You have probably heard about tea tree oil and its piercing healing properties. First, let’s understand what tea tree oil is and how it works. Many new and old piercers believe it to be working on initial piercings. It’s the tea tree’s natural oil, which is squeezed out of it. It’s both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, which means the oil works on zits and cuts. As we know, piercing is a wound, and it needs healing; applying it to the wound has mixed reactions. Some people find it working, but some complain about it.
So, it is totally up to the person’s anatomy.
Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Piercing Care?
The short answer is Maybe! There’s some hope in it due to the following healing aspects of tea tree oil.
It’s Antiseptic, but Use It Wisely
You obviously want your new piercing jewellery to heal faster. Tea tree oil can help keep bacteria away, which is a plus for healing piercings. But you should not ignore the catch here, which is its capacity to be super potent. It can cause irritation if used directly on your skin.
So, instead of applying it straight up, you should always dilute it with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Think of it like making a smoothie blend for the best results.
Reduces Inflammation
Your piercing should have inflammation during the initial few weeks of healing. Many believe tea tree oil has a calm-down effect on redness and swelling. This can be a game-changer if your piercing is feeling a bit angry. Just remember, less is more. A few drops diluted in a carrier oil should do the trick.
Shrink Bumps and Blemishes
If you have some papules or pustules, tea tree oil might help shrink them down so your piercing looks fresh and all-healed.
Prevent Keloids and Scarring
Nobody wants those annoying scars. Tea tree oil might help keep keloids and other scar tissue from crashing the party.
Prevention is Key
Using diluted tea tree oil on a healing piercing might help keep infections at bay, but don’t think of it as some kind of magic potion. You still have to stick to a solid aftercare routine.
That means cleaning with saline solution, skipping the heavy makeup around your piercing, and keeping your hands off as much as you can.
What Piercings Can Tea Tree Oil Be Used For?
So, you’re probably wondering, “Can I use tea tree oil on my piercings?” The answer is yes.
- Earlobe Piercings: These classic piercings are a great starting point for using tea tree oil, especially if you’re dealing with any redness or irritation.
- Cartilage Piercings: If you’ve got stacked ear piercings, tea tree oil can help calm inflammation and prevent any bacterial party crashers.
- Nose Piercings: Tea tree oil can be handy for nostril and septum piercings. Just make sure it’s diluted well before applying.
- Lip Piercings: Whether it’s a labret or a Monroe, a little tea tree oil can help keep things clean and reduce swelling.
- Eyebrow Piercings: If you’re rocking an eyebrow piercing jewellery, tea tree oil can be your ally in soothing any irritation.
- Body Piercings: For places like navel or surface piercings, just remember to dilute the oil and test it out first to see how your skin reacts.
When to Avoid Tea Tree Oil
While it shows many perks, tea tree oil still has some cons to consider. You should totally skip using it if you encounter these problems:
Allergies and Sensitivities
Stay away from applying it on sensitive skin or any area that’s likely to have allergies. Tea tree oil might cause a reaction and unwanted complications. You can do a patch test and apply it on a smaller section of your skin and see if it suits your skin type. It’s safe to practise the patch test before applying it directly to your newly pierced area.
Healing Time Matters
Better avoid it if your piercing is still in the healing process and you notice some irritation which is uncomfortable. Your skin might be telling you it’s not the right fit.
Best Practices for Using Tea Tree Oil on Piercings
Dilute it: Tea tree oil works best when you dilute it. It’s only for piercings, so you might avoid any risk of its reaction to the skin. A good ratio is usually 1 part tea tree oil with 3 parts of any carrier oil like coconut or what suits you.
Patch Test: This test makes you more secure and it works really easy. All you need to do is apply oil to your skin to see if it reacts or not. Patch tests are good when you wait for a few hours.
Be Aware: Do not overdo it or pour it from the bottle. It can spill. Instead, try giving a shot to a cotton swab. Just a little dab and you will be all set.