Benefits of Moringa Oil + How to Use It for Skin Care

This miracle of nature originally comes from Asia and Africa and owes its popularity to the fact that it can prevent and treat hundreds of known illnesses, from high blood sugar to dark spots on your skin.

Each part of this amazing plant, including its leaves, stem, bark, roots, seeds, and fruits, has unique nutritional and medicinal properties. In fact, Moringa Tree, Moringa Oleifera, is also known as Miracle Tree, as well as Tree of Life, in many cultures. For example, moringa powder, also called the Green Gold, is made of dried Moringa leaves and is known as a superfood due to its high nutritional value.

However, in this article, we'll focus on moringa oil and its fantastic benefits for the skin.

What Is Moringa Oil?

Moringa Oleifera originates from south and southwest Asia, while nowadays, it grows throughout tropical and subtropical areas around the world.

Moringa oil is extracted from Moringa tree seeds. It's rich in powerful antioxidants, including minerals (zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium), vitamins (vitamin E, B complex, alpha and beta-carotene, and others), as well as proteins, plant hormones, and monounsaturated fats.

Interestingly, the moringa plant was first recognized in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for almost 4000 years. In one of the ayurvedic historical textbooks, Bhava Prakash, moringa oil is described as Sigur, which can be translated as Moves like an arrow, due to its ability to quickly and effectively penetrate the skin.

No wonder this oil is one of the most sought-after ingredients in the beauty industry today and can be found in many anti-aging creams, revitalizing shampoos, and other health and beauty products.

Benefits of Moringa Oil for Skin

Moringa oil has been used in skin care preparations and ointments since the time of ancient Egypt. It undoubtedly has an immeasurable cosmetic value and is used for skin, body, and hair care as a moisturizer and conditioner [source].

The cold-pressed oil obtained from Moringa tree seeds is packed with cytokinins and fatty acids that promote cellular growth, making the skin radiant and youthful-looking.

Specifically, the cytokinins it contains are one of the main reasons why Moringa is so highly valued. Its most potent cytokine is zeatin – it contains more zeatin than any other plant. Zeatin nourishes and supports skin tissue, restores its natural barrier, and plays a significant role in delaying the process of skin aging [source].

Here are the top six incredible skin benefits of moringa oil:

#1: It's Hydrating and Moisturizing

Armed with a distinctive combination of fatty acids, moringa oil acts as a natural emollient and lubricant, supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier and restoring its natural oils. At the same time, it protects the skin from environmental damage.

#2: It Repairs Pollution Damage

Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, most importantly oleic acid, moringa oil can restore and protect the skin barrier, helping it repair the damage caused by free radicals and other pollutants. Oleic acid also makes sure to keep sensitive and dry skin hydrated and more resistant to environmental influences.

#3: It Acts as an Anti-Aging Ingredient

Moringa oil is the most popular due to its anti-aging properties. Loaded with vitamin C and other nutrients, it boosts collagen production and stifles the activity of free radicals. In the long run, it will prevent the skin from sagging, make it firm and plump.

#4: It Erases Blemishes and Dark Spots

Moringa oil has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Combined with its high content of vitamins E and C, it also acts as a strong antioxidant that fights breakouts and fades dark spots. As it balances out the oil production in the skin, it can also help with stubborn blackheads and prevent the recurrence of skin impurities.

#5: It Promotes Healing

Moringa oil is 2 in 1 – a natural antiseptic and emollient. Therefore, it's proven helpful in healing minor cuts and wounds, bug bites, sunburns, and rashes. It can also help relieve the symptoms of other skin conditions, such as milder psoriasis and eczema, as well as itchy, dry scalp and cracked lips.

#6: It's Cleansing

Thanks to its naturally high content of oleic acid, up to 72%, as well as sulfur, moringa oil can also be used as a skin cleanser. It will gently remove all the excess dirt and oil and detox the skin. The sulfur will boost the keratin production in the skin and give it firmness and an overall youthful appearance.

How to Use Moringa Oil

The greatest thing about moringa oil is that it's lightweight and perfect for all skin types. Packed with vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acids, it will nourish and hydrate dry skin and protect it from pollutants.

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, it may sound daunting to put oils on your skin. But, moringa oil is super-light and suitable for oily skin as well. Your skin will soak it up fast, and it won't leave it greasy. Additionally, Moringa oil can be used for hair treatment, nail care, and even cooking.

#1: For Skin Care

You can use moringa oil both in the morning and evening. First, cleanse your skin using a gentle face wash and then apply a toner. Next, you can go straight to moringa oil and apply it to wet skin to seal all the moisture in. You can also mix a few drops in your moisturizer.

If you're applying pure oil, simply put a few drops in your palm. Rub your palms together to warm up the oil, and then gently press it into your face, neck, and decollete. For more intense hydration and reduction of fine lines, you can add a bit more oil to your under-eye area and over wrinkles.

#2: For Scalp and Hair Care

You can greatly benefit from moringa oil if you have problems with dandruff, dry and itchy scalp. It will hydrate, heal, and nourish it while balancing the oil production at the same time.

Massage several drops of the oil into your scalp and work it into your hair strands. Leave it on for a couple of hours before washing. If you have dry and frizzy hair, apply moringa oil post-wash onto your strands for added hydration and shine. As it's highly absorbent, it won't weigh your strands down and leave them greasy.

#3: For Nail Care

Moringa oil should be your go-to treatment if you have cracked nails accompanied by dry, flaky cuticles. Massage several drops of Moringa oil into each nailbed whenever you feel like you need some extra hydration and after using a nail polish remover.

For best results, leave it on until absorbed – put on some gloves and don't worry about making your keyboard grubby.

#4: For Relaxation and Pain Relief

You can use moringa oil for aromatherapy or add a couple of drops to your bath. It will relieve pain and stress and help you feel more relaxed and in peace. Massaging it into your skin can reduce inflammation and alleviate rheumatic pain as well.

Takeaway...

You can mix moringa oil with other ingredients, so go ahead and get creative with your homemade DIY skin and hair treatments. You can always use the oil as it is or mix it with other oils you like, such as jojoba or almond oil, and reap all the incredible skin benefits of these oils combined.

If you're not such a DIY fan, just add some moringa oil into your regular moisturizer, hair shampoo, and conditioner. And simply enjoy soft and radiant skin and healthy hair with this true gift of nature!

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