Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
By: Marty S.
Home remedies by: Sheetal Rawal
There are so many oils on the skin care market right now that it is hard to keep track of them all. But what makes jojoba oil special is that it is not an oil. Contrary to its namesake, jojoba oil is actually a wax produced from the seeds of the jojoba shrub; in the past, Native Americans and Mexicans used jojoba oil extensively, including in their hair care, medicine, and cooking. Given the benefits of jojoba oil to your health, it is easy to see why. Because jojoba oil is a wax, it is not as greasy as other oils, which makes it easier to apply to your skin. Jojoba oil is also anti-inflammatory, so it can be used to alleviate dry skin as well as heal a number of skin conditions like eczema and acne.
It may be difficult at first to pronounce it correctly (picture Santa Claus exclaiming, “Ho, Ho, Ba!”), but after you read our top reasons to use jojoba oil and the remedies to use it with, you will be convinced of its amazing merits and ready to use it for yourself.
1. Nourishes Dry Skin
Jojoba oil is a potent skin healer. Since jojoba oil is very similar to sebum, an oil that the human body produces, jojoba oil is natural for your skin. There are a lot of factors that
can contribute to a lack of moisture in your skin: dry environments, using products with harsh chemicals, et cetera. However, by using jojoba oil, you are able to deeply nourish your skin with essential omega fatty acids such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid, leaving your skin soft and supple in the process. Plus, jojoba oil locks in the moisture inside your skin cells so it is not necessary to use it multiple times throughout the day.
Ingredients
1 tsp. of sunflower oil
1 tbsp. of jojoba oil
Instructions
Mix ingredients together.
Dab mixture on and massage skin for 5 minutes.
Follow with your toner, serum, and lotion. Use daily.
2. Balances Oily Skin
Jojoba oil is not just for people with dry skin. Going back to the similarities between jojoba oil and sebum, when you are using jojoba oil, it is able to trick your body into thinking it has produced too much sebum. Thus, using jojoba oil on oily skin leaves very little grease while still giving the body the nutrients it needs. Even though it might seem like washing your face with water or with a regular cleanser can counteract oily skin, this process often dehydrates the skin and forces the body to overproduce sebum in order to stay nourished, which leads to greasy skin. Therefore, jojoba oil is a great choice if you have oily skin.
Ingredients
½ tsp. of grapeseed oil
1 tsp. of jojoba oil
Instructions
Mix ingredients together.
Apply and massage skin for 3 minutes.
Follow with your daily skin care routine. Use daily.
3. Clears Up Acne
Often when your skin is oily, acne starts to form. Too much sebum on your skin clogs your pores, and if bacteria are in your pores, they can grow and develop acne. However, jojoba oil can be used as a cleanser since the iodine in jojoba oil is an antiseptic. It penetrates deep into your pores and unclogs them, flushing out excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria inside. Plus, jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores and cause more acne if you use it. Cleaning your face with jojoba oil regularly gradually diminishes acne and reduces the frequency of acne breakouts.
Ingredients
1 tsp. of jojoba oil
4 drops of castor oil
Instructions
Mix ingredients and massage over acne-prone areas for 2 to 3 minutes.
Wipe with a wet towel and use your daily skin care routine.
Use 2 times a week.
“...I have been lucky enough to try out this Jojoba facial serum from Apsara, and this is the only product that has ever worked for my acne. I saw results within 3 to 4 days…”
4. Removes Makeup
While you are at it, you should use jojoba oil to wipe away makeup too because it will dissolve the makeup in your pores and it is hypoallergenic. If you put a few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton ball or cotton swab, it can remove foundation, eyeshadow, kohl, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, and other products, even waterproof ones. You do not need fancy wipes with chemicals when you have all-natural jojoba oil, and it will also save you some time. After that, you should follow with your daily skin care routine.
5. Soothes Skin Conditions Like Redness and Rosacea
Jojoba oil is an anti-inflammatory agent, meaning that it is superb against skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, sunburn, and psoriasis. Applying it to dry, itchy, or red
patches of skin will start to soothe the skin barrier and hydrate it. Over time, jojoba oil restores the skin to its natural color. Jojoba oil is also believed to have natural antifungal properties, so you can use it to fight infections caused by eczema or psoriasis.
Ingredients
1 tbsp. of jojoba oil
1 tbsp. of avocado paste
Instructions
Mix ingredients together and massage into skin for 5 minutes.
Leave on for 12 minutes. Wash with warm water and a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser because harsh cleansers can worsen rosacea, psoriasis, eczema.
Follow with your toner, serum, and lotion.
Use 2 times a week.
6. Contains Anti-Aging Antioxidants and Vitamins
In addition to containing fatty acids to moisturize the skin, jojoba oil has other nutrients that provide significant benefits. The copper, zinc, and selenium in jojoba oil contribute to healthy skin. Antioxidants like Vitamins E and B complex fight free radicals from doing damage to your cells and keep your skin youthful. Vitamin E - an essential antioxidant - reduces inflammation in your skin and smoothes out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, the Vitamin B complex improves your cells’ ability to heal themselves.
1 comment
Can you recommend a product to address dark circles around the eyes (due to sun exposure) and fine wrinkling? I am 48. Thank you.