camellia oil The beauty elixir from Asia
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Camellia oil has long been known in Asia as a beauty oil for skin and hair. You can find out what the oil can do here.
Camellia Oil – What is it?
Camellia oil is a vegetable oil made from camellia seeds. There are different types of camellia from which the oil can be pressed:
- Camellia oleifera: Camellia oil is primarily extracted from the seeds of this oil-bearing species of camellia.
- Camellia sasanqua: These seeds of this camellia species are also very oily.
- Camellia sinensis: This is the tea bush, but its seeds contain less oil, which is why camellia oil is rarely pressed from this species.
- Camellia japonica: This camellia species describes the ornamental plant, which also only plays a minor role in the extraction of the oil.
The oil has been used in Japan, Vietnam and China for centuries. it’s coming in cosmetics and hair care as well as anti-corrosion agent and wood care products partly also in the kitchen for use.
camellia oil has a high viscosity, which means that it is very viscous. In addition, it is colorless and odorless. The oil is also known as “tea seed oil” and is obtained by cold pressing.
Camellia Oil: Ingredients
Camellia seed oil contains many valuable ingredients that make it so popular as a care oil:
- oleic acid (approx. 80%): Oleic acid is one of the unsaturated fatty acids. It makes the skin feel soft and is well absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin. Note: Oils with a high proportion of oleic acid should not be used if you have oily skin, as they are considered comedogenic and could promote blackheads and skin problems.
- palmitic acid (approx. 10%): Ensures the long shelf life of the oil (the camellia oil does not go rancid) and is also said to have an antioxidant effect. It is part of the body’s protective acid mantle of the skin. Since the outer layers of the skin break down the acid with increasing age, palmitic acid is particularly suitable as care for mature skin.
- linoleic acid (approx. 5 – 8%): Belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids, helps to build up the top layer of skin and maintains the natural skin barrier. It is also anti-inflammatory and can therefore be beneficial for sensitive or dry skin.
- Vitamins A, C and E
Camellia oil: effect & application
Effect & application for the skin
Especially dry and sensitive skin benefits from camellia seed oil: It cares for and nourishes the skin as it penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. In addition, it should protect against harmful environmental influences and help to ensure that moisture is stored in the skin for longer. It also makes the skin supple, reduces wrinkles and stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. The anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce skin irritation and prevent eczema.
Camellia oil can be applied pure to cleansed skin in the morning and/or evening. Simply massage in a few drops. The oleic acid ensures that it is well absorbed and develops its effect especially in the deeper layers of the skin and keeps the epidermis elastic.
Notice: There are a number of cosmetic products on the market that are enriched with the oil. So if you don’t want to use the oil pure, you’ll find it creamsserums & Co. in the drugstore or pharmacy.
As a makeup remover
Camellia oil can also be used as a gentle make-up remover. Spread some oil on a cotton pad and gently wipe over the eye, cheek or forehead area. Then rinse your face with plenty of warm water
Effect & application for the hair
Geishas already knew that camellia oil cares for their hair. It gives the hair shine, moisture and fullness by being absorbed deep into the hair structure. To do this, rub a few drops of the oil between your hands and distribute through dry hair. Leave the oil on for about 20 minutes and then rinse off with a hair wash.
Tips on buying camellia oil
When buying, make sure it is pure camellia oil is, in which no fragrances or preservatives are included. This is recommended organic qualityto rule out pesticides. And finally, the oil should per cold pressing won – so you make sure that none of the valuable ingredients have been lost.
Are you interested in other oils and their effect on skin and hair? Here we explain what avocado oil is used for, what carrot oil is all about and where you can use rosehip oil.
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