Use jojoba oil for acne and more

With its origin from a wild beanlike seed of a plant that grows wild in the deserts of Mexico, Southern Arizona, and Southern California, Jojoba oil is a natural product with lots of benefits .It is highly valued than most over-the-counter products and also in high demand for many purposes ranging from industrial, pharmaceutical and even medical uses.

What is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba Oil is extracted from a bean-like seed of the jojoba plant ( 1 ) that is commonly found in the wild deserts of Mexico. Currently, the jojoba plant is grown as a commercial plant in Israel and North America. However, before the first commercial sale of Jojoba oil, there is evidence that this plant was used by Native Indians to treat wounds and several other ailments.
When extracted from the seed of the plant Simmondsia chinensi, the oil is produced in a liquid wax form which gives it a distinctive look. Research ( 2), has shown that jojoba oil has a unique feature of being unstable as it contains lot of triglycerides which explains why they become rancid quickly. Regardless of this feature, they have been found to be useful in several quarters. Below are some of benefits of using jojoba oil.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil

Serves as a natural skin moisturizer

Jojoba oil’s texture is very similar to sebum. Sebum is an oily matter which is secreted by the sebaceous gland to keep the skin oily and healthy. A reduction in sebum means itchy hair and dry skin. Jojoba oil moisturizes the skin, by ensuring steady supply of sebum which makes the skin looks supple and hydrated at all times. Studies show that jojoba oil contains ceramides and also form a protective covering over the skin that prevents excessive loss of water from the skin even at high temperatures. They are known to minimize the effects of skin irritations due to allergies or reactions and are safe ( 3 ) to apply to any part of the body. It is also known to encourage the production of collagen which is very vital for a healthy skin.

Prevents Razor Burn

The waxy texture of jojoba oil makes it suitable for use as an aftershave. Since it contains no additives, unlike other shaving creams, this 100% natural oil enhances the health of the skin, as it eliminates and hastens the healing razor cuts or burns without side effects.

Enhances the features of the hair

Jojoba oil is used as an ingredient in making products like hair shampoos and conditioners (4). This is because this oil contains lots of hair friendly nutrients, it also enhances the hair textures, replenishes the hair sebum, eliminates frizz, softens the hair, and makes the hair look radiant. It has been found (5) to alleviate scalp irritations caused by the use of synthetic hair products which contain lots of harsh chemicals. Furthermore, it also minimizes the risk of baldness, as it ensures that the follicles are also free from any form of blockages due to excessive secretions. Massaging the scalp with this natural oil ensures an even flow of blood to the scalp as well as proper nourishment.

Removes wrinkles and prevents premature aging

Due to its high vitamin E content, jojoba oil minimizes the effects of damages caused by free radicals. It enhances the elasticity of the skin, strengthens the capillary walls, soothes fine lines, wrinkles, slows down signs of aging and enables the body maintain its youthful look. These features have been proven in research (6) that elucidated the anti-aging abilities of jojoba oil.

Hastens the healing process of wounds and sunburns

Jojoba is packed with Vitamin B and helps activate and speed up the body metabolism as well as the skin’s ability to heal. Through this means the new cells formed by the body attains maturity quickly and provides the needed shield. Studies (7) carried out in the Department of Environment and Life sciences in Italy proves the accelerating effects , jojoba oil has on the healing process of the wound and the vital role it plays in collagen synthesis. In addition to this, due to the high concentration of vitamin E, it minimizes the effects of sun's ultraviolet radiation on the skin especially on a sensitive skin.

Effective against skin infections

Jojoba oil has antimicrobial properties , due to its high iodine content , hence it is effective against skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi such as eczema, psoriasis, as well as any form of infection or skin irritants on the skin that could lead to itchiness giving room for entrance of disease causing microorganisms.

In a 2005 study ( 8 ), jojoba oil was proved to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can get rid of warts, treat toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.

Effective against chapped lips

Most times to prevent chapped lips, cosmetic products that have petroleum jelly as the main ingredient are used, these products are sometimes expensive and could contain lots of extraneous substances. Jojoba oil present a suitable and more effective alternative against chapped lips and mouth ulcers due to its waxy nature. You can use it as a natural balm or blend it with other products like bees wax to keep your lips well hydrated and protected. (9)

In addition to the above listed benefits, jojoba oil is known to be an effective make-up remover and also presents lots of other benefits. If you really value the health of your skin and hair, this natural product is a must have for you and you can be sure to get the best from it as you use it.

References

1. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(82)80372-1/abstract
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02678804
3. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10915819209141992
4. http://research.omicsgroup.org/index.php/Jojoba_oil
5. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/alopecia
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21211559
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7633944
8. http://www.livestrong.com/article/87154-jojoba-oil-benefits/
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/9027603_Plants_Used_in_Cosmetics