Jojoba oil, made from the seed of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia Chinensis, has a number of natural properties that make it ideal for the skin. This plant is native to North America, with the United States being the number one producer of the world’s jojoba oil. However, it’s now grown all over the world because it thrives in bleak desert climates. Here’s why you’ll want this oil in your skincare routine.
1. It moisturizes and hydrates
The list of products with jojoba oil ranges from shampoos and conditioners to lotions and creams. It makes an appearance in so many products primarily for its moisturizing and hydrating properties.
At the molecular level, jojoba oil is actually a wax. When applied to the skin, it creates a lightweight seal that helps maintain the body’s natural moisture. That same seal brings its own hydration too. Because it’s a wax, jojoba oil lasts longer on the skin, which means less application to keep the skin moisturized.
2. It can kill some bacteria and fungi
Jojoba has some antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can’t kill ALL bacteria or fungi, but anything that helps keep the microbe count down is a plus.
3. It’s non-comedogenic
Jojoba oil is incredibly gentle. So gentle that your skin thinks jojoba oil is sebum, the oil naturally made by the body to hydrate the skin. The similarities between your natural oil and jojoba oil help prevent jojoba from clogging pores and causing breakouts.
4. It’s packed with antioxidants
Jojoba oil naturally contains antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants help counteract the daily damage of free radicals. You can get them through your diet by eating colorful fruits and vegetables and by applying antioxidant-rich products to your skin.
Keep in mind that the body naturally produces free radicals as part of the oxidative process. However, if those levels get too high, which they can when you also consider that you can accumulate free radicals from the environment, they can damage your skin cells and cause premature aging.
5. It can help regulate oil production
Remember how jojoba oil is non-comedogenic? Those same properties can help regulate your skin’s oil production. Your skin adjusts sebum production based on the moisture it perceives. If you use jojoba oil, the skin reduces the overall amount of sebum it produces. Consequently, jojoba oil can help regulate oil production, which is especially helpful if you have oily skin.
6. It promotes healing
A 2011 study found that jojoba oil applied to abrasions reduced the time it took for the skin to heal. Jojoba in your daily products promotes healing in sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin.
How to work jojoba oil into your daily skincare routine
Jojoba can become a part of the major steps in your skincare routine.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells to keep your skin looking bright and fresh. Many people skip this step, but it’s an essential part of maintaining even skin pigmentation and preventing a dull complexion.
Gentle exfoliators remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin. Crystal Clarity Exfoliation Scrub, for example, contains tiny beds of volcanic ash that gently buff the skin rather than large particles of nuts or seeds that can leave microabrasions on the skin’s surface. The formula includes jojoba oil to hydrate and heal, fully prepping the skin for serums and moisturizers.
Serums
Serums give the skin a concentrated dose of specific nutrients. Jojoba oil makes an appearance in these products for its hydrating, moisturizing, and antioxidants. In Total Antioxidant - Vitamin C Facial Serum, jojoba oil combines with vitamin C, an antioxidant powerhouse. This velvety formula quickly absorbs into the skin to give it a boost of antioxidants before you apply a daily moisturizer.
Moisturize
Moisturizers are where jojoba takes center stage. In Skin Resource.MD’s Total Skin Moisturizer, jojoba’s natural hydrating ability is coupled with Aloe vera, green tea extract, citric acid, and Ginkgo biloba to moisturize, protect, and heal the skin. This lightweight moisturizer can cover a large surface area with a small amount of moisturizer, thanks in part to the longevity of the jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is also found in Ultra Rich BioLipid Cream, a heavier moisturizer that’s ideal for people with dry skin or as a before-bed moisturizing treatment.
Jojoba for the win
Jojoba oil’s versatility and biocompatibility make it a popular skincare ingredient. When it’s used alongside high-quality ingredients, you can be sure your skin gets the star treatment. When blended with other moisturizers or antioxidants, it can bring out your skin’s natural glow.
