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Skincare products & skin care techniques for skin problems. How to apply Retinol & Vitamin C. Anti-aging skincare. How to treat acne, brown spots, dry skin, wrinkles, Keratosis Pilaris. Skincare ingredient list. Skincare research. Skin care techniques, news, products, tutorials.

How to use anti-aging devices such as NuFace and Revive light therapy devices. Details on dermaplaning and cleansing devices. News of the latest skin care products.

CURRENT SKIN CARE OBSESSIONS: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.

The Science of Skincare: Can Tamanu Oil Really Help Scars & Stretch Marks?

· 7 Comments

When we hear there’s an organic oil that can be used for skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, stretch marks, scars, razor burn, bug bites, and can be used for softer, smoother hair, we’re interested. But we are also skeptical. What does the research say? Anecdotal evidence supports beautiful hair and skin on those who use Tamanu Oil. Many people swear by Tamanu Oil for clearing up acne or fading an old scar. But does science back the Tamanu Oil folklore? What is Tamanu Oil? And how do you use it? We did Tamanu Oil Research.

Tamanu Oil nut on a Tamanu Tree.

Tamanu Oil comes from the nuts of the Tamanu Tree.

ABOUT TAMANU OIL

The locals call it “Green Gold”. Pacific island folk medicine uses Tamanu Oil for a host of natural remedies. In Southern India, Tamanu Oil is used for many skin ailments. In Taiwan, it is used for hair. Tamanu Oil has gained attention because of its’ rare beauty benefits. The oil comes from a nut of the Tamanu Tree. The Tamanu Tree is commonly found in Polynesia. Within the region, Tamanu Oil is prized for hair, skin and a host of medical uses. Ample anecdotal evidence exists for these uses. Countless people swear by Tamanu Oil. But there have been limited research studies on Tamanu Oil efficacy. Studies to date show a promising organic oil with many versatile uses.

What do we know about Tamanu Oil?

While used for years in Polynesian regions, Tamanu Oil is only a recent discovery to many of us.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slight nutty scent.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slightly nutty scent.

Tamanu oil is a topical healing agent that is:

  • antineuralgic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • antibiotic
  • anti-oxidant

TAMANU OIL RESEARCH STUDIES

Tamanu Oil has been long associated with many health and beauty benefits. Research studies are still developing for the documentation of several promising medical uses. There is even research into Tamanu Oil’s potential benefit for cancer and HIV.(1)

But other Tamanu Oil uses are already well documented. These areas include the healing of burns and skin diseases. (2)

Tamanu Oil is both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Tamanu Oil is used for skin conditions such as:

  • acne scars
  • burns
  • dry scalp
  • eczema
  • mosquito bites
  • psoriasis
  • stings
  • stretch marks
  • flaky, scaly or dry skin.

Older stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat. What would make Tamanu Oil more effective than any other remedy?
Its’ rare fatty acid profile.

RESEARCH: HOW TAMANU OIL HEALS SCARS & MARKS

There has been studies of the healing properties of Tamanu Oil. Of interest is the special fatty properties of Tamanu Oil. These fatty properties help soften wounds, scars and stretch marks.

Organic Tamanu oil has a unique fatty acid profile. It has an unusual fatty acid called calophyllic acid. There are few studies on Calophyllum (calophyllic acid). But studies do exist, and there are enough to give credence to the skin healing ability of Tamanu Oil. Various studies verified the wound healing, safety, and antibacterial properties of Calophyllum (3).

This supports the anecdotal reports of the skin improvement seen with the traditional use of Tamanu Oil for at least scars, burns, and stretch marks.

CONCLUSION

Tamanu Oil is an exciting and promising Oil for a host of topical and medical uses. Tamanu Oil research is still limited. But studies are still in development to further explore potential benefits. What we do know is that Tamanu Oil is effective on several skin conditions and treating damaged skin.

WARNING: Tamanu is a nut. Tamanu oil should be avoided by those with nut allergies.

REFERENCES

  1. Warrier, Kannan. (2010). Calophyllum inophyllum. Pages 168-174.
  2. Ibid, Page 176
  3. Léguillier, Teddy et al. The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds.” PloS one vol. 10,9 e0138602. 25 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583440/

The Science of Beauty: Can Tamanu Oil Really Help Scars & Stretch Marks?

· 7 Comments

When we hear there’s an organic oil that can be used for skin concerns such as anti-aging, acne, stretch marks, scars, razor burn, bug bites, and can be used for softer, smoother hair, we’re interested. But we are also skeptical. What does the research say? Anecdotal evidence supports beautiful hair and skin on those who use Tamanu Oil. Many people swear by Tamanu Oil for clearing up acne or fading an old scar. But does science back the Tamanu Oil folklore? What is Tamanu Oil? And how do you use it? We did Tamanu Oil Research.

 

Tamanu Oil nut on a Tamanu Tree.

Tamanu Oil comes from the nuts of the Tamanu Tree.

