Jojoba oil is extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. It looks very similar to coffee beans. Jojoba oil is acquired from an evergreen plant that has a uniquely long-chain fatty acid. The skin oil is made of short and long-chain fatty acids. Jojoba oil has a wide range of fatty acids that work together to maintain moisture in the skin. It has many healing properties and can be used as a carrier oil, to which other essential oils can be added, as it is very light on the skin. It can be directly applied to the skin as well, as jojoba oil is very soothing and has healing properties.
What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is produced from jojoba plant seed; it is a woody grey-green shrub that is found in Mexico, Southwestern US, Egypt, Argentina, Australia and Baja California. The plant grows in warm and dry climates and can also survive harsh desert climates that most plants cannot survive.
The jojoba nut, which is used to produce the oil, is acquired from the jojoba fruit. The plant produces a flower, which then transforms into a fruit. The jojoba fruit is green in colour and, when ripened, turns brown. It almost looks like a coffee bean, giving it many names like coffee nut, coffee berry, oat nut, deer nut, goat nut, pig nut, etc,
Jojoba oil is extracted from the Jojoba seed. Half of the seed consists of oil, so it's relatively easier to extract. The oil is extracted using a cold press or chemicals. The oil is light yellow in colour and is filled with antioxidants, so it doesn't get spoiled easily. Jojoba oil is mostly wax, so scientists describe it as wax rather than oil.
79% of Jojoba oil is made of vitamin E, and the rest is alcohol, sterols, free fatty acids, jojoba wax, antioxidants, and fat-soluble vitamins.
Jojoba oil is very similar to skin sebum, which is a natural oil to keep your skin moisturized. Because of this, jojoba oil has many healing properties and is amazing for hair and skin health. Many individuals use this for a number of skin-related issues like acne, dry skin, psoriasis, eczema and many others.
Health Benefits of Jojoba Oil
- Jojoba oil is good for acne and psoriasis, and it is said that native Americans use it to treat sores. Since jojoba oil is alike sebum, it helps in curing blackheads and whiteheads.
- Jojoba oil consists of vitamin E and antioxidants, which makes it easier and faster to heal wounds and prevent scars.
- As jojoba oil has antibacterial properties, it prevents the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections.
- Jojoba oil can help with eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, which causes skin inflammation. It can dissolve skin flakes and scales and promote the regrowth of healthy skin.
- Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic; that is, it doesn't clog pores.
- Jojoba oil helps reduce the inflammation and pain caused by sunburn. Vitamin E, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory aspects present in jojoba oil are responsible for this.
- Jojoba oil promotes skin elasticity as the antioxidant in it is used to treat wrinkles and fine lines.
- Jojoba oil retains moisture in the skin, including the scalp. Hence, jojoba oil can be used to prevent dandruff and flaky scalp.
- Jojoba oil can be used as a leave-in hair conditioner as it protects the hair from damage and prevents hair breakage. It also softens and protects the hair.
How to use Jojoba Oil?
- Jojoba oil can be used at full strength and as carrier oil.
- It can be used as a night time skin regimen as it can be left on the face at night.
- Jojoba oil can also be used as a leave-in hair conditioner.
- It can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create a mask for acne and dryness.
- Jojoba oil can also be used as a cuticle oil.
- It can be used as a natural cleanser, moisturizer and acne remover.
- Jojoba oil can be used as a make-up remover as well.
Risks of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil must never be ingested and should be kept away from the eyes. Ingesting jojoba oil by mistake might cause diarrhoea and the appearance of fat in the stool. It is generally not allergic to most people. However, it is better to do a patch test as we do for any new product that we want to use on our skin. People allergic to jojoba oil might experience rashes, hives, redness, eye irritation and, in the worst cases, closing of the airway. You are advised to visit the doctor immediately in such scenarios.
Summary
Jojoba oil has several skin and hair benefits. It is very versatile and can be used as a carrier oil and also as a skin oil in itself. It has many healing properties for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer and even make-up remover. Very few people may be allergic to jojoba oil, and in that case, they will need to stop using the oil immediately.
