Written by Adeline J Wells
As teenagers, we were often told that oils are the nemesis of clear, healthy skin, clogging the pores and causing the formation of acne. To combat this, many of us used strong skin care products that contained compounds such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, with the intent to thoroughly dry-out the skin. What many of us didn’t know is that those products often over-dry the skin instead of cleaning; in response, the skin will create its own oils to compensate for the lack of hydration, creating an endless cycle of unbalanced skin.
Contrary to what we were told as teens, oils can in fact be good for the skin, nourishing its layers as in addition to helping relieve a variety of issues. Some popular face oils include almond oil, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil. Due to its versatility and ease of use, jojoba oil for skin is a popular, effective, inexpensive way to nourish the skin.
What is Jojoba Oil?
Simmondsia Chinensis Oil, commonly known as Jojoba Oil, is extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba shrub. Found in the American Southwest, this perennial is a robust, green-gray shrub that flourishes under the sun, with fruit that resembles a small, oval-shaped nut. Endemic to the deserts that range between Arizona, California, and Utah, Native Americans would heat the jojoba fruit before using a mortar and pestle to create a salve-like substance. This would then be used to preserve animal hides, as well as used medicinally when applied to the hair and skin. With ancient origins, jojoba oil for skin is still widely used to promote soft, supple skin today.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin
One of the reasons that jojoba oil for skin is so popular is that it has a similar molecular composition to sebum. Produced by the sebaceous glands, sebum is a waxy substance that mixes with lipids to form a protective, moisturizing layer on the skin’s surface. Jojoba oil mimics sebum when it is applied to the face, balancing out the complexion naturally. Its similarity to sebum also makes it much less likely to clog the pores, diminishing the likelihood of causing issues such as acne. The oil is also a humectant ingredient; by attracting water to the top layer of the skin, it aids in keeping the layers hydrated. This molecular composition also makes jojoba oil much more stable than other face oils, giving it a longer shelf life.
Jojoba oil also is hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties; due to this, the oil is effective at helping treat dry skin ailments such as eczema, rosacea, chapping, and psoriasis. Further, the oil also contains high concentrations of Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E helps diminish the appearance of free-radicals in addition to soothing skin issues such as burns or cuts, and diminishing the appearance of scars. Due to this, Jojoba Oil for skin is commonly known for its wound-healing properties as well.
How to Choose Your Jojoba Oil
Whenever you are choosing an oil for your skin, it is always important to search for the cleanest ingredients possible. You want to shy away from oils that have additives; oils with the fewest ingredients are generally a good pick. Always look for organic, cold-pressed oils that are unrefined, as these are generally of high quality.
When searching for a good oil blend, it is a good idea to look for oils that have Jojoba Oil for skin as one of the first few ingredients. Skin care ingredients are generally listed in order of highest concentration to lowest; whenever jojoba oil is listed early-on, the product likely contains it at a high concentration, allowing for its user to reap the oil’s many benefits.
Our Pick: Organic Nourishing Oil
At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we have created our own complex formula that combines high-quality organic, cold pressed ingredients, with a high concentration of jojoba oil for skin. Our Organic Nourishing Oil is deeply moisturizing, soothing, and strengthening; a true skin shield against aging, harsh elements, and free radicals. Also featuring camellia oil for skin, avocado, parsley seed, sea buckthorn, and apricot kernel oil, this blend includes a variety of vital nutrients and fatty acids to make it one of the best oils for anti-aging. Further, its high concentration of Vitamin E makes it a hero product for wound healing. Nourishing Oil can be used to support protection and nourishment of the skin by both day and night.
Works Cited
Brady, Krissy. “Dermatologists Say Jojoba Oil Can Work Wonders on Annoying Signs of Aging.” Prevention, 2 Nov. 2021, https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a29829814/jojoba-oil-benefits/.
Scaccia, Annamarya. “Can Jojoba Oil Treat My Acne?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 13 Aug. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-acne. Watson, Kathryn. “13 Benefits of Using
Jojoba Oil in Your Skin Care Routine.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Mar. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-for-face#moisturizing.
