet.
But tea tree oil is worth so much more than that. Don't believe us? We called on the natural beauty experts to shed a light on the all-too-often ignored benefits of this essential oil.
As the experts at natural health and beauty brand, Naissance, explain: "Tea tree is a well-known oil for cleaning and protecting the skin, thanks to its highly effective antiseptic and anti-fungal effect. It is popular for use in treating skin problems and infections such as acne and inflammation, but there's a lot more to this oil than meets the eye."
Here are some of the brilliant ways you can use tea tree oil in your beauty regime...
To super-charge your moisturiser
"The purifying effect the oil has on your skin makes it great to add to your moisturiser," say the founders of Naissance. Simply mix a few drops into your usual moisturiser to keep your face fresh and clean and prevent acne breakouts. "This is more effective than buying an existing tea tree moisturiser as you can be sure you are using 100% pure tea tree," they add, and you can customise the dose to the perfect amount for your own skin.
To create your own toner
The versatile oil can also be used as a toner; mix two or three drops with water and apply to your face with a cotton pad after cleansing. Not only will it strip away any remnants of makeup, it will also leave skin feeling delightfully refreshed. Win win!
As part of an at-home massage regime
For a cleansing massage, mix a couple of drops with a carrier oil (we love almond) and gently massage over your face.
To refresh tired eyes
Optometrist Katie Farrant advocates the use of cleansing tea tree oil wipes as part of your eyecare routine.
"Due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil, the wipes are an effective way of managing symptoms of blepharitis and are perfect for daily eyelid hygiene," she said. "The wipes have a zingy and refreshing feel so are a perfect way to rejuvenate tired eyes whilst maintaining cleanliness."
To strengthen and brighten nails
Tea tree oil is a strong antiseptic so helps fight fungal infections and banish yellow or discoloured nails if your penchant for nail polish has left you a akin to a Simpson.
To beat body odour
If the hot weather is leaving you clammy and battling the much-dreaded B.O, make tea tree oil your friend. The oil is brilliant at warding off bad smells and will leave you feeling wonderfully fresh.
Will you be trying any of these quirky hacks?
