Our next DIY Face Mask formula is a combination of Coconut oil and Tea Tree Oil both of which have tremendous benefits for our skin, our hair, our health.  Why Tea Tree Oil?  There are so many reasons to mention.  But first what is Tea Tree Oil? 

Long before it was used in the beauty industry, Tea Tree Oil was used medicinally as a form of antiseptic. This multi-use oil is found in a tree native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia, and has been used as a resource for thousands of years. People have used it for centuries as a treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, irritated skin, acne and so much more.  

Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help reduce redness and swelling.  It may even help to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.  I’ve never really had acne (thank god!!) but as someone who’s suffered with eczema my entire life, I can attest to its healing properties. 

As a child, I was covered with eczema patches from head to toe. Anywhere my body had contact with plastic, my skin would immediately get irritated and flare up.  Of course, I was not and still not very disciplined when it came to keeping my hands from scratching every inflamed area.  I would literally scratch until my skin either bled or was oozing with puss (VERY GROSS!).  I literally had to put a tissue over my nose and over my ears if I wore my glasses because failure to do so would result in a fresh eczema patch on my face.  That was quite a sight I’m sure!  My mom would apply her mixture of a lotion and tea tree oil all over my raw skin.  Although I was not a fan if the smell of tea tree oil, it really helped ease the symptoms and severity of my eczema flare ups.    

I’ve been using Tea Tree Oil in my own skin care products since then.  When I began researching ingredients for my organic skin care products, I was surprised to read that Tea Tree Oil was great for hair too!  Researchers have called Tea Tree Oil nature’s moisturizer.  It helps overcome dehydrated skin and dry hair. It helps moisturizes and soothes the scalp, reduce itchiness making it less prone to flaking or dandruff.  Tea Tree oil helps to unclog hair follicles and gives your roots a boost of vitamins that help your hair grow longer and thicker. 

I love that Tea Tree Oil can be used in so many ways and this mask recipe is so simple yet effective!  You can use it on your face or in your hair.   

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fair trade organic coconut oil
• 2-3 drops organic tea tree oil

Direction

• Add the coconut oil to a bowl and melt
• Add the tea tree oil to the coconut and mix well
• Apply a dime size amount of the mixture to your face and rub in a circular motion over your face and neck
• To use as a hair mask, apply to the scalp and massage to the roots and leave on for 15 - 30 minutes (or overnight - it wont hurt) then wash out with a sulfate free shampoo