Marula Oil Benefits for Skin and How to Use it for Anti-Aging

An ancient beauty treatment to defend your skin from daily damage.

There are almost too many face oils and essential oils to keep track of, and you may be wondering how to buy the ones that will make the biggest difference for your skin. We recommend reading up on all your options, and their effects on different skin types. In this post, we’ll discuss marula oil benefits for skin, including who should use marula oil, and how it can be used.

What is marula oil?

Marula oil comes from the seeds of marula trees, which are found in South Africa and Madagascar. It’s an ancient beauty treatment that has been used by African women to protect the skin and avoid sun damage for centuries. As we’ll discuss below, marula oil is primarily used as a moisturizing tonic for sun-damaged and aging skin.

Benefits of marula oil for skin

1. Strengthening the defensive barrier

Marula oil contains fatty omega acids and oleic acid, which help to strengthen your skin’s defensive barrier and protect it from environmental aggressors such as sun, wind, and air pollutants. Marula oil’s defensive properties help to prevent the skin damage associated with aging. It also absorbs quickly and won’t leave any greasy residue, so it’s suitable for all-day use, and for both dry skin and acne-prone skin.

2. Diminishing the signs of aging

In addition to being a great defense against external damage, marula oil is a powerful anti-aging tonic. It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, which help to fight the free radicals that your skin produces in response to stress from sunlight and other aggressors. These antioxidants also promote collagen production in your skin, helping it to heal damage and increase its elasticity. By using marula oil on your skin, you can diminish the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and uneven complexion.

3. Softening and evening the skin

The antioxidants in marula oil also give it powerful anti-inflammatory properties, so it’ll help to calm redness and soothe irritation. This makes it a great option for those who suffer from eczema. Meanwhile, its fatty acid content will help to soften the texture of your skin.

4. Clarifying the skin

As if all this weren’t enough to make you fall in love with marula oil, this ingredient also has antimicrobial properties to fight acne and infections in the skin. Like argan oil, it’s rich in linoleic acid that helps nourish acne-prone skin.

How to use marula oil

As you can see, marula oil is an excellent treatment for aging and sun-damaged skin. While other essential oils might have more powerful benefits for acneic or oily skin, marula is one of the best options out there to fight aging. We recommend that you use marula oil as a combination moisturizer + serum at night. Just apply a few drops to clean fingers and brush it gently into your skin, then follow up with a heavier moisturizer if desired. You can also use it during the day (even underneath primer and makeup) to help protect your skin around the clock.

You can use marula oil all over your body as a massage oil, including on chapped lips. It can also be used to moisturize and protect your hair, and nourish your hair follicles.

Best marula oil products

Neroli-Infused Marula Oil from African Botanics
This super-light facial serum combines the anti-aging powers of neroli and marula oil to boost your skin’s health. It’s an extremely dynamic product that not only hydrates and fights the development of fine lines–but also minimizes the appearance of pores, reduces redness, and plumps your skin.

Intense Skin Repair Balm from African Botanics
We also recommend this intensive balm from African Botanics for skin that requires deep healing. Along with marula oil, it features African desert and bush plants to soothe dryness and irritation. Jasmine and rose boost the skin’s elasticity and promote cellular regeneration.

The Essentials Marula Oil from ACURE
ACURE’s pure marula oil is an affordable option you can feel good about purchasing. It’s wildcrafted without the use of pesticides, and is cold-pressed and unrefined for maximum potency.

Instant Lift & Firm Marula Oil & Purple Clay Mask Pod from Andalou Naturals
The next time you’re shopping on Amazon, consider treating yourself to this single-portion facial mask! The mask features marula oil for its restorative properties, french clay to improve your skin’s circulation, and purple carrot to boost cell regeneration with antioxidants.

Marula Neroli Serum Concentrate from Odacite
This product was formulated to increase the skin’s elasticity, preventing sagging and wrinkling. In addition to marula oil, it includes neroli oil and rose oil to brighten and tone your skin, and increase collagen production. You can either blend a few drops of this serum into your favorite moisturizer, or use it on its own.

Rejuvenating Sage & Lavender Face Oil from Derma E
If you’re on a quest for softer, smoother skin, this face oil might be the right product for you. Its ingredients include sage oil to tone skin, lavender to soothe and soften, jojoba to deeply hydrate, and sea buckthorn oil to replenish the skin with nutrients. To use this product, just work a few drops onto clean skin in the morning and at night.

As you can see, there are many options when it comes to using marula oil. If you’re searching for more anti-aging essential oils, check out our guide to the 9 Best Oils for Face Wrinkles. You can also read up about essential oils for other skin conditions in our guide to the Best Essential Oils for Skin.

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