Essential Oils
Benefits of Moringa Oil For Skin, Hair, and Nails
Moringa oil is not just a cooking oil; it also serves as a powerful essential oil. The benefits of moringa oil for the skin, hair, and nails are numerous, as it naturally enhances the production of keratin—a protein essential for building these important structures. Moreover, it supports overall health.
Moringa oil is extracted from the seeds of the moringa tree, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera. This small tree is native to India and various Asian countries.
Often referred to as “the miracle tree,” every part of the moringa tree—leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, stems, and even roots—can be utilized for medicinal, therapeutic, culinary, and industrial purposes.
The shape of moringa seed pods resembles a drumstick, which is why it is commonly known as the “Drumstick tree” in its native regions.
Due to the high levels of behenic acid, it is also called the Ben oil tree.
Moringa seeds are rich in oil content and nutritional value, including protein, monounsaturated fats, sterols, and tocopherols.
Related: Health benefits of Moringa seeds.
Industries use various processes, such as cold pressing and solvent extraction, to produce moringa oil. This oil is beneficial for the skin, hair, and nails, while also supporting overall health.
What is Moringa Oil?
Moringa oil is the second most utilized product from the moringa tree, following the leaves.
The leaves alone contain 92 nutrients, including 36 anti-inflammatories, 46 antioxidants, and 18 amino acids. A tea made from moringa leaves has been shown in studies to be a wonderful herbal beverage that calms the mind and boosts energy.
Read also: Health benefits of Moringa tea.
The light and sharp nature of moringa seed oil can calm and detoxify the skin. This essential oil is included in numerous hair care and skincare products, such as shampoos, creams, lotions, and gels.
In Ayurvedic medicine, moringa oil is referred to as Sigru, acknowledged for its ability to penetrate deep into the skin tissues for rapid cleansing.
Rich in fatty acids, moringa oil aids in cleansing, soothing, and moisturizing the skin. The antioxidants in the oil protect it from rancidity, allowing for an extended shelf life. Additionally, it contains palmitoleic and linoleic acids, along with vitamins A and C, which provide anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Moringa Oil Properties
Moringa oil is packed with healthy fats, minerals, plant compounds, vitamins, and medicinal properties. Let’s explore some beneficial nutrients in moringa oil for hair, skin, and health.
Vitamin A – Boosts the immune system against illness and infection. Retinol (Vitamin A) enhances collagen production in the skin while improving blood circulation.
Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant that protects DNA from damage caused by free radicals. Ascorbic acid aids in repairing sun damage, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and slowing down the signs of aging.
Vitamin E – Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory that strengthens the body and maintains hair and skin health. Vitamin E improves immunity, cell functions, and overall skin health.
Cytokinin – Zeatin, a primary cytokinin or plant hormone, fosters plant growth. When applied to the skin or hair, it promotes cell growth and helps to prevent aging by generating new cell tissues.
Fatty Acids – Moringa oil is high in mono-saturated oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid), which strengthens the skin barrier, keeping it youthful, hydrated, and nourished.
How is Moringa Oil Used?
Moringa oil has traditionally been utilized in many medicines for topical treatments and cosmetic products. In recent years, it has gained popularity as both a cooking and essential oil.
The oleic acid in moringa oil provides cleansing and moisturizing properties beneficial for skin and hair, making it suitable as a topical cleanser and moisturizer. It should be diluted with a carrier oil before application.
Rich in protein, oleic acid, and healthy fats, moringa oil is also used in cooking, making it an economical and nutritious alternative to pricier cooking oils.
Being a drought-resistant plant, moringa often serves as a staple food source in regions with limited water supply.
The edible moringa oil contains sterols that help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL).
The antioxidant activity in moringa oil, attributed to the presence of beta-sitosterol, may help in preventing various chronic health conditions. Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol that also exhibits anti-diabetic properties; however, further research is required to substantiate these claims.
Moringa oil possesses bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties applicable internally and externally. These medicinal qualities enhance skin health, improve tone and complexion, and treat acne breakouts, dark spots, and other skin imperfections.
