As teenagers, we were often told that oils are the nemesis of clear, healthy skin, clogging the pores and causing the formation of acne. To combat this, many of us used strong skin care products that contained compounds such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, with the intent to thoroughly dry out the skin. What many of us did not know is that those products often over-dry the skin instead of cleaning it; in response, the skin will create its own oils to compensate for the lack of hydration, creating an endless cycle of unbalanced skin.
Contrary to what we were told as teens, oils can in fact be good for the skin, nourishing its layers in addition to helping relieve a variety of issues. Some popular face oils include almond oil, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil. Due to its versatility and ease of use, jojoba oil is a popular, effective, inexpensive way to nourish the skin.
What is Jojoba Oil?
Simmondsia Chinensis Oil, commonly known as jojoba oil, is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. Found in the American Southwest, this perennial is a robust, green-gray shrub that flourishes under the sun, with fruit that resembles a small, oval-shaped nut. Endemic to the deserts that range between Arizona, California, and Utah, Native Americans would heat the jojoba fruit before using a mortar and pestle to create a salve-like substance. This would then be used to preserve animal hides, as well as applied to the hair and skin.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin
One of the reasons that jojoba oil is so popular is that it has a similar molecular composition to sebum. Produced by the sebaceous glands, sebum is a waxy substance that mixes with lipids to form a protective, moisturizing layer on the skin’s surface. Jojoba oil mimics sebum when it is applied to the face, balancing out the complexion naturally. Its similarity to sebum also makes it much less likely to clog the pores, diminishing the likelihood of causing issues such as acne. The oil is also a humectant; by attracting water to the top layer of the skin, it aids in keeping the layers hydrated. This molecular composition also makes jojoba oil much more stable than other face oils, giving it a longer shelf life.
Jojoba oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful for calming dry skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, chapping, and psoriasis. Further, the oil contains high concentrations of Vitamin E. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E helps counter free radicals in addition to soothing the appearance of burns, cuts and scars.
How to Choose Your Jojoba Oil
Whenever you are choosing an oil for your skin, it is always important to search for the cleanest ingredients possible. You want to shy away from oils that have additives; oils with the fewest ingredients are generally a good pick. Always look for organic, cold-pressed oils that are unrefined, as these are generally of higher quality.
When searching for a good oil blend, look for products that list jojoba oil among the first few ingredients. Skincare ingredients are generally listed in order of highest concentration to lowest, so when jojoba oil appears early on, the product likely contains it at a meaningful concentration.
Our Pick: Organic Nourishing Oil
At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we have created our own formula that combines high-quality organic, cold-pressed ingredients, with a high concentration of jojoba oil. Our Organic Nourishing Oil is deeply moisturizing, soothing, and strengthening; a true shield against harsh elements and free radicals. Also featuring camellia, avocado, parsley seed, sea buckthorn, and apricot kernel oil, this blend includes a variety of vital nutrients and fatty acids. It can be used to support protection and nourishment of the skin by both day and night.
Works Cited
Brady, Krissy. “Dermatologists Say Jojoba Oil Can Work Wonders on Annoying Signs of Aging.” Prevention, 2 Nov. 2021.
Scaccia, Annamarya. “Can Jojoba Oil Treat My Acne?” Healthline, 13 Aug. 2019.
Watson, Kathryn. “13 Benefits of Using Jojoba Oil in Your Skin Care Routine.” Healthline, 8 Mar. 2019.
