Skincare Oils
In the past, there was a widespread belief that using oils on your face could cause more harm than good, especially for those with oily skin. However, in recent years, there has been a surge of articles singing the praises of various skincare oils and their benefits for all skin types. And if you're searching for an oil that not only deeply moisturizes but also is light and suitable for acne-prone skin, then look no further than Marula oil.
We had the opportunity to speak with four renowned skincare professionals who shared their insights on the exceptional qualities of marula oil and why it should be the next must-have ingredient in your daily routine. With its ability to effortlessly penetrate and nourish the skin, this luxurious oil quickly becomes a favorite among skincare oils for beauty experts and enthusiasts. So why wait? Add Marula oil to your list of skincare essentials today!
Marula oil, a treasured natural skincare oil, is derived from the marula tree, known by its scientific name, Sclerocarya birrea. This majestic tree is found in the sub-Saharan tropical regions of Africa, where it has been revered for centuries for its numerous benefits. While native to Southern Africa, the Marula tree has also been introduced to other regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and Oceania. The golden-hued oil can be extracted from different tree parts, including the nuts, seeds, or fruit. The preferred extraction method for skincare oils is cold pressing, which gently crushes the kernels without heat. This process ensures that all the potent components of the plant are preserved, making it the best technique in the industry. It's no wonder why this ancient method has stood the test of time and remains the go-to choice for extracting oils. Despite its recent popularity as a beauty must-have, marula oil has been used for centuries in Africa as a multipurpose solution for various ailments. When in its purest form, it boasts a subtle nutty aroma and a light yellow color that speaks to its natural origins.
Benefits of Marula Oil for Skin
Like many other oils, Marula oil is a fantastic moisturizer, but its benefits extend beyond that.
Locks in moisture: According to Dr. Rabach, Marula oil is primarily used for hydration and moisturization.
Acts as an occlusive ingredient: Its high levels of fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, create a light barrier on the skin to seal moisture. Despite this, it is lightweight and won't leave a greasy residue behind.
- Similar to skin's natural oil: A 2015 study found that the specific composition of fatty acids in Marula oil closely resembles those naturally found in our skin.
- Doesn't clog pores: As Dr. Haley noted, Marula oil is non-comedogenic, so there's no need to worry about it clogging pores like some other oils (e.g., coconut oil) might.
- Offers protection against antioxidants: Marula oil is an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and the lesser-known epicatechin. These help protect against free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, which can lead to issues like dark spots and changes in skin texture.
- Has anti-aging properties: Antioxidants also inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, which are essential for youthful-looking skin. A 2018 study showed that Marula oil was effective at inhibiting these enzymes, and it also contains amino acids with anti-aging properties.
- Soothes inflammation: According to Dr. Haley, the same fatty acids contributing to its moisturizing abilities also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Improves absorption of other products: Due to its high percentage of oleic acid, Marula oil can help other skincare products penetrate the skin.
- Has antimicrobial effects: As noted by Dr. Turner, a recent study found that Marula oil has antimicrobial properties and can combat the growth of certain bacteria.
Potential Adverse Effects of Marula Oil
Generally, there is a low chance of experiencing any unfavorable effects from using Marula oil. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, natural or not, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction, according to Dr. Rabach. If you have concerns, doing a patch test on a small area of your skin (such as your arm) before using the product all over your face is best. If you have any allergies, consult a dermatologist about skincare oils.
How to Incorporate It Into Your Routine
Like many other oils, marula oil can be used in its purest form or combined with other beneficial ingredients in serums and moisturizers. For those seeking the true essence of marula oil, opt for a pure or virgin version, as it boasts a higher concentration of powerful antioxidants than refined alternatives.
According to Silva, incorporating a few drops of marula oil into your daily skincare routine is ideal. After cleansing and applying water-based serums, gently massage the oil onto your skin. Adding humectants such as hyaluronic acid or amino acids can enhance the moisturizing effects of marula oil, creating a synergistic relationship that locks in hydration.
Dr. Turner suggests that depending on your unique skin type, you can use marula oil as a standalone replacement for traditional moisturizers or mix it with a richer formula for an added boost of hydration. If you prefer simplicity, marula oil can replace all your skincare products except sunscreen. However, incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients, retinol, and occasional chemical exfoliants is still recommended for optimal skin health.
Using a combination of Marula Oil and Olive Oil: A Match Made in Skincare Heaven
Certain ingredients stand out in the world of skincare oils for their exceptional benefits. Two such ingredients are Marula oil and Olive Oil. Both have been used for centuries as beauty elixirs, and for good reason. These natural oils boast many benefits that can help improve your skin's overall health and appearance.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is harvested and pressed using mandated methods to achieve the "Extra Virgin" grade. California-grown and certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known to be the best and most reliable source of skincare oils. It's essential to remember this when searching supermarket shelves for Olive Oil.
Organic Marula Serum
$ 90.00
This Organic Face Serum combines Extra Virgin Marula Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Edelweiss Extract with organic plant-derived Ceramides and Algae Extracts to create a light polyphenol-loaded anti-aging serum. All this loveliness firms and soothes while restoring the skin's lipid moisture barrier and provides intense antioxidant… read more