Baobab Oil
Scientific Name- Adansonia Digitata
Origin: Nigeria
Method of production- Cold Pressed
Color- Yellow/Golden
The Baobab tree is one of Africa’s best known and most iconic tree species. West Africa is the origin country of Baobab Oil. In Africa, people call it “the tree of life” and “pharmacy tree” because of its many uses, including for baobab oil.
Baobab oil is obtained from the seeds of Adansonia tree. This tree is one of the most characteristic trees of Africa, and it is often called the upside down tree because it looks as though it is growing roots upwards. The oil is quite viscous, with a rich, silky feel and a mild aroma. Baobab oil is an excellent moisturizer and ideal for numerous cosmetic applications. It is one of the few oils which are added in its raw state in cosmetic products. Baobab oil is one of the most prominent oils from Africa.
Baobab oil is the natural choice for healthy skin. Baobab oil is an excellent skin moisturizer, which absorbs quickly into the skin without clogging pores. It leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. Baobab oil contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids which contribute towards maintaining a healthy skin.
Color, Taste and Aroma:
The oil has deep golden yellow color, nutty taste and a earthy aroma.
Nutrients in Baobab Oil:
Baobab oil has a quite balanced nutrition is composed of essential fatty acids such as:
- Oleic acid - 30.0% - 42.0%
- Linoleic acid - 12.0% - 35.0%
- Palmitic acid - 18.0% - 46.0%
- Stearic acid - 2% - 9.0%
Properties:
- Emollient – It is an excellent moisturizer for the skin.
- Insulator – It protects the skin from excessive high and low temperatures.
- Rejuvenator – It promotes rejuvenation of skin cells.
- Non-siccative – It does not dry for a long time.
- Cicatrizant – promote wound healing.
- Antioxidant – It prevents the skin from free radical damage.
- Anti-Inflammatory – because of the presence of omega fatty acids in it
Usage:
- Rub oil broadly on arms and legs.
- Gently massage oil into facial skin.
- Rub oil into dry skin patches.
- Massage oil onto skin where ever scarring and stretch marks occur.
- Spray a few drops into your bath water.
- Rub oil onto wet skin when you get out of the shower or bath. This helps the oil spread more easily across the skin.
- Add a few drops to your regular body lotion, face cream or hair conditioner.
- Baobab oil is only to be used topically on the skin as it is not suitable for oral consumption.
Benefits:
The biggest use of baobab oil is as a cosmetic agent. One can use it directly on the skin, or combine it with other natural ingredients, like essential oils to impart certain benefits.
- Massage Oil: Baobab oil has a different texture than most other oils. One can use it as massage oil to get silky, smooth skin. Massage with this oil is good for dry, damaged skin. It helps the skin to restructure and heal itself. This way, it can help to heal dry skin patches. It is quickly absorbed into the skin.
- Home Remedy for Stretch Marks: Regular application on area affected by stretch marks reduces the appearance and depth of these marks. The oil stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis under the skin to heal the stretch marks. Similarly, it can be used to heal wound scars like post surgical scars.
- As a Daily Moisturizing Lotion: After the shower, apply a small amount of baobab oil on the skin. This helps to lock in the moisture. The oil is readily absorbed, thus leaving a non greasy feeling within a few minutes. Alternatively, one can add it to a moisturizing lotion to increase its effectiveness.
- Chapped Lips: Baobab oil is naturally great for chapped lips. Just a small amount of oil applied to the lips can do the job.
- Hair Conditioner: Baobab oil is heated gently and then applied on the scalp for a hot oil conditioning. Cover with a shower cap for a few hours and then wash it off. This leaves the hair soft and noticeably silky. It also adds some volume to the hair.
- Applying baobab oil to the hair protects them from damage by sun and free radicals which leaves the hair separated, damaged and frizzy.
- Nail Care: Soak the hands and feet in baobab oil. It makes them soft and easy to take care of.
- Baobab oil is enriched with omega 3 fatty acids which has the ability to moisturize skin.
- Help in improve skin texture and elasticity.
- It helps in preventing water loss from skin and it softens the skin.
- Using Baobab oil as a scalp treatment help prevent or treat dandruff and flaking.
- The oil is good for hair too and if you use this oil as a hair mask or a leave in conditioner, it will moisture dry hair and strengthen weak, brittle hair.
- This oil helps to heal skin faster and reduces inflammation.
- The baobab oil also does well in keeping the under-eye skin looking youthful.
