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Moringa oil: Properties and secrets of a wonderful skin oil
October 13, 2023
Moringa oil has enormous cosmetic value and has been used for body and hair care for centuries. It is considered a powerful moisturizer and regenerator for the skin as well as a hair conditioner. In fact, it was already used in ancient Egypt for ointments and preparations and also owes its reputation to its purifying properties, which is why it is called the “tree that cleanses” (1).
Properties of Moringa oleifera oil for skin and hair
The properties of moringa oil have long been known for their beneficial effects on skin and hair and have been intensively scientifically researched since around the 1970s, with various confirmations.
Moringa offers a rare and rich combination of nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants, anti-aging properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to combat malnutrition (recommended by the World Health Organization since 1998) and is called the "miracle tree" due to its wide range of beneficial and healing properties.
It is found in different parts of the world in 13 species of the Moringa family.
As previously mentioned, moringa and its oil were valued for cosmetic purposes in ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. People extracted an edible oil from it (with similar nutritional values to olive oil) and used it as a skin lotion and perfume because it contains a high amount of tocopherols (vitamin E) and oleic acid* of up to 73.22%.
It belongs to the category of high oleic acid oils and has a very high proportion of vitamin E and antioxidants. For this reason, it slows down the aging process and has a firming effect on fine wrinkles and scars.
*Oleic acid is known for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system: in particular, it appears to have antioxidant effects and can maintain blood cholesterol levels (Humanitas).
Moringa oil, as shown in the study "Physico-chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil", shows good antioxidant capacity with potential for industrial, nutritional and health applications.
In particular, the antioxidants in moringa oil are effective in fighting free radicals, which are mainly responsible for skin aging (2).
What is Moringa Oleifera oil good for?
The main cosmetic benefits of Moringa Oleifera oil, for both skin and hair, include:
Hydration, prevention and treatment of dry skin;
Protection against pollution and external agents (heat, cold and smog) thanks to some peptides and their purifying properties;
Prevention and reduction of sunspots;
slowing down the aging process;
Oily skin regulation and sebum control;
cleansing and clarifying the skin;
Prevention and reduction of stretch marks;
Deep hydration for chapped lips and other rough and dry skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis;
Calming and healing properties for inflammation.
In particular, in moringa oleifera oil, as already mentioned, excellent amounts of vitamin E are present, which has anti-inflammatory and whitening properties. It helps lighten skin discoloration and maintain skin (and hair) health by strengthening the body's cellular function and immune system.
What is contained in Moringa oil
Vitamin A , which promotes the formation of skin collagen, increases blood circulation on the surface of the skin.
Vitamin C and phenols , which have a powerful antioxidant effect and are effective in protecting the skin's DNA and defending against free radicals, resulting in the reduction of fine wrinkles and the repair of sun-related cell damage.
Cytokinins , especially zeatins , a powerful plant growth hormone that promotes cell development and slows the aging process, supports tissue growth and nourishes cells.
Fatty acids with a high content of monounsaturated oleic acid (omega-9). These improve the skin's lipid barrier and keep the skin well hydrated, plump and younger looking.
How to Use Moringa Oil for Hair
Moringa-rich oil can be applied to hair in a variety of ways, producing different results depending on the duration and method. Here are some recommended uses to repair split ends and regenerate hair
Apply a few drops to your hair and massage in down to the roots.
Cover your hair and leave it on overnight.
Rinse in the morning with Moringa shampoo, conditioner or mask for a complete beauty treatment. If you just want to target the split ends, you can repeat the process and focus on that.
The rich oil can also be used to enhance the effects of hair masks without exaggerating the dosage (a few drops are enough).
How to Use Moringa Oil for Skin
To test the extraordinary effects of Moringa oil on the skin, you can apply it after the bath or shower by rubbing a few drops and gently massaging onto the face before applying the cream.
A small amount can also be added to the day and night cream to enhance the effect.
Studies have shown that long-term use of moringa on the skin helps revitalize it and fight aging. In fact, the results suggest that moringa cream stimulates skin renewal and supports its anti-aging properties (3).
But that's not all. It protects human skin from environmental aggressions and fights premature aging by reducing the depth of fine lines and roughness. It facilitates the distribution of fibroblasts and the turnover of collagen and elastin, which serve as "building blocks" and supports of the skin, optimizing mechanical properties and elasticity.