ABOUT TAMANU OIL

The locals call it “Green Gold”. Pacific island folk medicine uses Tamanu Oil for a host of natural remedies. In Southern India, Tamanu Oil is used for many skin ailments. In Taiwan, it is used for hair. Tamanu Oil has gained attention because of its’ rare beauty benefits. The oil comes from a nut of the Tamanu Tree. The Tamanu Tree is commonly found in Polynesia. Within the region, Tamanu Oil is prized for hair, skin and a host of medical uses. Ample anecdotal evidence exists for these uses. Countless people swear by Tamanu Oil. But there have been limited research studies on Tamanu Oil efficacy. Studies to date show a promising organic oil with many versatile uses.

What do we know about Tamanu Oil?

While used for years in Polynesian regions, Tamanu Oil is only a recent discovery to many of us.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slight nutty scent.

Tamanu Oil is a lovely golden green color with a slightly nutty scent.

Tamanu oil is a topical healing agent that is:

  • antineuralgic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antimicrobial
  • antibiotic
  • anti-oxidant

TAMANU OIL RESEARCH STUDIES

Tamanu Oil has been long associated with many health and beauty benefits. Research studies are still developing for the documentation of several promising medical uses. There is even research into Tamanu Oil’s potential benefit for cancer and HIV.(1)

But other Tamanu Oil uses are already well documented. These areas include the healing of burns and skin diseases. (2)

Tamanu Oil is both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Tamanu Oil is used for skin conditions such as:

  • acne scars
  • burns
  • dry scalp
  • eczema
  • mosquito bites
  • psoriasis
  • stings
  • stretch marks
  • flaky, scaly or dry skin.

Older stretch marks are notoriously difficult to treat. What would make Tamanu Oil more effective than any other remedy?
Its’ rare fatty acid profile.

RESEARCH: HOW TAMANU OIL HEALS SCARS & MARKS

There has been studies of the healing properties of Tamanu Oil. Of interest is the special fatty properties of Tamanu Oil. These fatty properties help soften wounds, scars and stretch marks.

Organic Tamanu oil has a unique fatty acid profile. It has an unusual fatty acid called calophyllic acid. There are few studies on Calophyllum (calophyllic acid). But studies do exist, and there are enough to give credence to the skin healing ability of Tamanu Oil. Various studies verified the wound healing, safety, and antibacterial properties of Calophyllum (3).

This supports the anecdotal reports of the skin improvement seen with the traditional use of Tamanu Oil for at least scars, burns, and stretch marks.

CONCLUSION

Tamanu Oil is an exciting and promising Oil for a host of topical and medical uses. Tamanu Oil research is still limited. But studies are still in development to further explore potential benefits. What we do know is that Tamanu Oil is effective on several skin conditions and treating damaged skin.

WARNING: Tamanu is a nut. Tamanu oil should be avoided by those with nut allergies.

REFERENCES

  1. Warrier, Kannan. (2010). Calophyllum inophyllum. Pages 168-174.
  2. Ibid, Page 176
  3. Léguillier, Teddy et al. “The Wound Healing and Antibacterial Activity of Five Ethnomedical Calophyllum inophyllum Oils: An Alternative Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Infected Wounds.” PloS one vol. 10,9 e0138602. 25 Sep. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138602 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4583440/

Copper & Skincare: Osmotics Eye Firming Complex with Copper Peptides

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We obsess over collagen-promoting skincare. Collagen-boosting Vitamin C serums are the Holy Grail of anti-aging skincare. But Elastin is also very important. Elastin keeps skin firm and resilient. Copper builds Elastin *and* Collagen. Plus it has a host of other anti-aging benefits.  But you don’t find skincare with copper just anywhere.

Copper Peptides are the key to enhanced elastin and collagen production.  Blue Copper 5 is a Copper Peptide. It is a key ingredient in the Osmotics line, including Osmotics Copper Firming Eye Complex.

Osmotics Firming Eye Complex contains Blue Copper 5, a potent copper peptide to firm eye skin

Osmotics Firming Eye Complex contains Blue Copper 5, a potent copper peptide to firm eye skin

COPPER IN SKINCARE: Beauty Buzzword or Beneficial Beautification Must-Have?

Copper has been known to promote wound healing for some time. More recent studies show copper has exceptional anti-oxidant properties.

To effect skin improvement, a copper peptide must be used. The amount of effort to create these copper peptides generally puts copper skincare products at the mid to high price point within anti-aging skincare.

Copper is not just the latest skincare buzzword. It is backed with several clinical studies to support its’ value within both skin and hair care. [1]

What Copper Does For Skin

Copper enhances collagen *AND* elastin production.

Copper works with Hyaluronic Acid. It increases hydration and calms redness even on sensitive skin.  When paired with Hyaluronic, they increase and retain skin moisture especially well. Copper also helps the body promote Hyaluronic Acid. We lose Hyaluronic Acid as we age, so this feature of copper is a big get.