Some notable bioactive compounds include catechins, ferulic acid, tocopherols, quercetin, and zeatin, making moringa oil a valuable ingredient in hair and skincare products like shampoos, conditioners, soaps, cleansers, toners, and massage oils.
Benefits of Moringa Oil
The healing and beauty benefits of moringa oil have been recognized for decades. Ancient Romans and Greeks commonly used moringa leaves and seed oil in ointments, perfumes, and lotions.
Egypt boasts a rich history of using moringa leaves for beauty treatments. They applied moringa oil to protect the skin from the harsh sun, sand, and dust in desert climates. This practice explains the youthful appearance and radiant skin of individuals from those regions.
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-aging properties of moringa oil effectively address various skin ailments and hair concerns.
Benefits of Moringa Oil for Skin
The primary components that make moringa oil effective for skin issues are cytokinins and zeatin. Zeatin is a crucial plant hormone that promotes cell growth and helps delay aging by facilitating the generation of healthy skin tissues.
Related: Benefits of Moringa for Skin
Fatty Acids in Moringa Oil
The high concentration of fatty acids in moringa oil supports the maintenance and formation of cell membranes in the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin), protecting it from environmental damage and regulating permeability.
This unique combination of fatty acids provides lubrication, emollient, and anti-inflammatory benefits, restoring natural oils to the skin and preventing environmental damage.
Summary
Moringa oil, with its high fatty acid content, acts as a protective barrier for the skin, shielding it from environmental harm.
Oleic Acid in Moringa Oil
Pollutants in our environment can compromise skin integrity by penetrating the deeper layers of the epidermis, diminishing its ability to defend against toxins. This often results in dryness and dehydration.
Moringa oil, rich in phytochemicals and oleic acid—known for its antioxidant properties—works to restore the skin’s barrier function, maintaining hydration even after exposure to pollutants.
Summary
Oleic acid in moringa oil is effective in repairing skin damage caused by pollution and combating dryness due to dehydration.
Antioxidants in Moringa Oil
Moringa oil is widely recognized for its anti-aging benefits, thanks to its abundance of powerful antioxidants and minerals. These nutrients protect against free radical damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging.
Additionally, the antioxidants help diminish signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin while removing dead skin cells. Notably, vitamin C, among these antioxidants, stabilizes collagen levels, reducing fine lines, repairing damaged skin cells, and regenerating skin tissue.
Summary
Antioxidants like vitamin C in moringa oil protect against cellular damage and delay the aging process, effectively reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Antiseptic and Antimicrobial Properties in Moringa Oil
Moringa oil is particularly effective for treating acne breakouts due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which regulate excess oil production and prevent bacteria from clogging pores.
Applying moringa oil mixed with a few drops of coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of blackheads, acne, dark spots, and scars. It also combats fatigue and regulates oil secretion, contributing to a clearer complexion.
For a refreshing touch, gently massage the mixture of moringa oil and olive oil onto the skin. You can also enhance your daily skincare routine by adding a few drops of moringa oil to your lotion or cream to address various skin issues.
Summary
The antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities of moringa oil effectively treat skin issues and dark spots while preserving the skin’s natural glow.
Detoxifying Effects in Moringa Oil
Moringa oil serves as an excellent detoxifier. Its high oleic acid content (up to 72%) cleanses, purifies, and detoxifies the skin while sulfur aids in the production of natural keratin. Keratin is a protein crucial for building skin, hair, and nails, promoting a youthful appearance.
Summary
The oleic acid and sulfur in moringa oil contribute to keratin production and provide cleansing, detoxifying, and purifying effects.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in Moringa Oil
Moringa oil effectively moisturizes and hydrates dry skin, addressing issues like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It can also be used as a lip balm for treating dry and chapped lips.
Research published in the Journal of Pharmacy indicates that moringa oil exhibits sun protection properties. The study found that moringa oil could serve as a potent SPF, enhancing the effectiveness of sunscreen formulations when mixed with them.
Summary
Moringa oil functions as a sunscreen, providing protection against harmful UV rays, according to research findings.
