Jojoba oil is very close in structure to our natural skin oil (sebum) and makes a great natural moisturizer and cleanser
Jojoba Oil - Versatile and Natural Skin Care
Updated Apr. 17th, 2024 | What You Will Learn:
- The Advantages of Simmondsia Chinensis Oil
- Cosmetic Uses For Jojoba Oil
- Medicinal Uses of Jojoba Oil
The jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis) is naturally found in the Southern United States and Mexico. The seeds of this plant contain nearly 50% oil by weight. This extracted oil is technically a wax ester, making it extremely similar to the oil normally produced by our skin (sebum). Since jojoba oil mimics our body’s own naturally occurring oils, it is excellent at nourishing dry skin.
The Advantages of Simmondsia Chinensis Oil
Unlike most vegetable oils, jojoba is technically a wax ester and does not contain triglycerides. Because of this, it is more shelf-stable than safflower, canola, and almond oils. It is also more easily absorbed and used by our skin than other oils because of its similarity to sebum.
Cosmetic Uses For Jojoba Oil
Back in the early 1970s, jojoba oil was initially brought into the spotlight because of the removal of whale oil from the market due to whaling bans. Jojoba became the most common replacement for whale oil in cosmetics at that time. Jojoba is now commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners. Pure oil can also be purchased as a moisturizing product for many different parts of the body. It can also be used as a natural makeup remover, facial cleanser, moisturizer, cuticle oil, and lip balm. If massaged into the hair and then washed out 15-30 minutes later, jojoba oil can also act as a deep conditioner for the hair. Jojoba is also commonly used as a shaving lotion that is applied before shaving cream to give an extremely smooth shave and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.
Medicinal Uses of Jojoba Oil
Because jojoba oil can so closely replace our body’s natural sebum production, it functions as an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. It is also able to dissolve oil-based grime on the face and in the pores. It can be applied to the skin and wiped away to cleanse the face naturally while also providing moisture. This is often beneficial in cases of acne and Dermatitis, particularly on the face. It can help to unclog hair follicles, which can help to prevent folliculitis, some pimples, and even some cases of hair loss. Application to lips overnight and to sunburns can soothe chapped and irritated skin, and help to speed healing.
