Jojoba Oil and Its Benefits for Aging Skin
Introduction
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax ester derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), which is native to the arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. Although referred to as an oil, it is technically a liquid wax, possessing unique properties that make it highly beneficial for the skin. One noteworthy characteristic of jojoba oil is its similarity to sebum, the oily substance naturally produced by our sebaceous glands.
This similarity allows jojoba oil to seamlessly blend with our skin's own oils, making it readily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. Its non-comedogenic nature means that it doesn't clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types. Rich in vitamins E and B as well as omega-9 fatty acids, jojoba oil nourishes and moisturizes the skin and is a wonderful additional to any face oil blend, which is why we've included it in the Caraline Daily Nourish Face Oil.
The Composition Of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), is a versatile plant-based ingredient with numerous benefits for the skin. Its unique composition sets it apart from other oils commonly used in skincare products. Jojoba oil is technically not an oil but rather a liquid wax ester, the structure of which closely resembles the sebum produced by our skin, making it highly compatible and non-comedogenic.
Jojoba oil contains a complex mixture of fatty acids, including eicosenoic, erucic, and oleic acids, and offers exceptional moisturizing properties as it forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and promoting hydration.
Sustainable Crop
In its native Southwest and northern Mexico, jojoba seeds have been used by indigenous peoples to treat skin conditions, sores, cuts, and burns as well as for hair care. Jojoba grows in semi-desert areas and the oil, or liquid wax, protects the plant by sealing the stomata, or pores against evaporation in the high daytime temperatures and providing insulation against low nighttime temperatures.
The jojoba plant is classed with the xerophytes, drought-resistant plants that require little water to grow and can be grown on marginal farmland, making jojoba a relatively sustainable crop. The plants themselves have a long life and are able to thrive in harsh climates. Furthermore, the seeds themselves are large and 50% of the seed consists of a liquid wax ester, so one seed generates a significant amount of oil. And finally, because the oil consists of long-chain fatty acids, it is very stable and resistant to oxidation.
The “oil” from the seeds has an extraordinary ability to control water loss, which is one of the primary characteristics of older skin, and is known as TEWL, transepidermal water loss, and this makes jojoba oils particularly effective as an ingredient in skincare and face oil for mature skin.
Jojoba Oil's Role In Balancing Sebum Production
Jojoba oil has a superpower among plant oils: it has a remarkable ability to mimic the skin’s natural sebum and has a chemical composition that closely resembles the sebum found in human skin.
What is sebum, you ask?
Sebum is an oily substance made up of lipids that include cholesterol, fatty acids, glycerides, squalene, and wax, produced by the body’s sebaceous glands, and are responsible for moisturizing and protecting the skin. The primary role of sebum is to protect the skin against moisture loss, infections, and general friction and is the foundation of healthy skin.
When there is excessive sebum production, it can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. Conversely, insufficient sebum can cause dryness and flakiness. Jojoba oil plays a crucial role in balancing sebum production. By closely resembling human sebum, it signals to the skin that adequate moisture levels have been reached, thus regulating oil production accordingly. This helps prevent both excessive dryness and excessive oiliness on the skin's surface.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Older Skin
Jojoba oil has gained popularity as a skincare ingredient for its exceptional ability to support and nourish mature skin and offers therapeutic benefits for older skin due to its moisturizing properties. It's a terrific addition to any facial oil for dry or aging skin.
As skin ages, it produces less sebum, which is one of the primary reasons it tends to lose moisture and feel dry. This weakening of the natural moisture barrier leads to dryness and increases the skin’s exposure to environmental elements that can lead to irritation. Jojoba is an excellent oil for the skin as its emollient properties soften the skin while providing a light film that maintains moisture yet allows the skin to breathe. The same waxy esters present in human sebum are also present in jojoba oil, which makes it highly compatible with the skin.
Jojoba oil also contains an extremely high amount of natural ceramides. This helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. The amount of ceramides in the skin decreases with age, so older skin can benefit from regularly using ceramide skin care. Jojoba oil is particularly effective at preventing dryness and irritation in older skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier because it is rich in ceramides.
Finally, jojoba oil acts as a humectant, sealing in moisture and creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier not only helps retain moisture in the skin cells, preventing dehydration and dryness but also shields against environmental stressors like pollution and harsh weather conditions.
Jojoba oil acts as a powerful moisturizer, effectively hydrating the skin and restoring its suppleness. Its rich composition of vitamins E and B-complex promotes healthy cell regeneration and repairs damaged skin. Furthermore, jojoba oil exhibits antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial overgrowth on the skin's surface.
Jojoba Oil's Role In Balancing Sebum Production
Jojoba oil lays down a non-greasy film that attracts and retains moisture while regulating the flow of sebum from the sebaceous glands, and because it dissolves easily with the oils of the skin, it is compatible with the skin. Jojoba is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and assists in the healthy production of the acid mantle that guards against harmful bacteria and skin imbalances.
Due to its ability to regulate sebum production, jojoba oil moisturizes without clogging pores. And as though that wasn’t enough, this versatile oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated or sensitive skin. It’s one of the many reasons we love jojoba oil for its ability to support and nourish mature skin and why we have included it in our Daily Nourish Face Oil.
Protecting And Repairing Skin With Jojoba Oil's Antioxidant Properties and Fatty Acids
Jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can benefit the skin by protecting the skin against free radicals and harmful molecules that cause oxidative stress. By neutralizing these free radicals, jojoba oil helps to reduce inflammation and prevent damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation, and aid in repairing damaged skin cells. Jojoba oil also promotes collagen synthesis, enhancing the skin's elasticity and firmness while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Another significant advantage of jojoba oil is its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from harmful stimuli. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Jojoba oil contains several compounds like vitamin E, fatty acids, and phytosterols that contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin E present is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can cause inflammation and damage to the skin cells, and fatty acids in this oil help strengthen the skin's barrier function and reduce inflammation by promoting healthy cell membrane formation.
Incorporating Jojoba Oil Into Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating jojoba oil into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for achieving healthy and luminous skin. Its unique composition, similar to the natural oils produced by our skin, makes it an excellent moisturizer that doesn't clog pores or leave a greasy residue, which make it an ideal ingredient in a face oil blend. This versatile oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, jojoba oil can effectively balance sebum production and restore the skin's natural moisture barrier, while antioxidants like vitamin E help combat free radicals and protect skin from environmental stressors that can accelerate intrinsic aging.
At Caraline, we use only cold-pressed oils and source USDA certified organic Jojoba oil from farms that practice sustainable agriculture. This wonderful plant oil provides so many benefits for older skin and is a key ingredient in our Daily Nourish Face Oil.
