We know macadamia nuts are a delicious and healthy snack food. But did you know that the amazing macadamias can be cold-pressed to extract their special oil?
Macadamia oil has many beneficial properties for our skin and hair – that is why you’ll find it used in many top beauty products around the world.
Australian macadamia oil contains beneficial nutrients for healthy skin including phytosterols for skin protection and repair. Macadamia oil also contains the antioxidants, vitamin E and squalene. These can be useful for skin maintenance, resilience and protection.
Read on for ways to use macadamia oil to improve your skin and hair.
5 ways macadamias are your skin and hair’s best friend
1. Reduce itchiness and rashes
Just like a true best friend, macadamia nut oil is there for your not-so-fine hours. Rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, not only does macadamia oil help sensitive skin types that are prone to itchiness and rashes, but it can also relieve symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is the phytosterols, a natural compound found in macadamias, that have an anti-inflammatory effect when applied to affected areas.
Also, macadamia nut oil is known for its healing properties, primarily thanks to its high palmitoleic acid level (or Omega 7). This makes it great for healing scratches, wounds and burns, meaning this oil is the perfect addition to your medicine cabinet!
2. Reduce stretch marks and scars
With its high levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid, macadamia oil has been proven to help repair skin damage, treat stretch marks and reduce hypertrophic scars75.With its many beneficial nutrients, macadamia nut oil is also a natural aid to even out patchy skin.
3. Moisturising and anti-aging:
While macadamia oil can be used for many reasons, there is one use that really stands out. The squalene and oleic acid in this all-natural oil helps in cell-regeneration, assisting your skin in remaining hydrated and can even help reverse aging! Macadamia oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on mature skin.
Macadamia oil is light, non-greasy and easily absorbed. What’s more, macadamia oil scores very low on the comedogenic scale (about 2 out of 5) which means, unlike most oils, it won’t clog your pores and cause break outs, making it a safe moisturising option for your face for all skin types.
4. Sun protection
The squalene in macadamia nut oil is an antioxidant that can help protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet sun rays and actively boosts skin rejuvenation.
Macadamia oil can also help soothe, calm and relieve sunburnt skin. The fatty acids in macadamia oil can restore the skin’s barrier function and reduce water loss (plus it feels divine on your sore skin!).
TIP: Mix macadamia oil with beeswax and you’ve got yourself a natural and highly effective lip balm as well!
5. Improve frizzy and dry hair
We already know macadamia oil has excellent moisturizing properties, but these extend beyond just skin application.
Lightweight and packed with nourishing fatty acids, macadamia oil moisturises the hair, adding shine to greasy, dull hair.
Applying this oil to your scalp can provide it with the same moisturizing benefits it has for your skin. Give your hair and scalp a deep conditioning treatment by massaging warmed oil straight onto your scalp. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Your scalp and hair will love you for it!
Now you know why several hair products and skin care brands advertise the addition of macadamia oil in their products. But you can simply use pure, beauty grade macadamia oil for superlative and long-lasting skin and hair results.
