KUKUI NUT OIL PAGE:
Kukui nut oil has been used by Hawaiians for centuries to protect and heal skin exposed to harsh sun, drying winds, and salt water. They noticed that kukui nut oil helped to soothe the skin of minor sunburns, rejuvenate dry skin, and alleviate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while softening and moisturizing the skin.
Normal dry skin heals naturally. Unless further damage occurs, the moisture barrier function is restored to dry skin within 48 hours. Unfortunately, our skin is exposed to many damaging factors such as detergent soaps (containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate), chemicals, wind, cold and sun. These factors can damage cells or strip away our skin’s natural defense mechanism and moisturizer, sebum. Once the natural balance of sebum is lost problems can develop, such as dry skin.
| Why is Kukui Nut Oil considered to be particularly beneficial for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn? |
Kukui Oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the outer layer of the skin, consisting of mainly dead or peeling cells, leaving a semi-permeable barrier of essential fatty acids [1] that protect the skin from further drying. It softens external skin cells and provides lipids that are quickly absorbed by the skin. Kukui oil creates a protective shield without blocking pores, slowing water lost through the skin and locking in moisture. Kukui nut oil can minimize excessive water loss from the skin while allowing waste to still be naturally eliminated and the skin to naturally balance. [2]
Kukui Oil also contains vitamins A, C, and E, which are all antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage.
Free radicals are damaging particles, which can be generated by environmental pollutants, and can seriously damage the skin’s collagen. Collagen is vital to the firmness and suppleness of your skin. This damaging process is called photo -aging, and the results include dryness of the skin, a loss of elasticity, and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. The skin cells may also be damaged by these free radicals, increasing your odds of developing skin cancer. By using products high in antioxidants, such as kukui oil, you can protect the skin from damage.
Kukui nut oil does not cure eczema or psoriasis but it does provide effective treatment and relief of the symptoms.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_fatty_acids
[2] Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Sept. 1993) H. Ako, L. Fujikawa, University of Hawaii
Action of linoleic acid: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1977.tb15424.x?journalCode=bjd
