Marula Oil first came to attention back in 2018, thanks to the everchanging skincare scene. Soon enough, the word about its benefits for skin and hair began to make news. As a result, today, this unsung hero finds a special place in formulas for balancing toners, retinol and hydrating serums, hair sprays, body lotions, and more.
For this reason alone, today's blog is all about Marula Oil – its history, benefits, and uses!
What Is Marula Oil?
Marula, or Sclerocarya Birrea plant, is an important part of the diet and culture in Southern Africa. Here’s how!
- Marula kernels are rich in proteins, magnesium, and potassium.
- Have higher nutrient value than other nuts.
- Rich in fatty acids
When it comes to culture, the Marula trees hold a special place in African history. It's a symbol of robustness and resilience. Moreover, the marula fruit has been used to treat illnesses like malaria and even snakebites. That's not all! This fruit also finds its place in the popular South African beer Amarula Cream Liqueur. Interesting fruit, isn't it?
So what's marula oil? Well, it is the oil derived from the kernels of the fruit. And imagine, if these are the benefits of the fruit and tree parts alone, what wonders can the oil do for you.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness
Marula oil is filled with good-for-your skin and hair nutrients. According to research, they are:
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are important for a healthy skin appearance. This makes them a common ingredient in a deep moisturizer and similar products. They:
- Determine your skin's structure
- Help with healthy barrier functioning
- Keep your skin plump and youthful
- Affect the microbiome of your skin which affects skin issues
Amino Acids
Amino acids, like fatty acids, are essential for cellular repair and stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that keeps your hair and skin healthy. For hair specifically, it:
- Promotes growth
- Prevents thinning
- Supports keratin production
As for the skin, collagen keeps it elastic and youthful. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Besides this, amino acids increase your skin's moisture and reduce inflammation. As for hair, it is known to fill the gaps in the protective outer layer of your hair and soften it, adding a natural shine to it.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight off the free radicals, saving you from a host of concerns like damage from UV rays. They also promote skin healing and slow down ageing. Plus, antioxidants:
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production
- Reduce pigmentation
- Make your skin baby-soft
Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Reduction
Besides external factors that affect how gracefully you age, there's one natural process that needs to be discussed. We are talking about a natural decrease in our body's ability to make collagen. This decline, of course, starts to show up as:
- Early wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Skin sagging
Since Marula oil has collagen-boosting properties, over time, your skin starts to appear healthier, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines reduces.
Healing and Repairing Properties
As we know, marula oil is filled with antioxidants and amino acids. But how do they help?
- Vitamin C soothes the skin
- Amino acids improve the skin barrier.
- This, in turn, reduces irritation and redness.
Furthermore, marula oil also has moisturizing properties. It is a lightweight and hydrating oil. And as you know, well-hydrated skin is less prone to irritation and inflammation.
When it comes to scar reduction, Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids kick into action. Vitamin E reduces the scars by promoting healing and preventing excessive scar tissue. Similarly, Omega-6 fatty acid contributes to the skin's natural regeneration process. Thus, creating a natural environment that supports natural healing.
Topical Applications for Skin
The best part about marula oil is that it's a versatile skincare ingredient, which means that it can be used for various topical applications to promote your skin health.
For instance, marula oil is a lightweight and easily absorbed ingredient in the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for a daily moisturizer. And the best part? It does not leave any greasy residue.
Another way to use marula oil in your skincare routine is for targeted treatment for dryness or rough skin. With regular use, it can help soften and improve the skin texture of these areas.
Finally, it makes an excellent ingredient for individuals with sensitive skin. Since it can be applied to soothe redness, irritation or sensitivity on the face, it reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
Hair and Scalp Benefits
You must have guessed by now that marula oil has a host of benefits for your hair and skin. Let's quickly go over them.
- Adds a natural shine
- Improves your overall hair texture
- Can be used as a leave-in conditioner or added to hair masks for soft, smooth hair
- Nourishes the hair and soothes irritated scalp
- Protects the hair from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution
Incorporating Marula Oil into Your Skincare Routine
When it comes to including any ingredient in a skincare routine, let alone marula oil, it's important that you only invest in high-quality products. They're specially designed for you to enjoy all the benefits of the ingredients without experiencing any discomfort.
For this reason alone, we have 4 suggestions of Marula oil-infused products that you can try to include in your skincare routine.
Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and it's important to get it right. ILEM JAPAN's Gentle Cleanser is formulated with the power of Japanese yuzu extract and grape leaf extract along with marula oil.
This cleanser promotes anti-ageing and cleanses the impurities on the skin. And while it does it, it leaves you with supple, baby, soft skin. As a result, you have clean skin that still looks hydrated.
Balancing Toner
The next step in a skincare routine is to apply a toner. The goal here is to replenish the skin with immediate hydration. The balancing toner is infused with Raspberry fruit extract and Japanese yuzu extract, along with marula oil is excellent at its job.
This toner strengthens the outer barrier and eases inflammation, while marula oil offers hydration. As a result, your skin feels balanced and moisturized by the end of this step.
Hydrating Serum
A hydrating serum is a special product designed for targeted concern. It is specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind and also for skin that needs a revival boost. The serum fortifies the skin's outer barrier.
Additionally, it helps to restore the elasticity of your skin, leaving it supple and plump. Plus, the rich balance of hydrating ingredients in the formula leaves your skin well-hydrated. It also contains hyaluronic acid that increases the effectiveness of this serum.
Deep Moisturizer
The final step is to lock in all the goodness that you've just given your skin. The deep moisturizer aims to leave you with Mochi-plump skin.
The moisturizer actively repairs and restores the natural glow while also offering long-lasting hydration.
Addressing Common Concerns about Marula Oil
Now that we've covered almost everything there is to know about marula oil, let's look at some of the common concerns and misconceptions that individuals have about this special ingredient.
Marula oil will make my skin more oily
No, it's really a myth. Marula oil is a lightweight oil that gets easily absorbed and does not make your skin more oily. In fact, it can actually balance oil production and provide hydration without clogging your pores.
Marula oil will cause acne
Marula oil is non comedogenic. This means that it is unlikely to clog your pores. Furthermore, when used in moderation and non-sensitive skin, it can be a beneficial addition.
Marula oil is only for the face
Although marula oil is commonly used for the face, it can also be applied to other areas of your body. For example, your neck, hands and even hair for providing nourishment and hydration.
Get Radiant Skin with Marula Oil
What makes Marula oil so special is its versatility and benefits for various skin types. Plus, it can be used alone or with other skincare ingredients to enhance its benefits. And the best part? You can literally include this ingredient in every step of your skin care routine, just like we showed you.
Think of hydration, anti-ageing, skin repair, hair strengthening, and a healthy scalp, all with just one super ingredient! But hey, if you are wondering where to find the best Marula oil-infused products. You don't have to worry Because they are right here at ILEM JAPAN.
