Use of Tea Tree Oil for Sunburn (Medically Proven Healing)

Scorching sunlight can burn our skin easily if we are not careful enough. There are many ways to heal a sunburn faster. One of the best and scientifically proven ways is using tea tree oil.

Many of us wonder; Is tea tree oil good for sunburn?

Tea tree oil possesses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It miraculously reduces swelling and redness caused by sunburn. It is also proven to reduce pain and irritation.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Melaleuca tree, also called tea tree. It is known as nature’s all-in-one healing kit.

Let’s learn how to use tea tree oil on sunburn and its wonderful benefits.

Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Sunburn

Sunburn damages the skin cells. The body increases blood supply in the sunburned area to clear out dead cells and debris. This causes swelling and inflammation.

Tea tree oil improves the speed of healing. It soothes the skin, relieves pain, and reduces swelling due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Skin Infection Prevention

Sunburned skin is sensitive and prone to many infections. It can catch external bacteria easily and put the body at further risk.

Due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, tea tree oil protects the skin against such infections.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Sunburn

Dilute Tea Tree Oil Before Applying to Avoid Allergic Reaction

Never use tea tree oil in high concentration; Always dilute it in a carrier oil before use. Pure tea tree oil may cause severe allergic reactions or irritation.

Read the bottle and check the dilution percent of the oil. You should not use tea tree oil with more than 1% concentration directly on your skin.

For example, if the oil has a 2% concentration, you’ll have to mix it with an equal amount of carrier oil to make it 1%.

Carrier oils are used to “carry” essential oils. It simply means tea tree oil, a potent essential oil, is mixed in a non-potent oil like olive or coconut oil for safe application on the skin. Carrier oils are less likely to cause any allergies.

Apply a Small Amount on Skin to Test for Any Possible Allergic Reaction Before Full Usage

Perform a spot test before application. Put a small amount of diluted tea tree oil on the skin for a few hours and look for any discomfort, itching, irritation, or rash.

Do not ingest tea tree oil; only use it on the skin, as it can cause intestinal toxicity if swallowed.

You should use only a few drops of pure tea tree oil.

• Depending upon usage area, take 5-10 drops of pure tea tree oil and mix in a lighter oil to dilute it. You can use one part tea tree oil and ten parts coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil.
• Mix tea tree oil with shea or cocoa lotion for additional healing, moisturizing, and skin cell repair benefits.
• Mix it with aloe vera for additional anti-inflammatory, soothing, and cooling effects. This combination relieves pain and swelling faster.
• Mix it with lavender oil to promote faster healing, skin cell death prevention, and cell growth. Lavender oil has excellent antioxidant properties, which help skin cell damage reduction after sunburn.
• After the mixture is prepared, apply gently on the sunburned area.
• Use this method three times daily.

For some of the best alternative home remedies, read this article.

Tea Tree Oil for Sunburn Blisters

Blisters caused by sunburn can get infected easily, especially if popped. Tea tree oil prevents infection of the blisters. Tea tree oil also protects the area left open to the air after a blister is popped.

Caution: If the blisters are infected and puss filled, or there are multiple blisters, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Tea Tree Oil for Sunburn Face

Tea tree oil can also be used to heal sunburn on the face. On top of that, it helps fight acne and improves skin texture and glow.

One important thing to remember: don’t apply pure tea tree oil directly on the face. Mix it in a carrier oil, moisturizing lotion, or cream. It dilutes it and helps reduce the chances of allergic reactions.

You can read this article to heal sunburned face with green and black tea.

Tea Tree Oil Can not be Used as an Alternative to Sunscreen

Tea tree oil has healing properties that help reduce swelling caused by sunburn. However, it can not be used as sunscreen.

According to a study, it has an SPF value of less than 2, which is quite low and can not effectively stop the sun’s UV rays. Recommended SPF value is 30+, which is found in commercially made sunscreens.

Moreover, it increases sensitivity to sun rays which can even increase the chances of sunburn.

Products

Tea Tree Cream for Sunburn

Derma-E Tea Tree cream is one of the many great options for sunburn. It is made from:

• Tea tree leaf oil.
• Safflower seed oil.
• Vitamin E.
• Sweet almond oil.
• Sesame seed oil.
• Avocado oil.
• Aloe vera gel extract.

All these ingredients help recover skin and heal sunburn faster.

Tea Tree Lotion for Sunburn

Tea tree body moisturizing lotion is one of the best tea tree-containing products.

It is enriched with jojoba seed oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.

Conclusion

Tea tree oil helps heal sunburn, swelling, and redness. It reduces pain and soothes the skin. It helps cell repair and growth. It also prevents numerous infections from penetrating damaged and sensitive sunburned skin.

Tea tree oil should not be used directly on the skin in its pure form. It can lead to allergic reactions and irritation. Use it with lotions, creams, and other carrier oils.

It is not an alternative to sunscreen and should not be used before sun exposure.

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