Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Once you learn about baobab oil’s incredible benefits for skin and hair, you’ll know why everyone is jumping on the baobab bandwagon. Once again, Mother Nature has provided us with a wonderfully nourishing and healing gift.
Where Baobab Oil Comes From
The baobab tree is from the genus Adansonia, and there are nine species of baobab trees. The tree called Adansonia digitata is the most widespread species of baobab. Baobab trees like hot, dry climates, and they typically grow in Madagascar, mainland Africa and Australia. Africans have used the baobab fruit and leaves for centuries for food, medicine and cosmetic purposes.
Baobab oil is derived from the seeds of the fruit of the baobab tree. The oil has a pretty golden yellow color, a silky feel and an earthy aroma. You should look for ‘cold pressed’ baobab oil, as it’s less likely to be adulterated with any chemicals.
What Makes Baobab Oil Useful?
Baobab oil has incredible benefits for skin and hair. It’s full of vitamin C, and other crucial vitamins like A, E and vitamin D. It’s also rich in fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which help soften the skin and restore the epidermis. Baobab fruit pulp is also rich in polyphenols, just like green tea, which help to prevent cell damaging oxidative stress. The rich vitamin and fatty acid content of baobab oil is what yields such incredible benefits for the skin and hair
5 Baobab Oil Benefits for Skin and Hair
1. Non Greasy Facial Moisturizer
With its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, baobab oil makes a great non greasy facial moisturizer. Like another favorite facial oil, rosehip oil, baobab oil’s fatty acids help to regenerate skin tissues, and restore and moisturize the skin. It has vitamin A and E, and antioxidant and protective properties can help prevent against wrinkles, discoloration and premature aging on your skin.
2. Scalp Oil
Baobab oil’s silky texture and nourishing properties make it a perfect scalp massage oil. Baobab oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe a dry and irritated scalp and may help with itching and irritation. Its moisturizing properties help to nourish the scalp and your hair follicles. Baobab contains polyphenols to protect against damaging free radicals, and using a scalp serum with baobab can support inflammation reduction and a revitalized scalp.
3. Nail Oil/Cuticle Massage
Baobab oil can be massaged into the nail and cuticle twice daily to moisturize and strengthen your nails and make them less prone to breakage and splitting. The amino acids and hydrating properties of the oil can help aid in nail retention for longer and stronger fingernails.
4. Strengthening Hair Oil
Is your hair brittle and dry? Baobab oil makes an incredible hot oil deep conditioner. Apply it to your scalp, cover with a heated cap and allow it to sit for an hour or two. The hydrating, coating and moisturizing properties of baobab oil can help to strengthen your hair for greater elasticity and less breakage. The anti-inflammatory action of baobab can help soothe a dry and irritated scalp as it nourishes your follicles.
5. Skin Moisturizer
Baobab oil has hydrating, moisturizing and occlusive properties to help lock in moisture to your skin and make it more supple. Baobab oil’s palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids are known to help to soften the skin and prevent dryness. The omega fatty acids in baobab oil also help maintain the integrity of your skin, and aid in healing irritated and sunburned skin. The high saturated and unsaturated fat content of the oil also helps decrease water loss from the skin and improves its barrier function, keeping it firm and youthful looking.
Featured Image: Courtesy Kamatuu GPP et al.
