Get glowing this summer! 3 Oils to get excited about [Part 1]

by Alna Jordaan November 02, 2018

Our new oil range is out and we just need to tell you a little bit more about it.

We want to offer you a versatile oil that you can use for your hair and skin, which is also very beneficial and will make you love oils as much as we do.

Choosing the oils were difficult, because there are so many great ones out there, but here are our top picks to start with: Baobab oil, Shea butter and Jojoba oil.

This will be a three part series with some neat facts and uses for these oils.

Part 1:

Baobab Oil

A golden yellow oil with a subtle nutty aroma. This oil is not a new discovery, but has long been known by the local communities as a moisturising oil. It is applied directly on the skin, hair and scalp.

It contains almost equal quantities of oleic, palmitic and linoleic acid.

Based on this fatty acid profile, baobab oil possesses hydrating, moisturising and occlusive properties when topically applied to skin. This occlusive skin barrier helps to lock in moisture and to protect your skin.

Linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in the treatment of acne. It also aids in water retention.

It is a natural emollient, which means it will help your skin feel more comfortable and less itchy. On top of that, it also promotes wound healing and contains anti-oxidants which will help prevent damage to skin caused by free radicals.

It is a non-irritating oil and can be used on all skin types.

8 Uses for Baobab oil

1. Daily moisturiser- for all skin types

Baobab oil contains oleic fatty acid which is a great moisturiser. Baobab oil is an excellent oil to improve skin barrier function by preventing water loss.

Apply a small amount to a clean, damp face. You can also add a few drops to a moisturising lotion to increase its effectiveness.

2. Skin cleanser and makeup-remover

Use the oil cleanse method to remove make up and impurities from your skin.

Use a small amount of oil on a cotton ball to remove make up and dirt. Rinse off with water.

3. Chapped lip

Baobab oil will help to heal chapped lips and to form a barrier on the lips to protect against the elements.

Apply a tiny amount to your lips and massage in.

4. Hair mask- dry, frizzy hair

Baobab oil helps to protect hair and combat damage due to sun, pollution and wind. This is thanks to the occlusive layer that it forms on the hair to protect it against the outside elements.

Heat the baobab oil gently. Apply to your scalp and massage in. Cover with a shower cap for 20 minutes to 1 hour (you can keep it in longer) and then wash your hair as usual.

You can also apply a small amount of oil to the ends of wet or dry hair. Start off with less and add more if needed.

5. Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatosis, Sunburn

Baobab oil is a lipid rich occlusive product that has the ability to penetrate into the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin, with benefits of restoring the integrity of the skin membrane. It aids in the healing process of dermatosis and sunburn.

An excerpt from the National Eczema Society:

“One of the most important elements in managing all types of eczema is to keep the skin soft and supple by frequent and generous use of emollients”

To manage dry flaky eczema, one has to keep the skin soft and supple by the frequent use of emollients. Baobab oil helps to hydrate skin and alleviate itchiness. Baobab is an excellent oil for prevention of skin dryness.

Apply regularly on affected areas. (Note that this application is not recommended on skin with wet or weeping eczema.)

6. Scar healing

Baobab oil contains linoleic acid. A deficiency in linoleic acid can lead to poor wound healing. Linoleic assists to restore the skin barrier and to retain moisture.

Some people believe that Baobab oil can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, although there is no scientific evidence to back this up.

Apply regularly on scars to assist with the healing of the scars.

7. Cuticle care

Baobab oil helps keep skin moist and flexible. The astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities helps with healing of minor abrasions.

Heat the oil by rubbing some oil in your hands and massage into your nails and cuticles.

8. Anti Aging

Baobab oil is also rich in phytosterols. This is important for reducing the slowdown of collagen production as well as encouraging new collagen production (read more about that here). One of the contributing factors in the aging of the skin is the breakdown and loss of collagen, which is intensified by skin damage from sun exposure.

Apply regularly to clean skin. For face and body. Suitable for all ages.

References

Hi! I'm Alna, owner and CEO of The Honest Baobab