Curious about the wonders of jojoba oil? If you’ve ever browsed the aisles for health and beauty essentials, chances are you’ve probably spotted jojoba oil products on the shelves. After all, it can be found in everything from skin moisturisers to shampoos and conditioners. You may already be aware that it’s great for keeping your skin looking naturally radiant. But what exactly is jojoba oil, and what makes it so beneficial? Let’s check out the science behind this wonderful natural product.
What is jojoba oil?
A shrub that’s native to the south-west United States and Mexico, jojoba is a plant with many uses. Jojoba flowers, for example, produce a fruit that looks similar to a nut. Traditionally, the fruits are either eaten or pressed to extract oil. However, jojoba oil mostly comes from the plant’s seeds, which are about 50% oil.
Despite its name, jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax. The jojoba oil composition includes wax, fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin E. This abundance of vitamin E is what has propelled its popularity in today’s skincare industry. However, the indigenous peoples of the Americas have long recognised the therapeutic benefits of jojoba plants in treating various skin conditions.
Why is jojoba oil good for the skin?
Every day, scientists are learning more about the jojoba oil properties and why it’s so good for human skin. Of course, it’s been used as a traditional medicine to treat conditions like psoriasis, acne and even sunburn. But now, the jojoba oil benefits for the skin can’t be understated. Let’s look at some of the science behind this awesome natural oil.
Jojoba oil mimics natural skin oils
Sebum, a natural oil produced by our skin, serves the crucial role of keeping our skin moisturised. Interestingly, jojoba oil shares a striking chemical similarity with human skin sebum. This similarity explains why jojoba oil is exceptionally effective for moisturising purposes.
If you have dry or oily skin, you can use jojoba oil to stay moisturised without the risk of clogging up your pores or making conditions like acne worse. Essentially, our body recognises the wax esters in jojoba oil as similar to our own skin sebum, allowing it to penetrate the skin.
Relief for eczema and psoriasis
While eczema and psoriasis are two different conditions, both affect the skin in a similar way. Generally, an overactive immune system causes people to experience these conditions, and the end result is often dry, flaky skin. Your skin can become inflamed, causing itchiness and discomfort.
Because jojoba oil has hydrating properties, it can help to remove flaky, dry skin and replace it with a more hydrated, healthier layer. It also contains wax, which can soothe the pain associated with these skin conditions. The wax acts as an anti-inflammatory, which aids in the healing process.
High in nutrients
One of the best jojoba oil properties is that it’s high in nutrients. Most importantly, it has a high level of vitamin E, and includes vitamins A, B and D. It also includes Omega 6 and 9, fatty acids that help to hydrate, moisturise and protect your skin.
All of these different vitamins, minerals and omegas play a different role, but they are all crucial for skin health. For example, vitamin E helps reduce UV damage to your skin, while vitamin A can boost collagen production and reduce fine wrinkles.
So, can jojoba oil work for your skin?
As we’ve learned, jojoba oil is a natural product with many, many uses. It is excellent for moisturising without the risk of clogging pores. This is so important, especially for those who suffer from naturally dry or oily skin. The ability to moisturise, hydrate and restore your skin’s healthy barriers while being easy on conditions like acne and psoriasis makes jojoba oil a great choice for keeping your skin glowing, natural and healthy.
