The jojoba plant (pronounced, “ho-ho-ba”) grows abundantly in the southwestern region of North America.
Despite its name, the jojoba oil derived from the plant is actually a golden-colored liquid wax extracted from the plant’s seeds.
And it’s that wax that contains all of the super-healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are paramount to healthy skin:
By now, you’ve probably seen jojoba oil-based products in your local grocery, pharmaceutical, and supplement stores…
But you may not know exactly WHY jojoba has become so popular (or WHY you should consider investing in it).
In this article, we’re going to remedy that.
Below, you’ll find the top six benefits of using jojoba oil on your skin.
Benefit #1: Jojoba oil for acne
It shocks most people when they hear an oil is effective at treating acne. But remember that jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil… it’s a wax.
And this wax is very similar in molecular structure to sebum – the oil your skin naturally produces. Because of this similarity, jojoba oil dissolves the sebum on your skin, unclogging its pores and allowing it to breathe more freely.
Benefit #2: Moisturizes Skin
Jojoba oil is easily and rapidly absorbed into all skin types and naturally softens skin.
But not only does jojoba oil add moisture to your skin, it also helps prevent moisture from escaping.
All of the above make it a nearly perfect base for face creams and other skin-care products. You can either buy jojoba oil in its pure form or find a skin moisturizer that includes it in its ingredients.
Benefit #3: Treats Skin Infections
In addition to moisturizing skin, jojoba oil also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it ideal for the treatment of various types of skin infections.
Researchers have linked jojoba oil with helping treat skin conditions like psoriasis, sunburn, and eczema. As such, you can now find topical creams with jojoba oil. (Or, you can still apply pure jojoba oil to the infected area.)
Benefit #4: Prevents Premature Aging
A loss of moisture in the skin is one of the leading contributors to the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines in adults as they age.
The natural (and powerful) moisturizing properties present in jojoba oil can actually prolong the absence of these “moisture-deprived” skin conditions for years – resulting in a more youthful appearance and healthier skin well into maturity.
Benefit #5: Lightens and Conditions Skin
Jojoba oil has been linked to lightening age spots (dark spots, sun spots, etc.) and brightening skin complexion after prolonged use.
Additionally, it’s been linked to improved Vitamin D absorption (when skin is exposed to natural sunlight).
Benefit #6: Treats Damaged Nails and Cuticles
In recent years, jojoba oil has become one of the main active players in treating nail conditions like dry cuticles and damaged nails, since both are caused by a lack of moisture.
Applying a little dab of jojoba oil to the affected nail(s) will do the trick. Or, you can always find a commercial nail cream that contains jojoba oil as one of its main active ingredients.