Jojoba Oil: The Specs
Shelf life: up to 3 years
Color: golden
Aroma: mild and nutty
Absorption rate: fast absorbing
Skin type: works well for all skin types
Source: desert regions; southwest United States and Israel are high producers
Ripe seeds of the jojoba plant, Simmondsia chinensis, are expeller-pressed (mechanical process of expressing oils at a high pressure) then filtered to produce its golden, nutrient-rich oil.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil is technically a wax. Why does this matter? SHELF STABILITY! Jojoba oil keeps two to three years; it also won't easily turn rancid in the heat.
Why We Love Jojoba
Jojoba oil is full of wax esters containing sterols that closely mimic the sterols in the oil (called 'sebum') our skin naturally produces. This gives it a balancing effect, as it does not disrupt a healthy skin barrier or the pH of the skin. With all of its beneficial properties, jojoba oil can generally improve the overall health of your skin!
Jojoba oil is healing to skin tissue and boosts tissue regeneration; this makes it a great choice for dry and mature skin. It is mildly antibacterial which aids in our skin's immune function. It's also full of antioxidants, vitamins E and B complexes, and even a small amount of beneficial minerals, all of which contribute to a more balanced complexion and combats premature aging.
Using Jojoba Oil
This incredibly versatile oil is ideal for use on the face and body, thanks to its chemical structure being similar to that of our own skin's oil. It can be used as a facial or body oil. Jazz it up with essential oils to add beautiful aromas and skin-boosting properties or blend it with some of your favorite carrier oils.
And don't forget about your scalp! We tend to think a lot about our hair, but not the skin from which it grows. Jojoba oil would make a beautiful DIY scalp treatment. Try this deeply moisturizing scalp treatment to treat both your scalp and your hair!
Jojoba Oil Scalp Treatment
In a small glass bowl or jar, mix:
1 1/2 Tablespoons Jojoba oil
1/2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 drops Rosemary essential oil
3 drops Lavender essential oil
Apply all of the oil mixture to dry scalp. Massage for three to five minutes. Pop on a shower cap and allow the mixture to soak in for about twenty minutes. If you don't have a shower cap, you can also wrap your hair up in a towel. Follow with a shower, rinsing away some of the oil with hot water, then shampoo.
Super Simple Body Oil
Have you ever used a body oil? I did not understood the appeal for the longest time. Like, use lotion. Right?? It felt like an unnecessary luxery.
Fast forward to today, and I am using mostly oil-based body care. Who'da thunk!
While water hydrates - a key aspect of skin care - oil seals in moisture, acts as an emollient, and protects skin, all while feeding it vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Applying a simple body oil to damp skin right after showering is *chef's kiss* for your skin. Let's make one!
Gather:
- Glass or PET plastic bottle with lid or spray top
- Jojoba oil, 2ounces
- Essential oils, 20 total drops
Add your essential oils into the bottle. If using more than one oil, swirl them together to blend. Add the jojoba oil, cap the bottle, and shake gently to combine well.
Here are some essential oils combinations to consider:
Dry Skin:
- 12 drops Lavender
- 6 drops Patchouli
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Energize:
- 8 drops Grapefruit
- 6 drops steam-distilled Lime
- 6 drops Eucalyptus
Grounded:
- 10 drops Frankincense
- 6 drops Geranium
- 4 drops Vetiver