Jojoba oil—an essential natural skincare product
Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is a semi-liquid, oil-like wax obtained from the seeds of the shrub simmondsia chinensis. It has excellent emollient properties which is suitable for dry skin, psoriasis, acne and sunburn. Unlike many moisturisers on the market, jojoba oil is 100% natural and can even be used to promote hair growth and repair.
The jojoba plant
Jojoba is a small, hardy shrub that is native to Arizona, southern California and Mexico. The jojoba seeds were traditionally used by Native Americans for a variety of purposes such as haircare, to reduce bruising and sunburn, and even drunk as a tea. Even though many companies refer to jojoba products as an oil its technically a polyunsaturated wax. As a wax, jojoba has advanced soothing and moisturising properties. At room temperature, jojoba oil is liquid and has a long shelf life because it doesn’t readily become rancid.
Nutrients in jojoba oil
Jojoba contains many nutrients which benefit the skin including:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B complex
- Iodine
- Silica
- Chromium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Fatty acids
Research has found that alpha, delta and gamma tocopherols are found in jojoba. These are all forms of vitamin E that provide the skin with antioxidant properties to prevent ageing and to promote healing.
How to use Jojoba oil
When shopping for a jojoba product make sure it’s organic and doesn’t contain any unnecessary ingredients which can irritate the skin. There are many ways in which you can use 100% pure jojoba oil to replace many cosmetics you may currently use.
An exfoliator
Some natural exfoliating products contain jojoba beads to gently remove dead skin cells. This promotes the skins natural skin renewal process for glowing skin.
Moisturiser
Jojoba oil is an effective moisturiser when used on its own. It provides long-lasting hydration and protection to the skin. Simply apply 4-6 drops to the face twice daily after cleansing. You could also apply a small amount to anywhere on the body for extra skin support.
Cleanser
An effective cleanser, jojoba oil can be used instead of commercial cleansing products. It is efficient at removing daily grime and make-up without drying out the skin and causing irritation. Simply add a small amount to a facial cloth or cotton pad and gently wipe the facial area.
Problem skin
You can use jojoba oil in a more concentrated way to target areas of the skin that require more attention. This could include wrinkles, dry patches of skin, redness, dandruff, eczema, chaffing and dry lips. Apply a light layer to the skin as often as required.
Scalp & hair health
If your hair is dry and damaged, you can use jojoba oil to help restore it back to health. Jojoba oil is deeply moisturising to prevent promote hair growth and repair. After shampooing, towel dry hair and apply 4 drops of jojoba oil to the hair and leave in. It can also be used as a hair mask by massaging in a teaspoon of oil and leaving in for a few hours or overnight. If you experience skin irritation or a flaky scalp, massage in a few drops of jojoba oil.
Carrier oil
Add your favourite essential oils to jojoba oil and apply as a natural perfume or massage oil.
The benefits of jojoba oil
Moisturising
To naturally hydrate the skin the sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. When the skin is dry and dehydrated this process can become impaired. The chemical structure of the liquid wax esters contained in jojoba oil are remarkably similar to that of human sebum. When applied topically jojoba produces an oily layer on the skin to trap moisture and prevent its loss from the skin. This makes jojoba oil an ideal moisturiser for all skin types, but especially those with altered skin barriers such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, dermatitis and acne.
Contrary to popular belief, jojoba oil doesn’t clog the skin like other plant oils. Instead it has more of an oil-balancing effect. In fact, a 2012 study found that jojoba oil reduced acne lesions and improved overall skin quality in 194 participants. The participants applied clay masks with jojoba oil to their faces two to three times per week and reported a significant improvement after six weeks of using jojoba oil.
Anti-ageing & wound healing
In addition to its ultra-hydrating properties, jojoba oil is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This makes jojoba effective for skin infections, skin ageing and wound healing.
Traditionally, the jojoba seeds were ground up and applied to skin infections and wounds to accelerate their closure. This traditional use has recently been backed up by more recent research.
One study found that jojoba liquid wax stimulated the production of keratinocytes and fibroblasts which notably accelerated wound closure and collagen synthesis.
Many of the nutrients contained in jojoba oil assist in its ability to retain moisture, heal the skin and fight infection. Iodine is a natural antibacterial to fight infections on the skin and prevent break outs. B vitamins, vitamin E and zinc help to lock in moisture and reduce free radical damage. Silica is an important mineral for connective tissue and collagen production.
Possible side effects
Even though traditionally the seeds were ingested to ward off hunger or promote other aspects of health, jojoba oil is not recommended for internal use. This is because it is high in a substance called erucic acid which can cause heart damage and other serious side effects. When applied externally, jojoba oil is safe for most people, even women who are pregnant and breast feeding. In rare instances jojoba oil may cause a rash and allergic reactions.
References
- El-Mallah MH, El-Shami SM. Investigation of liquid wax components of Egyptian jojoba seeds. J Oleo Sci. 2009;58(11):543-8
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19844068
- Lin TK, et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 27;19(1)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29280987
- Meier L, et al. Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Forsch Komplementmed. 2012;19(2):75-9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22585103
- Habashy RR, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of jojoba liquid wax in experimental models. Pharmacol Res. 2005 Feb;51(2):95-105
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15629254
- Ranzato E, et al. Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: an in vitro study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24;134(2):443-9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21211559
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.