From moisturizing to treating acne, jojoba oil offers a range of benefits for treating skin conditions.
You can find jojoba oil in a wide array of skin care and hair care products today, but the powers of this ingredient make it much more than a momentary beauty craze. It’s been in use for hundreds of years, and was originally used by Native Americans as a treatment for topical wounds.
What’s jojoba oil?
Jojoba oil differs from other natural oil products in the sense that it’s not actually an oil, but rather a liquid wax made from jojoba plant seeds. The composition of jojoba oil closely resembles the composition of sebum, the oil that our skin naturally produces. This makes it excellent for rebuilding the skin’s defensive layer, sealing in moisture, and protecting the skin from external damage. It can also help to re-balance your skin’s pH, and reduce harmful bacteria such as P. Acnes—which can cause acne and skin infections. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great booster for skin.
There are many uses for jojoba oil, especially when it comes to skin and hair health. Keep reading to discover the head-to-toe benefits of jojoba oil for skin!
Jojoba oil benefits for skin
Jojoba oil for dry skin
Jojoba oil contains ceramides, molecules that your skin naturally produces to hold itself together and defend against exterior damage. When used as a moisturizer, jojoba oil mimics your skin’s natural barrier by locking in moisture and protecting against damage. You’ll also love the anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba oil. As an anti-inflammatory, jojoba oil will help to soothe dry skin and reduce redness. Finally, jojoba oil contains vitamin E and B-complex vitamins to nourish and repair skin.
To experience the full benefits of jojoba oil for dry skin, begin by applying your usual exfoliant, toner, and/or moisturizer. (Jojoba oil locks in moisture, so you’ll see better results if you apply it over already moisturized skin!) Next, simply apply a pea-sized drop of jojoba oil to clean fingers and brush it gently over your face.
You can also use jojoba oil as a full-body moisturizer: Simply apply it to chapped lips, ragged cuticles, or dry hands to yield the results.
Jojoba oil for eczema and psoriasis
The soothing properties of jojoba oil also make it an excellent option for treating eczema and psoriasis. The ceramides it contains are especially beneficial. It’s also packed with nourishing vitamins and great for even the most sensitive skin, so there’s little danger of a negative reaction.
To treat eczema and psoriasis using jojoba oil, simply apply it to the skin as you would a lotion. You can also add a few drops of jojoba oil to your preferred moisturizing product in order to enhance its healing and hydrating capabilities
Jojoba oil for oily skin
Since the ceramides in jojoba oil mimic the ceramides that are naturally found in your skin, jojoba oil can help to rebalance oil production. These ceramides help to seal hydration into your skin, sending a message to your follicles to decrease oil production. Jojoba oil can also be used as an oil cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin’s surface, so it both improves the appearance of oily skin in the short term and promotes long-term improvement.
Try using jojoba oil as an oil cleanser by applying a few drops to your face, massaging gently, and then removing with a warm washcloth. You should start to see long-term results with repeated use!
Jojoba oil for acne
The bacteria that naturally live in your skin feed on sebum. As long as your skin is efficiently regulating sebum production, that’s not a problem. But when your skin produces too much sebum, a sebum-eating bacterium called P. Acnes can get out of control. When these bacteria start to overproduce in your skin, they produce secretions that irritate your skin and create the inflammation and irritation we know as acne. Since jojoba oil is great at re-balancing oil production, it’s also great for treating acne. Meanwhile, jojoba oil will help to hydrate and heal your skin without clogging your pores.
There are many ways to treat acne with jojoba oil. You could use jojoba oil as an oil cleanser, as detailed above. Or try a jojoba oil spot treatment. Just dab a little bit of jojoba oil onto problem areas, and let it sink into your skin overnight.
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Jojoba oil for sunburn
Jojoba oil might be an even better after-sun treatment than aloe. It contains vitamin E and B-vitamins, so it’ll help your skin to heal itself after damage from sun exposure. Meanwhile, jojoba oil will form a protective barrier over your skin while it heals, preventing further damage. The best part is that—unlike actual oils—jojoba oil won’t seal in heat.
To use jojoba oil as an after-sun treatment, simply apply a thin layer of jojoba oil to clean, dry skin. You can also pair jojoba oil with aloe vera gel to reap the benefits of both healing substances.
Jojoba oil to remove makeup
Jojoba oil makes an excellent, everyday makeup cleanser because of its cleansing and healing properties. Jojoba oil will cleanse skin and remove makeup in one go, without drying out your skin or leaving a pore-clogging residue behind. It’s a particularly good option for removing eye makeup because it’s so gentle on sensitive skin.
To remove makeup with jojoba oil, soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with jojoba oil and wipe it over your skin. Then use a warm washcloth or water-soaked cotton ball to clear up the remaining residue.
Jojoba oil as an antifungal and antibacterial
Jojoba oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it can be used to treat both bacterial and fungal overgrowths.
If you’re prone to skin infections or fungus overgrowths, try applying jojoba oil to the problem area as you would a moisturizer. This should help to clear up ongoing outbreaks and prevent future ones—but make sure to consult a doctor if you’re dealing with a skin infection.
Jojoba oil is a powerful multi-tasker with many applications. In addition to the uses listed above, you can use jojoba oil instead of shaving cream; use it in hair masks to strengthen hair and repair damage; and even use it to repel mosquitos! When shopping for jojoba oil, always search for a product that’s cold-pressed, organic, and 100% pure.
Interested in more superstar plant oils that jumpstart your skin health? Here are our top picks:
7 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Skin: Here’s how tea tree oil will help you battle your skin care woes.
Does Argan Oil for Acne Really Work?: Or does it clog your pores? Here’s our verdict on this well-loved beauty oil.
7 Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Eczema: A great no-nonsense solution to soothing itchy skin and preventing eczema from spreading.
Best Rosehip Oils for Face in 2018: Our recommendations for the most high-quality rosehip oils and skin care products.