Copper also fights oxidative damage, a big factor in signs of aging. Finally, copper peptides remove and replace damaged collagen. Copper Peptides are powerful enough to get Vitamin C and Retinol level results but without the skin irritation associated with said topicals. [2]

How do these copper benefits enhance this eye complex cream? Osmotics Copper Firming Eye Complex fixes crepey fine lines on the delicate eye skin. These fine lines start to appear in our 30s and turn into full-fledged crow’s feet. Copper peptides stop fine lines in their sneaky tracks by firming eye area skin.

Just a tiny bit leaves my orbital area skin soft, supple, and glowing. It is not sticky or greasy, it absorbs nicely into the skin. It never stings or irritates my sensitive eyes.

 

Bonus feature: eye makeup goes on smooth and stays put.

I love pairing Osmotics Copper Firming Eye Complex with home light therapy device treatments for extra firming of eye skin contours.

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals have several copper-based treatments and we hear talk of a haircare product range featuring copper.

Osmotics skincare

Some other favorites from the Osmotics skincare range

Where to Find It

Find Osmotics Copper Firming Eye Complex and the Osmotics line at Neiman Marcus,  Nordstrom, DermStore, and Osmotics.com

References

  1. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108. doi:10.1155/2015/648108
  2. A.A, Abdulghani & A, Sherr & S, Shirin & G, Solodkina & Morales Tapia, E & B, Wolf & A.B, Gottlieb. (1998). Effects of topical creams containing vitamin C, a copper-binding peptide cream, and melatonin compared with tretinoin on the ultrastructure of normal skin – A pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes. 1. 136-141. 10.1016/S1088-3371(98)00011-4.

How to Use Sunflower Oil for Hair and Skin

· 15 Comments

Sunflower Oil is a carrier oil with many beauty benefits. This article explains how to use sunflower oil for hair and skin.

Sunflower Oil has many hair and skin benefits

Sunflower Oil has many hair and skin benefits

Sunflower oil can be used alone or combined with other oils. It is well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Why Use Sunflower Oil

Sunflower Seed Oil is hydrating, nourishing and an excellent supporting oil base. Sunflower Oil especially benefits coarse hair textures. It locks in moisture and deters hair breakage.

Sunflower Oil has many hair and skin benefits.

How to Use Sunflower Oil on Skin

Sunflower Oil is an effective face and body moisturizer. But it is a semi-greasy oil which makes the application and dry-down difficult. When mixed into a lotion or cream, sunflower oil can be exceptionally useful on body skin.

Sunflower Oil is non-comedogenic and can moisturize acne-prone areas. It soothes eczema, scarring, redness, and irritation.

  • Sunflower Oil retains moisture in the skin and is also rich in vitamin E.
  • Functions as a lipid buffer against drying ingredients or topical medicines [1]
  • Sunflower Oil softens skin irritated by drying topicals. It works well with Retinol because it hydrates and calms red, irritated skin.
  • Linoleic acid Gives sunflower seed oil anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It is a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis. [2]
  • The Vitamin E in Sunflower oil lightens skin discoloration.
  • It is gentle enough to use as an eye makeup remover. Apply oil directly to face and allow 30 seconds to dissolve makeup, massage gently if desired. Wash face as normal. To remove eye makeup, hold a sunflower seed soaked cotton ball over your closed lid for about 20 seconds. It dissolves mascara without rubbing or pulling on lashes.

Sunflower Oil Hair Benefits

Sunflower Oil is an excellent unscented oil for hair hydration and softening. It works as a base for scalp treatment essential oils such as Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Peppermint. It softens hair when combined with rosemary and lavender oils.

  • Vitamin E promotes scalp health.
  • It blends well with other oils. A blend of Sunflower Oil and Coconut Oil moisturizes and strengthens hair, and is not as greasy.
  • Ideal for coarse hair because it helps hair retain moisture. It is a light non-polar solvent that prevents water loss. It penetrates the hair shaft to lock and retain moisture.
  • It is less greasy than olive oil and won’t cause breakouts.
  • It contains Omega 9, an essential acid needed to stop breakage and stimulate hair growth.

Sunflower Oil benefits all hair types, especially hair needing extra moisture. This includes coarse hair, curly hair, and damaged hair.

General Beauty Benefits of Sunflower Oil

Use Sunflower oil for coarse and brittle hair to stop breakage and dryness

Sunflower oil on coarse hair prevents breakage

Sunflower Oil has a highly nutritious composition. It is one of the healthiest oils skin and hair application. The main component of sunflower oil is linoleic acid. Its other components include oleic acid and palmitic acid, lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols, and numerous vitamins. These nourish skin and hair.

While Sunflower Oil is an effective moisturizer, it is also a carrier oil. It enables the other active moisturizing ingredients to sink deeper into the skin. Combine sunflower oil with jojoba, grapeseed oil, almond oil, or essential oils for extra benefits.

Interesting in learning more about Sunflower Oil for reversing hair loss? Check out this article: 3 Proven Ways To Use Sunflower Oil For Hair Loss: 28 Days Later.

References

Loden M, Andersson AC. Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin. Br J Dermatol. 1996;134(2):215-20.

Lopez Perez G, Torres Altamirano M. Indications for sunflower oil concentrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rev Alerg Mex. 2006;53(6):217-25.

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