Does Jojoba Oil Help Acne Treatment?
Jojoba is a perennial plant widely used for cosmetic and pharmacological purposes. What we know as jojoba oil (a liquid, transparent and yellowish substance) is actually an ester of liquid wax.
This substance has great value as a carrier oil, that is, it improves the absorption of cosmetics such as sunscreen and topical drugs. But perhaps the properties and uses of this plant go beyond the aforementioned. That is why today we address the question of whether jojoba oil helps in the treatment of acne.
In addition to being an excellent carrier substance, jojoba oil has been recognized for numerous benefits for the skin. It has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, preventing aging, and improving wound healing. It is common to hear that it is a very effective product to treat acne problems. But to what extent is this true?
Does jojoba oil help fight acne?
If you suffer or have suffered from acne, it is likely that someone in your environment has recommended you to use jojoba oil to combat it. And it is that the consideration of this product as an adequate treatment is very widespread at the popular level. However, in the scientific field, the evidence in this regard is still limited.
There is not enough research yet to determine that jojoba oil helps fight acne. However, certain studies have been carried out that show promising results.
For example, in one of them, the participants used clay and jojoba oil face masks to treat the condition of their skin. After applying them two to three times a week for six weeks, the acne and skin lesions were significantly reduced.
Other studies have shown that certain components of vegetable oils (including jojoba) are capable of acting on the skin, repairing the homeostasis of the skin barrier. This is a property that we are trying to enhance with emulsified variants.
The proven anti-inflammatory effect is beneficial for conditions such as acne or dermatitis. Something that added to the healing capacity of jojoba oil makes it an interesting adjuvant.
An investigation carried out with mice even showed that the transdermal application of jojoba oil has effects on the biochemical parameters of the blood . Within 30 minutes of application, serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids increased. Which implies that certain components of the oil penetrate the skin generating important changes.
Recommendations for treating acne
In short, jojoba oil can be useful to combat acne. However, it is not recommended to use it as the only measure, since it is not a first-line treatment.
To eliminate acne or reduce it significantly, it is essential to be constant and persevering with basic care. First of all, it is necessary to keep the skin clean and dry so that the pores do not become clogged or infected.
For this it is advisable to wash your face twice a day with water and a mild soap specific for acne-prone skin. Cleaning should be done by massaging in a circular way, as excessive friction can damage the dermis.
On the other hand, avoid touching the skin of your face with dirty hands and, above all, do not squeeze, touch or pop the pimples. By doing so, you increase the risk of generating a wound that can lead to a future scar. Also, an infection is likely to spread.
Additionally, benzoyl peroxide, applied topically, has an important bactericidal and anti-inflammatory action. Using over-the-counter creams and lotions made with this compound can help combat it.
Always go to a professional
In short, acne is a condition that can occur in both men and women of all ages and can arise from various causes. Sometimes, its appearance is the result of hormonal changes typical of age ; This is what happens during puberty.
Other times it is related to the use of hormonal contraceptives. Even certain types of diet can increase the propensity to suffer it. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain proper facial hygiene and be careful with your skin.
Keeping the skin always hydrated and using specific products for our type of dermis can also be of great help. Similarly, certain drugs or herbal treatments, such as jojoba oil, are adjuvants.
In any case, in such a condition, it is best to go to a professional. The dermatologist will be able to analyze the origin more precisely and recommend the most appropriate approach. If we want to avoid mistakes that can further damage our skin, it will be necessary to put ourselves in their hands.