Benefits of Moringa Oil for Hair
Moringa oil is an excellent moisturizer, making it beneficial for hair growth. It has become a popular addition to many hair care regimens, often recommended by dermatologists.
Healthy Scalp
One of the primary benefits of using moringa oil in hair care is its high content of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. This fatty acid acts as an effective cleanser, helping to maintain moisture levels and sebum production on the scalp, while its anti-inflammatory properties aid in preventing scalp flaking.
Hair Growth
Moringa oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy hair growth while maintaining scalp hydration.
Read also: Benefits of Moringa for Hair Growth.
Strengthen Hair
The high protein content of moringa oil naturally enhances keratin production, a protein essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. The zinc in moringa oil supports keratin synthesis, aiding in hair restructuring and strengthening.
Shine and Elasticity
Moringa oil revitalizes dull and lifeless hair, acting as an exceptional conditioner that imparts shine and elasticity, thanks to its high levels of behenic acid—an ingredient commonly found in premium hair conditioners.
Hydrator
Moringa oil serves as a moisturizer and protection for hair, shielding strands from sun damage and discoloration.
Repair Damage
Moringa seeds contain amino acids that assist in reversing hair damage, such as split ends, while the minerals and vitamins present in moringa oil help combat dandruff.
How to Choose Your Moringa Oil Brand
Moringa oil is available in multiple forms: essential oil, cooking oil, and extract for topical applications involving hair and skin.
Check the product packaging to determine whether you are purchasing essential oil or carrier oil. Remember, essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before use on skin or hair and are not suitable for cooking.
For cooking or topical applications, ensure the oil is labeled as cold-pressed, organic, or food-grade. Some moringa oils are produced industrially using solvent extraction, which may not be suitable for consumption. Always verify the labeling before making a purchase. The moringa oil which we sell here at Moolihai is cold pressed using moringa seeds and is safe for any usage.
It’s also beneficial to examine the manufacturing methods, source, and production processes of any product.
High-quality, organic moringa oil should have a pale yellow hue and a peanut-like earthy aroma. Check for a consistent color and clarity before purchase.
How to Use Moringa Oil at Home
In addition to the many commercial moringa oil products available for skin and hair care, you can also create your own treatments at home.
Moringa Oil for Hair
You can massage moringa oil with any carrier oil into your hair for a quick treatment. For a more intensive application, follow the instructions below.
You Will Need:
- Carrier oil
- Moringa oil
- Beneficial essential oil
Directions to Use:
- Take 2 cups of any carrier oil that has moisturizing properties, like almond oil.
- Add 5 to 10 drops of moringa oil and another essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender oil, to the carrier oil.
- Mix the oils in a bowl.
- Apply the oil mixture on your hair, massaging from roots to ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or towel and leave it on overnight.
- Shampoo and condition your hair thoroughly to remove the oil.
- Optional: You may heat the oil mixture for a few seconds before application to enhance the scent.
Moringa Oil for Skin
The ingredients are similar to those used for hair treatment, with some optional variations for a unique experience.
- You can substitute almond oil for any other carrier oil and add different essential oils for a variety of scents.
- Gently massage the oil into your skin and face.
- Remove excess oil with a tissue if necessary.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, moringa oil has a long shelf life of up to one year. Store it in a cool, dark place at room temperature to prolong its freshness.
Moringa Oil for Nails
Moringa oil can significantly improve nail health and hydration, effectively treating dry and cracked cuticles. It nourishes the nails and safeguards against irritants.
How to Use:
Massage moringa oil into the nail beds to moisturize them. Use it whenever your nails feel rough or dry for additional hydration. After application, consider wearing gloves to keep dirt from sticking.
Precautions
While the entire moringa tree is recognized for its medicinal benefits, it’s important to note that oil is solely extracted from its seeds. Some proven benefits associated with moringa may not directly apply to the oil, but instead to other forms, such as leaves and moringa leaf powder.
It’s advisable to avoid consuming moringa leaves, flowers, or bark during pregnancy, as these parts of the tree can induce uterine contraction and pose a risk of miscarriage. Although moringa oil itself has not been linked to this effect, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using it if you are pregnant or attempting to conceive.
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