What is moringa oil?
Moringa oil is the oil that comes from the Moringa oleifera tree native to the Himalayan mountains in northern India. The moringa tree is used to make different varieties or moringa products, including moringa powder.
The oil is rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, which have a variety of benefits for the skin, from soothing irritation to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.It is also rich in hydration and acts on hair, skin and nails.
Moringa oil is also composed of monounsaturated fatty acids and oleic acids which promote a strong skin barrier (more on that later). Basically it is the multitasking oil that is missing from your beauty routine.
–
What are the beauty benefits of moringa oil?
Sure, moringa oil is moisturizing, but there’s so much more to this vegetable oil. So, find six reasons to use moringa oil on hair, skin, and nails:
1. Strengthens the skin barrier.
–
Moringa oil is composed of 40% monounsaturated fatty acids, of which 70% is oleic acid. This combination makes moringa oil excellent for supporting the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps maintain hydration and protects against environmental elements such as sunlight, pollution and free radicals. The stronger the barrier, the healthier, more balanced and hydrated your skin will be.
2. It can help slow the signs of aging.
–
Antioxidants are a basic ingredient to keep fine lines and premature wrinkles at bay. Thanks to its high vitamin E content, moringa oil has strong antioxidant properties. When it comes to aging, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage our skin cells. A 2014 study found that using moringa leaf extract cream on the skin improved skin revitalization and supported the skin’s anti-aging effects.
3. It can help balance the moisture level in the hair and scalp.
–
Like almond and argan oils, moringa oil can help keep hair hydrated without weighing it down. And because it’s similar to the oil our skin naturally produces, it can also help balance the sebum production on the scalp. You can massage the oil into your scalp or rub a piece from root to tip for added shine and hydration.
4. Can help with inflammation and injured skin.
–
Thanks to the omega fatty acids and antioxidants contained in this oil, moringa oil can actually help soothe inflammation and damaged skin. Vitamins E, A, and C in moringa oil can help heal active wounds, cuts, and burns. One study found that nanofibers with moringa extracts have better wound healing than those without.
5. It can help control the attacks of eczema and psoriasis.
–
If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, you know how painful (annoying) rashes can be. While there is currently no cure for these, being smart about the topics you use can help with symptoms. Moringa oil has antimicrobial properties, which makes it a good choice for patients suffering from eczema. Moringa oil is also an emollient: it softens the skin by filling micro cracks, so it is a great soothing option for inflamed skin areas.
6. Soothes cuticles and dry hands.
–
If you want to practice better nail and hand health, properly hydrated cuticles are a must. Moringa oil is great for dry and cracked cuticles, it nourishes and prevents irritation caused by external pathogens. But while you’re at it, don’t just focus on your cuticles – you can rub this moisturizing oil into your hands for a deep hydration treatment, cuticles included.
Who should use it?
Most skin types see moringa oil as a positive benefit. Because it helps with so many beauty issues, from wrinkles to cuticles, there are so many different uses for this oil. But, as always, when incorporating a new product or ingredient into your regimen, it’s always best to apply it on a test area to avoid any widespread reactions.
How to use moringa oil?
1. To moisturize and give shine to the hair
Use moringa oil after rinsing to moisturize dry strands and add shine without weighing it down. And as I mentioned earlier, moringa oil is a great scalp treatment to moisturize and at the same time help balance oil production. Massage the oil into the scalp (scalp massage) or apply it to the strands, from root to tip, for added shine and hydration.
2. In creams and lotions
You can find moringa oil in many creams and lotions (for face and body) or you can always use it directly to seal in the skin’s moisture. Just warm it in your palms, press on the wet skin and feel the skin calm down. Or you can add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer for extra antioxidants.
3. As a cuticle oil or hand treatment.
–
Dry, cracked cuticles, no more: massage some moringa oil on the nail beds to cushion them from moisture. Feel free to cover them with nourishing oil whenever they feel rough and dry – better yet, he wears gloves and call it a hand mask.
Conclusion
–
