Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Gel: 8 Surprising Benefits

Today, many brands use tea tree oil and aloe vera gel to make anti-acne cosmetics. That is why the combining power of both ingredients soon became famous as a remedy for troubled skin. But first, let’s discuss each ingredient and its individual benefits, starting with tea tree oil.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

It is an essential oil coming from the Melaleuca Folia tree. Also known as Australia’s melaleuca, this plant’s leaves are mainly cultivated for the essential oils market. In fact, people have been harvesting it for centuries. In the past, doctors frequently used it in traditional medicine to treat all sorts of skin conditions. Nowadays, this essential oil is a popular and common ingredient used by people who look for natural remedies.

Main benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Bacterial and fungal acne treatment

We commonly use this oil in acne treatments in our everyday lives. The belief that its properties help to heal skin troubles comes from traditional herbal medicine practitioners. They used this essential oil to treat numerous skin diseases. Ancient doctors believed it could cure nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and insect bites as well. However, after clinical trial studies, research suggests that tea tree oil is not a medicine and can be only considered as a complementary treatment.

Nonetheless, this herbal ingredient provides relief, soothing effects, and has mild antibacterial properties. As a result, people use it in many products that target acne or oily skin.

Tea tree oil has a high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, the chemical responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers think it is also the chemical responsible for its antibacterial properties. In fact, it can kill yeast and fungi, especially the ones responsible for candida (a type of yeast responsible for many fungal infections). This also makes this ingredient perfect for treating acne, both fungal and bacterial.

Body & hair health

As mentioned above, tea tree has antifungal properties and works very well against yeast. For this reason, it is effective against cradle cap (dermatitis found on a baby’s scalp) and mild forms of dandruff caused by yeast. Essential oils are in fact safer than medical shampoos, especially for kids. People have also reported experiencing less itchiness and greasiness on the scalp when using tea tree oil haircare products.

Thanks to its effectiveness in fighting yeast-derived inflammation, it acts as a natural deodorant, killing micro-bacteria responsible for bad odors. Medical research also shows that tea tree gel applied on nails is extremely effective in reducing nail fungus.

This essential oil is also said to soothe irritations and boost wound healing. As a result, many alternative medicine practitioners tend to apply tea tree oil on mosquito bites or wounds.

How to use Tea Tree Oil?

It can be easily mixed in your skincare, whether you want to mix it in a cream, a gel-type of product, or in your shampoo. Otherwise, you can apply it directly to the skin and use it as a spot treatment. It gives its best if used together with green tea and lavender essential oils. However, this ingredient can only be applied externally, you should not ingest it.

Study shows how shampoos with at least 5% of melaleuca effectively removed dandruff and soothed itchy scalp. Thus, we suggest you pay attention to the INCI of the products you buy, or to check and add a proper amount if you make your own.

What is Aloe Vera?

You do not need to have an aloe vera plant growing in your yard to enjoy its many benefits. In fact, you can find aloe vera gel in the beauty section of many popular US grocery and drug stores. Continue reading to learn about the many benefits of aloe vera gel for your skin, hair, and much more.

A little about the plant…

People have used the sticky gel from aloe vera plants for thousands of years. Aloe vera has served as a medicinal treatment for a variety of health conditions including skin and digestive disorders.

The plant thrives in dry and unstable climates. The leaves of the aloe vera plant store water to survive their surrounding climate. The gel from the water-dense aloe vera leaves has many effective uses for the skin.

Packed with healing substances

According to Kim Chang, an aesthetician with the Baylor Aesthetics Studio, states that aloe vera “contains antioxidants, enzymes, Vitamins A and C, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. Moreover, it can help treat burns, acne and dry skin.” Essentially, this plant packs a punch as far as beneficial vitamins are concerned.

As some of you may already know, antioxidants are important for our health. The antioxidants in aloe vera belong to a family of substances known as polyphenols. According to an article from Medical News Today, “polyphenols, along with several other compounds in aloe vera, help inhibit the growth of certain bacteria that can cause infections in humans.”

A natural way to fight acne

Aloe vera prevents the growth of disease-causing organisms and protects against bacteria. Also, aloe helps with the production of new skin cells while reducing inflammation and redness. Additionally, it can work as a powerful astringent that can reduce the size of your pores and flush out excess dirt, sebum, and microbes.

