I’m inspired to write about the uses of jojoba oil for skin and hair care benefits today. Jojoba is a nourishing “oil” helpful for many skin types. With so many useful applications this is definitely a carrier oil that I would suggest adding to your pantry. If it’s already there, I hope that some of these suggestions will allow your creativity to flow to create some fun new recipes for your needs.
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis), has a texture that is a bit heavier than some other carrier oils, perhaps because Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax. It is extracted from the seeds of a desert shrub and comes to us from places like the US, Argentina, Mexico, Australia and Israel to name a few. It grows in dry areas, providing the plant with moisture during dry weather and offering protection from cold weather. These sound like great qualities for a skincare product too.
Traditionally, jojoba has been used for burns, bruises and skin sores.
The seeds of the jojoba plant can easily be made into a butter, however, if you see jojoba butter, double check the ingredients to verify whether it’s pure jojoba butter or a blend with added oils.
It’s important to note the distinction between unrefined and refined jojoba oil. While unrefined jojoba oil has a beautiful golden hue, refined jojoba appears lighter or even clear in color.
In the world of clean beauty, jojoba oil is an important ingredient, offering nourishment, protection, and rejuvenation for the skin and hair.
In this blog post, I will explore the wonderful uses of jojoba oil and unlock its many uses for skin and hair care benefits.
1. Using Jojoba Oil for Hair Care
Those of us of a certain age may remember a grand introduction to jojoba oil in personal care products through a marketing campaign by a popular brand of shampoo. Jojoba oil will add silkiness and shine to the hair, while moisturizing the scalp. If you are looking to remove hair products containing silicones from your routine, jojoba oil will be a good substitute. Adding three drops of rosemary essential oil to 1 ounce jojoba oil will make a nice scalp oil. Place a few drops of this recipe on the scalp and massage in. Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes and shampoo out. Not only is this a great option for scalp and hair, but if you stimulate the hair follicles with a relaxing scalp massage you may also see new hair growth.
2. Jojoba Oil in Your Body Care
In skin and body care, jojoba oil provides us with many solutions. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps with wound healing and soothes irritated skin. Jojoba absorbs quickly and can be used either as a standalone liquid oil or in combination with other carrier oils to enhance effectiveness. I prefer using more than one carrier oil in most cases to amplify the benefits. If you are creating a formulation and need to bump up one of your liquid oils, jojoba is good choice.
Great for addressing redness, irritation, and chapped skin, jojoba oil is a winter skincare essential, offering relief from the dryness made worse by harsh weather conditions. Adding a small amount of jojoba oil to your foaming hand wash will help to ease the dryness that comes with hand washing in the winter.
Incorporating jojoba oil into recipes for after-sun products provides a cooling and nourishing effect, aiding in the skin’s recovery from sun exposure.
Whether used as a primary ingredient or as a supportive component in skincare formulations, jojoba oil stands as a versatile and indispensable ally in promoting skin health and vitality throughout all seasons.
3. Give Your Face Care some TLC
Give your face some TLC by adding jojoba oil to facial skincare. It’s good for all skin types and provides a number of benefits.
As a dry oil, it effectively regulates sebum production. Together with its antibacterial properties, jojoba is suitable for acne-prone skin formulations. With a low comedogenic rating, jojoba shouldn’t clog your pores.
Jojoba oil may offer soothing relief for individuals with rosacea.
Enriched with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, jojoba oil aids in repairing sun damage, while its hydrating properties make it invaluable in formulations tailored for maturing skin. Additionally, jojoba oil’s skin-tightening effects fortify the skin against signs of aging, providing a shield against wrinkles and promoting a radiant, youthful complexion.
4. Using Jojoba Oil for Nail Care
Jojoba oil will make a nice addition to formulations that help nail health and the surrounding skin. By massaging a small amount of jojoba oil into the nail area, it will help with cuticle health and provide a gentle cleansing to the surrounding nailbed.
Try this easy recipe for healthy nails. You will want to infuse one tablespoon of benzoin resin in 500 ml of jojoba oil. Place it in a cool and dark space, and let it sit and infuse for two weeks. When you are ready, add 2 drops of lavender essential oil to 10 millilitres of your infused oil into a 10 ml roller bottle. Replace the roller ball and cap and gently shake. You can use the roller directly on your nails. Massage in with fingertips.
It’s important to exercise caution to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. While applying the infused jojoba oil with lavender essential oil directly to your nails, it’s crucial to avoid inadvertently rubbing your eyes with your fingertips. In the event that the mixture comes into contact with your eyes, begin by washing your hands, then promptly and thoroughly rinse your eyes with clean water to prevent any discomfort or irritation. If irritation continues, please see your nearest health professional.
5. Make a Lasting Perfume Base
Jojoba oil makes a great base for perfumes. It won’t interfere with the added scent, and will help to provide a good shelf life for you product. To make your own personal roll-on perfume, add 9.5ml jojoba oil and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to a glass roller bottle. Replace the ball and lid. Lightly shake to combine, and add to your pulse points as needed.
How to Store Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a shelf life of up to two years when stored properly. Make sure there is an expiration date on your bottle. Store it in a dark container, away from light and heat. You can store jojoba oil in a cool place however, jojoba oil will solidify if you store it in your fridge.
There are so many benefits to using jojoba oil for skin, hair, and nail care, it’s like finding a treasure trove of natural solutions for holistic well-being. As you explore options for healthier skin and hair, remember to approach your skincare routine with mindfulness and care.
May your experience with jojoba oil be as enriching and nurturing as the oil itself. Here’s to radiant skin, lustrous hair, and vibrant nails, all nurtured by the wonders of jojoba oil.
