Monday, April 19, 2010

I love Jojoba Oil...



Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree What’s interesting about it is that it isn’t actually an oil, but rather what they call a wax ester. Why do we care? Because out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. The bottom line is that jojoba oil is non-comedogenic so we can use it without fear. My skin is extremely oily and using this on my face at night has made a big difference. I stopped my nightly skin care regimen and just washed my face and put a thin layer of Jojoba oil on my face and neck. I noticed less oily shine during the day, my skin was hydrated and I experienced fewer break outs! 
Pros:
Provides all day moisturization – jojoba oil doesn’t evaporate like water based moisturizers can. It is theorized, but not yet proven, that because jojoba oil is so similar to human skin oil, it can "trick" the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil and thus balance oil production. Very stable – jojoba oil does not become rancid or lose antioxidants even after long periods of storage. It spreads well and absorbs well.
The organic variety is free of pesticides, GMOs (genetically modified organism), and is sustainably farmed. It's great for the face, body and hair. (you can use it as a treatment for dry scalp) 
Cons: 
Can be somewhat expensive, especially when organic. 
At high amounts--over 10 drops--it can lend a shine to the skin. You may want to be conservative with it during the day (6 drops at a time). Conservative usage should actually balance oil production and reduce shine. At night before bed, feel free to go for it!

1 comment:

  1. Jojoba oil is also the oil that is considered to be most like natural hair oil or sebum that’s produced by the sebaceous glands.

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