November 13, 2024, 4:10 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Baobab oil is often referred to as “liquid gold” in the beauty sector. It is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree, which is known as the “tree of life” in Africa. Thanks to its high content of vitamins and antioxidants, the oil is currently being hyped in skincare. Here, you can find out all about the benefits, possible uses, and potential risks of baobab oil.
Baobab oil is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), also known as the monkey bread tree. It grows mainly in Africa, Madagascar, and Australia and can live for over 1000 years. To extract the oil, the seeds of the baobab fruit are gently cold-pressed to preserve the valuable nutrients and maintain its beneficial properties.
Main active ingredients: vitamins & antioxidants
Baobab oil is rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These intensively nourish the skin and keep it elastic. It also contains numerous vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and F. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps to fight free radicals, which are responsible for skin aging, among other things. The combination of these nutrients makes baobab oil an effective skincare product for nourishing and protecting the skin.
Application
“Baobab oil can now be found in a variety of beauty products such as face creams, serums, body lotions, and hair oils. Baobab oil is often used in products for dry and mature skin in particular, as it provides the skin with intensive moisture and makes it supple,” says Dr. Clemens Fritsch, a specialist in dermatology, venereology, and allergology in Düsseldorf. “The pure oil can also be applied directly, with just one or two drops being sufficient to nourish the face or the hair ends.”
Don’t oils clog the pores?
It is often feared that oils used as a skin care product can clog pores and lead to skin blemishes. However, baobab oil is a so-called non-comedogenic oil that generally does not clog pores and allows the skin to breathe. It is particularly light and absorbs quickly, making it suitable for all skin types. For dry and mature skin, in particular, baobab oil can even help improve the complexion and reduce impurities as it balances the skin well.
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Effect
Natural anti-aging
The antioxidants it contains, especially vitamin E, protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage, reducing the signs of aging. With regular use, the oil can smooth the skin and maintain its elasticity, making it appear firmer and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Promotes skin elasticity
The fatty acids contained in baobab oil support the skin’s elasticity, help reduce the feeling of tight skin, and improve the skin’s appearance. Regular use keeps the skin supple and resistant to external influences such as wind, dryness, sunlight, or cold.
Moisturizing & regenerating
Baobab oil is quickly absorbed and provides deep moisturization. This makes it ideal for dry and stressed skin. It also helps to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. Especially in the cold, dry winter months or after sunbathing, it can help to soothe the skin and prevent lines caused by dryness.
Soothing & anti-inflammatory
“Baobab oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its high content of linoleic acid, which can have a soothing effect on sensitive, irritated skin and mild redness. Especially for skin problems such as eczema or minor skin inflammation, it can soothe the skin and relieve itching while moisturizing the skin,” says Dr. Fritsch. “Due to its low comedogenicity, the oil can also be used in the treatment of acne and blemished skin.”
Strengthening the skin barrier
The oil can strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier and thus improve moisture retention. This protects the skin from irritation.
Care for hair & scalp
The oil can restore shine to dry, brittle hair, in particular. It also has a soothing effect on dry scalps and reduces dandruff. For an effective anti-split end effect, simply massage one or two drops of the oil into the hair ends or use it as a leave-in overnight hair treatment.
Can baobab oil lighten the skin?
While the oil is rich in nutrients that can enhance skin health and texture, it does not have a proven, direct brightening effect. The radiant-looking complexion is mainly due to the moisturizing and nourishing properties of the oil. Special ingredients, such as retinoids, would be required for an actual brightening effect, which is not found in baobab oil.
Possible risks
Despite its many positive properties, people with certain skin types should be careful with baobab oil. For extremely oily or acne-prone skin, the oil may be too rich. Allergy sufferers should also first carry out a patch (epicutaneous) test on a small area of skin. In rare cases, the oil can cause skin reactions. As always, if you are unsure, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist.
What should you consider when buying?
It is best to opt for a high-quality, cold-pressed, organically grown baobab oil, as this method best preserves the valuable nutrients. Make sure that the oil is bottled in dark glass bottles. This protection from light helps extend its shelf life. A high-quality baobab oil should also be free from additives and artificial fragrances. A good product is usually identifiable by a clear designation of origin and the label “100 percent pure baobab oil”.
Expert assessment
Baobab oil is generally classified as safe as long as it is used without additives. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the label to ensure that no artificial additives or fragrances have been added that could irritate the skin. Baobab oil is a versatile and nourishing product that can have positive effects, especially on dry or mature skin.