Another Amazing Oil to Know More About: Tamanu Oil
So I found another oil that I am so excited about. It’s not one I had heard of before, but after reading about it once again on Shay & Co, I just had to try it. However, not knowing much more than what I read about it, I needed to dig a little deeper.
Tamanu oil is extracted from seeds that grow on a tropical evergreen called a tamanu nut tree. Once extracted, Tamanu oil is a yellow to green color and has a nutty smell. Tamanu oil and other parts of the tamanu nut tree have been used medicinally for the skin for hundreds of years by certain Asian, African, and Pacific Island cultures, however, it is not well known or used in Western society and medicine.Tamanu Oil is one of those oils you want to know about if you have dry skin like me. It is rich in essential fatty acids (Alpha-linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, Arachidonic acid, Stearic acid) which help form a physical barrier on your skin, supply fatty acids to different skin layers, lower inflammation in your skin, and hydrate your skin. In essence, they make your skin smooth and healthy. When the above fatty acids are missing or deficient, our skin structure and function changes, causing transepidermal water loss and dry, scaly skin. Looking like a snake is usually not my goal, so finding the most effective cure for this has been a mission for me and Tamanu Oil might be one of those lovely must-haves.
But Tamanu Oil, while you will see it has so many lovely features, is a tricky oil. According to Dr. Marina Peredo, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skinfluence NYC, due to the fact that it is derived from the nut of the Tamanu Tree, “If you have an allergy to nuts, you probably should avoid using tamanu oil since it is derived from a tree nut.” Also, due to the high fatty acid content, Tamanu Oil has the possibility to irritate the skin. This is one of those oils that is best to patch test if you have sensitive skin. However, as you will read, there are TONS of benefits to this oil so it is certainly worth a try.
Benefits of Tamanu Oil for the Skin
Moisturizing
As Tamanu oil is a fatty oil, it is a super hydrating oil and is often used as a moisturizer in skin care. The fatty acids in this oil have the capability to be absorbed and reach deeper layers of skin cells, nourishing our skin on a deeper level. According to Dr. Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. “Like most plant-derived oils, it’s rich in fatty acids, which are essential to the healthy function of your skin barrier. The fatty acids help your skin seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, leaving your complexion nourished and glowing.”
Antioxidant Properties
Tamanu oil is rich in antioxidants, which fight free radical damage that causes skin damage and wrinkles. When your body has an excess of free radicals it can’t destroy, damage happens resulting in older looking skin. Using Tamanu oil can help your body fight these free-radicals, therefore delaying the damage (fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin) keeping your skin healthier and younger looking.
Natural Sunscreen
A very interesting and fascinating quality of Tamanu Oil is that it has also been found to provide sun protection. Tamanu seems to be able to absorb UV light within a fairly large spectrum. One study found that the oil was able to absorb UV light and inhibit 85 percent of the DNA damage induced by UV radiation. However, I wouldn’t rely solely on Tamanu oil as a sunscreen until more studies are done. But that’s good news for sure, especially now that we have seen what the harmful chemicals in sunscreens can do to our body and our oceans.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anti Inflammatory
So basically, this oil is a natural germ fighter. This opens up the possibility for this oil to be used to help ease the discomfort from acne, eczema, wound infections, and fungal infections. Eczema skin tends to have higher amounts of bacteria, so Tamanu’s antibacterial properties might be helpful while its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe eczema inflamed skin. It is so funny that we look to all our man-made, chemical ladened cures, when nature already had the solutions. Precaution: If you have sensitive skin or eczema, do a patch test before applying it everywhere to make sure you don’t have a reaction. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow twice a day for 7 days. If your skin becomes itchy, irritated, red, swollen, or has bumps, don’t use it anywhere else.
Heals Wounds and Reduces Scars
One of the amazing aspects of Tamanu oil is that it can help with wound closure, skin cell growth, and collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production which are all important in the healing of scars. In hospital applications, a Tamanu oil emulsion was used on patients to treat postsurgical wounds. They found that Tamanu oil improved healing and led to significantly less scarring. Along those same lines, Tamanu has also been used to reduce the visibility of stretch marks, but more research needs to be done to prove this usage.
Healing from Minor Burns and Sunburns
As this fantastic oil doesn’t do enough, along with its promoting collagen production to help heal the skin, its anti-inflammatory properties have been known to ease the discomfort associated with minor burns and sunburns. This is a great oil to have on hand to help with burn healing or to incorporate into post-sun bathing skin treatments.
Tamanu oil for acne
A study done in 2015 study found that tamanu oil exhibited high antibacterial and wound-healing activity against bacterial strains involved in acne, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Propionibacterium granulosum (P. granulosum). It’s anti-inflammatory properties may also be helpful in treating inflamed acne. However, Dr. Brendan Camp, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology says, “it should only be used on mild breakouts. Even though it’s an anti-inflammatory, it’s still an oil and it could have a comedogenic effect, meaning it could worsen moderate-to-severe acne by clogging pores.”
In Summary
As it is a natural sun protectant loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids that promotes collagen production and healing. Not only that, but it is antibaterial, antifungal, and antiinflammatory, making it a lovely oil to soothe dry skin and damaged skin. One element that those of us who are getting older appreciate is that Tamanu is a great oil for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles. This is why you will see this oil in many anti-aging products, and it makes complete sense! Tamanu Oil should only be used topically, as it is poisonous to take orally, and could cause reactions in those who have a nut allergy or have sensitive skin. However, if you are free of those limitations, Tamanu oil is one to look for in your skin care products, so keep your eyes out for it in future Soli Natural products! Sources:
https://www.thezoereport.com/beauty/tamanu-oil-skin-benefitshttps://www.healthline.com/health/tamanu-oil
https://shayandcompany.com/product/tamanu-oil-organic-virgin-kosher/