Does Tea Tree Oil Help With Hirsutism Symptoms?
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils available. Many people are big fans of its uses, and many people have experienced its benefits. It is considered anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, so is used to treat acne, dermatitis, athlete’s foot, and more. With all its many uses, many women wonder if tea tree oil can be used to treat hirsutism symptoms as well.
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is also known as ti tree oil, or melaleuca oil. There are several varieties of melaleuca tree. Some are native to parts of Australia, while others can be grown in Egypt, Tunisia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the USA.
Tea tree oil has been used to treat a number of conditions for many years, but it became a commercial industry only after the 1920s, when its antiseptic properties were discovered. The oil is extracted from the leaves, using a steam distillation process.
Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is safe to use topically, with a few exceptions, such as avoid the mouth, eyes and ears, and it shouldn’t be used on deep, open wounds. It also shouldn’t be used undiluted.
Tea tree oil is widely available in different dilutions, such as neat oil, (100% tea tree oil), 50% diluted, 10% diluted, 5% diluted and more. If the oil is neat, it should be mixed with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, or cream before being used on the skin.
However, if you’ve never used a tea tree product before, it’s advisable to do a patch test first. Simple put a drop or two on your wrist or elbow, and leave it for five to ten minutes. If you have no reaction then it is probably safe for you to use.
There are some cases where the oil can be used on the skin with a minimal amount of dilution, or mixed with another oil.
Tea Tree Oil And Hirsutism
Hirsutism is the name given to a male pattern hair growth on a women. It can have other accompanying symptoms, such as acne, an enlarged clitoris, and a deepening voice. It can have an underlying cause, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), or Cushing’s Syndrome, or it may have no discernible underlying cause.
Hirustism is a result of the body having more ‘male’ hormones, known as androgens, than it actually needs. Testosterone is the most well known androgen, and is one of the hormones that is responsible for hair growth.
A 2012 study in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that tea tree may have anti-androgenic properties. The study had two group of women with mild idiopathic hirsutism. The first group used a spray containing tea tree and lavender oil twice a day on their skin for three months, while the second group used a placebo. After the three months, the first group showed significant reductions in the thickness of their facial hair, and a decrease of the total hirsutism score. Note that this study was very small and short, and more medical research and scientific evidence is needed to form a clear answer if tea tree oil is effective in hirsutism.
Tea Tree For Hair Removal
Tea tree oil can also be used for hair removal, as a skin care method after using another method of hair removal.
The skin can become irritated and red after many traditional methods of hair removal, and tea tree oil can be a good method of soothing and calming the skin. It can also help prevent infections, and inflammation.
There’s a wide range of commercial tea tree oil products that can be used after hair removal. The one you choose will depend on your skin type, the method of hair removal, and your own personal preferences.
1. Aloe Vera Gel With Tea Tree
Some commercially available aloe vera gels (This organic one is my favorite!) contain tea tree as well, but you can easily make your own at home. Mix one part tea tree oil to two parts aloe vera gel, or cream.
Tea tree and aloe vera can be very helpful for dealing with bumps on the skin after shaving. People with non sensitive skin can apply the tea tree oil neat, or minimally diluted by gently rubbing the skin with a cotton ball of tea tree. If you have sensitive skin, you can use an oil diluted in a carrier oil, gel or cream.
Razor bumps, and ingrown hairs can be painful, easily irritated, and can become infected. As tea tree is antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial. It can help to reduce the inflammation, soothe the redness, and ease any pain or discomfort.
2. Tea Tree Moisturizing Lotion
Tea tree moisturizers are very popular. They’re widely available, and are suitable for almost every skin type.
However, many women don’t want to change their moisturizers. It can take many years to find a moisturizer you like, so why would you want to switch?
You can add tea tree oil to your usual moisturizer or body lotion. Add approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil to your lotion, and use it as you normally do. As well as soothing the skin, the tea tree oil will help inhibit the growth of future hair.
3. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Moisturizing Spray
Especially during the summer month of the year or in hot climate, this spray is a game changer. It’s refreshing and leaves you with glowing skin, that feels cool and lush.
It’s great after hair removal, but really also a must-have for trips to the beach of pool or to simply keep in your handbag for when you’re out and about and need a little freshening up.
Does Tea Tree Oil Have Any Side Effects?
Tea tree oil can cause some skin irritation for some people, but it’s ok to use for most people. It’s not advisable to take tea tree oil orally, as this can have negative side effects including confusion, rash, inability to walk, and even coma.
If you have any other questions about tea tree oil, consult your doctor.
