Golden Jojoba Oil - 50ml

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.

How is jojoba oil different?
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 Use
Back in the early 1970's, 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, shampoo and conditioners. The 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 prior to shaving cream to give an extremely smooth shave and leave the skin feeling soft and supple.

Medicinal Use
Because jojoba oil can so closely replace our body's own 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. For more information, please see our Hair Disorders and Hair Loss articles. Application to lips overnight and to sunburns can soothe chapped and irritated skin, and help to speed healing.

Dry SkinThe skin is the largest organ in the body. Its function is to act as a barrier to the external environment, allow the exchange of water and to modify vitamins. Dry skin can be simple or complex.

Simple dry skin occurs when the skin is deficient in natural oils and fails to hold water in skin cells. Oil normally lubricates the skin and acts as a barrier to avoid excessive evaporation of water from the upper layers of the dermis.

Simple dry skin usually occurs in women under the age of 35. Complex dry skin lacks both oil and moisture. The protein components of the skin may be damaged from prolonged UV exposure. Complex dry skin tends to develop brown spots, fine lines and enlarged pores. Complex dry skin usually affects older adults and is associated with aging.

Dry skin appears dull, scaly, flaky, chapped or cracked, and develops fine lines and wrinkles more readily than healthy skin. It may feel tight after washing and be relieved when moisturizer is applied. It most commonly occurs on areas of the body that are exposed to the elements. It can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, environmental factors (like dry heat, sun or wind), chemical use, cosmetics, excessive bathing and harsh soaps.

To fight dry skin topically, avoid chlorinated tap water for drinking and bathing. Stay out of the sun. Use gloves while handling any substance that irritates the skin. Avoid perfumes and colourings in laundry and personal hygiene products. Use glycerin and natural soaps to wash your body, face and hair. Take oatmeal baths to relieve itching.

Calendula or vitamin E cream or ointment or aloe vera gel can be used to nourish the skin. Steam the skin with herbs such as chamomile, lavender or peppermint.

Dietary change is important for nourishing the skin. Water. Water. Water. Eat foods high in zinc such as whole grains, sunflower seeds and raw nuts.

Eat lots of fruit, especially mango and apricot, for its water content and alpha-hydroxy acids. Sulphur rich foods like garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, provide raw material for building skin proteins.

Essential fatty acids are a source of the good fats for the skin. Use cold pressed oils like flax, olive, sunflower and safflower. Avoid hydrogenated fats, fried foods, soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, junk foods, cigarettes and alcohol. Ask your health professional if the recommendation medication you are taking is contributing to your dry skin.