We are continuing on with our  “Which Soap is Best?” series looking into the various properties and potential benefits of the essential oils used in our soaps to help you make the best decision!

Today’s highlight is Tea Tree essential oil!

Tea Tree oil has been touted as mother nature’s cure-all! While it may not quite be a cure-all,  tea tree certainly has its uses! It’s known to be a strong anti-bacterial oil. One study even showed it to be effective at killing MRSA! Tea Tree oil is an antiviral and anti-fungal oil and has been used successfully to treat nail fungus and athletes foot.

Tea Tree oil is an anti-inflammatory and pain killer as well. Many people find it to be an effective treatment for arthritis and joint pain.

deodorant

My personal interest in tea tree oil came from its reputation with acne. As someone with excessively oily skin and a long history with acne I was especially interested in tea tree oil! The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action of this oil pack a punch on acne prone skin.  One of the things I was surprised to learn is that tea tree oil can actually help remove excess oil from the skin. Who’d have thought that treating oil with oil would work? I’m here to say it’s made a huge difference for me, so much so that I cannot imagine facing the summer heat without it! Tea tree oil has also been shown to help minimize the appearance of scars and help wounds heal faster-another ability that will endear it to anyone suffering from acne!

Sounds like a win for everyone right? Well, tea tree oil has its drawbacks too. If you are prone to dry skin, tea tree isn’t your best bet. Remember that oil stripping action? It’s great for acne… not so much for already dry skin. It’s also used to treat eczema with success, but isn’t the best choice if you have extra-sensitive skin-lavender or unscented might be a better bet.

Free Reign Farm products containing Tea Tree:

Clean-Zit Goat Milk Soap is a power-packed Tea Tree and Activated charcoal soap for oily skin types.

Earth and Sky Goat Milk Soap is my go-to acne soap, summer face soap, and is good for oily skin types, or those prone to fungal problems.

Pick-Your-Scent Lotion comes in tea tree and employs a variety of the oil’s uses including the anti-inflammatory property that can benefit skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Tail Off Lotion combines tea tree oil with several others for its pain killing,  and anti-inflammatory action.

Pitt Stop Deodorant employs tea tree oil’s powerful anti-bacterial properties and fresh scent to kill off stink-causing bacteria!

 

DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to cure, treat, or diagnose any illness or disease.