This Powerful Essential Oil Can Solve Your Skin, Nail, and Hair Problems

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Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help reduce acne and soothe irritated skin, says Melissa Quinones, an esthetician at Eternal Hair and Esthetics. It's noncomedogenic, too, meaning it's unlikely to clog your pores and cause additional problems.

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Use tea tree oil as an antiseptic to help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected, says Frieling.

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It may also shorten the duration of healing time, thanks to the proven boost in white-blood-cell activity.

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There is some evidence that the topical use of tea tree oil helps get rid of nail fungus. Participants in the study were tasked with applying the oil twice daily for six months, and researchers found that the topical therapy provided "improvement in nail appearance and symptomatology."

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Similarly, studies suggest a 50% tea-tree-oil solution significantly improves symptoms—redness, itching, peeling—of athlete's foot.

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In one study, researchers found that tea tree oil targeted inflammation, helping improve skin conditions like psoriasis.

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The same study suggests tea tree oil can reduce the severity of the red, itchy skin associated with eczema. In fact, it was more effective than standard medications like zinc oxide.

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Some people use tea tree oil as a natural deodorant since it has antibacterial properties that can help reduce odor-causing bacteria, says Frieling.

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There's evidence that tea tree oil may help prevent itchy bug bites. In one study, tea tree oil repelled mosquitos more effectively than deet.

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If you do get bitten, there's evidence that tea tree oil may quell any itchiness, redness, and swelling you experience.

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Participants who used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil noticed a 40% improvement in dry, itchy flakes commonly associated with dandruff, according to a study.

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In one study, tea tree oil was shown to kill both nymph and adult lice, plus reduce the number of lice eggs that hatch.