Summer is here, and with it comes the sun, the beach, and unfortunately, sunburns.
We’ve all been there – spending a little too much time in the sun without enough protection. The result? Painful, red, and irritated skin that can take days to heal.
But what if we told you that there’s a natural solution to soothe your sunburn? Enter jojoba oil.
This versatile oil has been used for centuries by native tribes to protect against the sun and has numerous benefits for the skin, including its ability to reduce redness, inflammation, and pain.
In this article, we’ll explore the question on everyone’s mind: is jojoba oil good for sunburn? Let’s dive in and find out.
Is Jojoba Oil Good For Sunburn?
Jojoba oil is a natural and safe solution for sunburn relief. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation caused by sunburns. In fact, jojoba oil acts similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling.
Moreover, jojoba oil is safe to use on all skin types, including sun-injured skin. It can assist the skin in its rejuvenating process and accelerate wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis in in vivo tissues. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the addition of just 1% jojoba oil accelerated wound healing in comparison to the control solution.
Jojoba oil is also a popular ingredient in some natural sunscreen products. It contains vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help protect your skin from sun damage. Sun damage can dehydrate your skin and cause flaking, but jojoba oil restores vitamin E, adds moisture, and promotes healing to soothe these symptoms of sunburns.
What Is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Jojoba oil has a unique chemical structure that mimics the natural oils produced by our skin, making it an excellent moisturizer and emollient. It is also rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation. Jojoba oil is safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, as it does not clog pores or cause allergic reactions. Its skin-repairing properties make it a popular ingredient in many cosmetic formulations, including natural sunscreen products, as it can help soothe and heal sun-damaged skin.
How Does Jojoba Oil Help With Sunburn?
Jojoba oil is a natural after-sun skin soother that can help calm and repair sun-damaged skin. Its unique structure, based on straight chain esters and all Omega 9 and Vitamin E, mimics 25% of the human sebum. Once applied on irritated skin, it has soothing, repairing, and moisturizing effects. Jojoba oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin that’s irritated and red from the sun. In fact, studies show that jojoba oil is as effective as an OTC anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in reducing pain and swelling caused by sunburns.
Jojoba oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils to provide additional relief for sunburns. Mixing a few drops of essential oils with jojoba oil can be applied to sunburned skin every few hours or added to a lukewarm bath or compress.
Unlike other oils, jojoba oil is technically a wax and doesn’t trap heat inside the skin. Instead, it can protect the skin while it heals from sunburns. Jojoba oil contains vitamin E, which can help heal the skin from sunburn while protecting it from further damage. It also helps reduce peeling caused by sunburns.
The Science Behind Jojoba Oil’s Effectiveness
Jojoba oil is derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, which is native to Southern Arizona, Southern California, and Northwestern Mexico. Although it is commonly referred to as an oil, it is actually a liquid wax that contains a unique composition of fatty acids, esters, and vitamins. The wax esters in jojoba oil are similar in structure to the sebum produced by human skin, making it an excellent emollient and moisturizer.
Research has shown that jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation associated with sunburns. The anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba oil are due to its high concentration of natural vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation and speed up cell regeneration both in the body and skin. This makes jojoba oil an effective treatment for sunburns.
Jojoba oil also contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from sun damage. When applied topically, jojoba oil forms a slightly reflective shield on the skin’s surface that reflects some of the harmful UV radiation away from the skin. This helps the skin retain moisture, protect against dust and dirt, and reflect a small amount of sunlight away from the skin.
In addition to its benefits for sunburns, jojoba oil has been found to have a wide range of pharmacological applications. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant, anti-acne and antipsoriasis, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antipyretic, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperglycemia activities. It is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for topical, transdermal, and parenteral preparations.
How To Use Jojoba Oil For Sunburn Relief
Using jojoba oil for sunburn relief is easy and straightforward. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Clean the affected area: Before applying jojoba oil, make sure to clean the sunburned area with mild soap and water. Gently pat the area dry with a soft towel.
2. Apply jojoba oil: Take a few drops of jojoba oil and apply it directly to the sunburned area. Massage the oil gently into your skin in a circular motion.
3. Repeat as needed: You can reapply jojoba oil every few hours as needed until your sunburn is gone. If you prefer, you can also mix a few drops of jojoba oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil before applying it to your skin.
4. Use before and after sun exposure: Jojoba oil can be used both before and after sun exposure. Apply it before you go outside to protect your skin from sun damage, and use it after sun exposure to soothe and repair your skin.
5. Be consistent: Consistency is key when using jojoba oil for sunburn relief. Apply it regularly to see the best results.
Other Benefits Of Jojoba Oil For Skin Health
Jojoba oil offers a wide range of benefits for skin health beyond sunburn relief. Its emollient properties make it an excellent moisturizer that can penetrate deeply into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Jojoba oil is also non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores or promote acne.
Jojoba oil has anti-aging properties that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It contains antioxidants and minerals like vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, chromium, copper, and zinc that nourish and protect the skin. Studies have shown that jojoba oil increases the skin’s suppleness and reduces superficial facial lines.
Jojoba oil is also beneficial for those with dry, itchy, or irritated skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe chaffing and chapping, reduce redness caused by drying, ease the effects of eczema and rosacea, and keep skin calm and comfortable.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba oil also has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent the growth of bacteria on the skin. This makes it useful for those with acne or other skin problems.
Finally, jojoba oil acts as a natural preservative and is often used in skincare products to extend their shelf life. Its long-lasting moisturizing effect makes it an excellent addition to any skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin.
Precautions And Risks Of Using Jojoba Oil For Sunburn
While jojoba oil is generally safe for topical use, it is important to note that it should not be ingested orally. Jojoba contains erucic acid, which can cause serious side effects such as heart damage. Therefore, it is crucial to only use jojoba oil as directed and avoid ingestion.
Additionally, while jojoba oil is safe for most people when applied to the skin, it can cause allergic reactions and rashes in some individuals. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using jojoba oil on a larger area of skin to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction.
Furthermore, while jojoba oil can help soothe sunburned skin, it should not be used as a replacement for sunscreen. It is still important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