There are many skincare products that contain aloe vera gel. You can also mix the gel with other natural ingredients like tea tree oil or lemon juice to reap the plant’s acne-fighting benefits.

But, it should be noted that aloe vera gel works best on surface-level acne. Those with cystic or other forms of acne should consult a dermatologist about other remedies before trying aloe vera.

Fight the signs of aging

On a budget? Unsure what anti-aging products work well with your skin? As it happens, aloe vera gel is a natural ingredient that helps reduce age lines and skin blemishes. The gel contains beta-carotene as well as vitamins C and E. Therefore, the vitamins and nutrients in aloe vera gel all help reduce the effects of aging on the skin.

An article from Herbal Dynamics Beauty states that: “Aloe vera has been shown to increase collagen production in the skin, which helps with wrinkle reduction and a more youthful-looking, radiant skin.” The ingredient helps hydrate the skin, allowing you to achieve that youthful glow. Additionally, the extra collagen produced by using aloe vera gel on the skin can help provide elasticity and replace dead skin cells.

Lighten dark spots on your skin

Aloe vera gel can help even out your skin’s pigment by amplifying skin call reproduction. The ingredient is a proven means of fighting redness and skin inflammation. The gel is also a natural remedy for stretch marks and acne scars.

Additionally, if you mix aloe vera gel with some lemon juice, it can be used to treat sun and age spots.

A simple alternative to your regular moisturizer

Aloe vera gel can give your skin the hydration it needs to stay healthy. It is a great solution if you haven’t yet found a moisturizer that works well with your skin. The gel unclogs the pores, softens the skin, and doesn’t leave a greasy film after application.

If you choose to use aloe vera to moisturize your face, you must exercise caution. The enzymes in the plant work as an exfoliator on the skin. And, like any exfoliator, if used too much, it can dry the skin or cause excess oil.

A home remedy for keeping COVID at bay

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, people have frequently used hand sanitizers. While hand sanitizers are generally inexpensive, it can be annoying (and wasteful!) to continually purchase bottle after bottle. Luckily, you can use aloe vera gel to make your own hand sanitizer.

It is incredibly easy to make hand sanitizers using aloe vera gel. All you need is: aloe vera gel, isopropyl alcohol, and the essential oil of your choice. Simply mix three parts aloe vera gel to one part alcohol and add just a dash of essential oil.

Tea tree oil and aloe vera are a powerhouse duo

While tea tree oil can’t be directly applied since it’s an essential oil, it can be mixed with the soothing carrier that is aloe vera. But how can you use the two together? Well, you have a few options:

Your very own night mask

With antibacterial properties and hydrating results, it’s no wonder that masks containing tea tree oil and aloe vera gel can have you waking up to refreshed skin! According to Botanic Hearth, all it takes is 3-4 drops of tea tree oil mixed with aloe vera gel. Once you make a paste in a bowl, apply it to your face as a mask while you sleep. When you wake up, wash your face to remove any remnants of the mask.

A DIY Acne Solution

It’s a no-brainer that when combining two ingredients known for fighting acne, the results are magnified. Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply the solution to the acne-infected areas, and let it do its magic for the next few hours.

A Homemade Moisturizer

Got oily skin? With this homemade moisturizer infused with tea tree oil and aloe vera, the answer will soon be ‘no’. While moisturizing oily skin may seem pointless, it’s important to use a moisturizer that won’t clog up your pores after you use a cleanser. A homemade moisturizer will also save you some money!

According to The Curious Millennial, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 7-8 drops of (you guessed it) tea tree oil. Mix the ingredients in a dry bowl or jar. Next, comes application. Grab a small amount of the moisturizer and thoroughly rub it into your skin,. Then, simply let the absorbed moisturizer do the hydrating for you!

Final thoughts on Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera

In conclusion, aside from improving your skin health, tea tree oil and aloe vera can be used to treat conditions that occur in other parts of the body. They’re both generally inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores and pharmacies.

What are your thoughts and experiences with tea tree oil and aloe vera gel? Do you enjoy the two ingredients? Have you ever used them together? Let us know in the comments!