Many of us know the awkward feeling of noticing white dandruff flakes on your shirt. But don’t worry — you’re not alone! According to experts at Healthline, dandruff is a form of dermatitis caused by fungal infections, particularly a fungus called Malassezia naturally found on the scalp. It causes the scalp to feel itchy and dry, sometimes with visible flakes falling off the skin. Because tea tree oil has antifungal properties, it can help combat dandruff. In fact, a clinical study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that when participants used 5% tea tree oil shampoo daily over four weeks, they experienced a 41% reduction in dandruff.
If you struggle with more serious irritation like psoriasis, tea tree oil may also help. Though more clinical research is needed, the National Psoriasis Foundation does recommend the oil as a natural remedy. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the redness and soothe the irritation that comes with these skin conditions.
