You might have heard about this oil before. It seems to be relatively new on the beauty scene but don’t be fooled, it’s hardly a new beauty oil discovery. Tamanu oil has been used in the Pacific Islands for centuries to treat many skin conditions. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties along with plenty of omega fatty acids. This combination allows tamanu oil to treat issues such as:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Stretch marks
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dandruff
- Burns
Acne
Antibacterial properties make it an ideal oil for anyone with acne. It’ll reduce acne by eliminating the bacteria that causes it and also help reduce the likelihood of acne scars from appearing. This is because tamanu oil also boosts collagen production and skin healing. The linoleic acid in tamanu oil also helps balance oils on acne-prone skin. The most common cause of acne is an overproduction of sebum (natural oils). This overabundance of oils can clog pores and cause breakouts. It might seem counterintuitive to apply an oil to oily skin but it works. If you properly hydrate the skin it will reduce the production of sebum because it is hydrated. Once this overproduction stops and the skin becomes balanced the breakouts will clear up. Be sure to always hydrate the skin even after the breakouts are gone.
Wash skin as usual and apply a small amount of tamanu oil to the face. Gently massage it in making sure to get the neck, jawline, forehead, and sides of the nose. Repeat this once every night and allow the oil to stay on the skin as there is no need to wash it off. Maintain a regular routine for at least 3 weeks before deciding whether or not it is working for you. Also, try to reduce the amount of sugar and processed carbohydrates in your diet. Sugar and carbs make acne worse and you want to avoid them while trying to get rid of the acne. You can slowly reintroduce them once your skin clears up but be aware of how much you are actually consuming every day.
Wound Healing
Tamanu oil promotes cell regeneration in the skin which means it not only helps wounds heal faster but also prevents and treats scars. It contains lots of omega fatty acids that are directly linked to cell regeneration, healing, and hydration. When skin is hydrated and moisturized it will heal faster with less of a chance that the skin will scar. Tamanu oil also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory elements that are both beneficial for wounds and general healing. It will keep the wound clean with less chance of an infection and soothe any irritation or redness.
The first step in using tamanu oil for wounds and healing is to wash the area with warm soapy water. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris before patting the area down with a clean cloth or paper towel. With clean hands, apply a thick layer of tamanu oil on the area and cover with a bandage or gauze. Reapply the oil at least once a day until it is healed. This also works well on burns.
Increased Collagen Production
Tamanu oil has been shown to increase and support collagen production which means that skin will maintain elasticity and youthfulness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The skin naturally produces collagen however as we age the body decreases collagen production. Unfortunately, this begins around the age of 25 and factors such as smoking, excessive sun exposure and diets high in sugar play a part in the decrease of collagen.
Apply tamanu oil to clean skin at least 4 times a week to help encourage cell growth and collagen production. The best time to do this is a night so the oil can fully absorb and your face is free from makeup.
Redness and Eczema
The anti-inflammatory properties of tamanu oil help relieve redness caused by irritation, eczema or rosacea. It will calm the skin and decrease any swelling. The moisturization from the fatty acids in tamanu oil brings much-needed relief to eczema patches that are often dry and itchy. There is no cure for eczema or psoriasis but you can avoid anything that triggers a flareup and treat them as soon as possible. Tamanu oil offers relief from the irritation, inflammation, redness and dry patches.
Apply a small amount of tamanu oil to the affected area and gently massage. The best time to do this is at night when your skin is washed and won’t be disturbed. It will also allow enough time for the oil to completely absorb into the skin and regenerate. The skin does most of it’s repairing when you are asleep so leaving this oil on overnight is highly beneficial.
Stretch Marks
This oil is great for preventing and treating stretch marks. The sooner you address those fresh red stretch marks the less likely they will turn into permanent scars. However, you can also use tamanu oil to treat older scars since it helps regenerate skin cells and encourages collagen production. It will dull their appearance and help the skin heal.
Apply a small amount to the desired area and gently massage into the skin for several minutes. By massaging the area at the same time you are increasing circulation, blood flow, and oxygen. This will activate a response for the skin to absorb the oil and repair the area. Repeat this at least once a day.
Dandruff
It’s commonly known that one of the main causes of dandruff is bacteria and yeast overgrowth on the scalp. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tamanu oil help to eliminate dandruff by relieving the scalp and treating the underlying causes of dandruff. Not only is dandruff annoying but it can also prevent hair from growing as the dry flakes of skin can clog hair follicles. It’s better to treat it as soon as possible.
Once you squeeze the desired amount of shampoo to your palm add 1 teaspoon of tamanu oil and mix them together. Apply to the scalp making sure to fully massage it into the scalp and rinse as usual. You can repeat this as often as you desire. Since tamanu oil also has hydration benefits it will make your hair softer as well.
Hair Growth and Hydration
When tamanu oil is applied to the scalp it creates a healthy environment for hair growth. It rids the scalp of bacteria that can cause dandruff and dryness which can block hair follicles from growing. It also boosts collagen production which allows the hair to grow fast and strong. The end of our hair gets dry, brittle and split because the natural oils produced by the scalp to protect the hair usually do not travel all the way to the ends of the hair. This is probably why the hair closer to the scalp will look greasy while the ends may appear drier. It’s important to regularly apply oils to the ends of the hair so that they are nourished and protected from elements such as the sun, wind or extreme hot and cold temperatures. Tamanu oil softens the hair and reduces frizziness while keeping it protected and safe from split ends and breakage.
There are several ways you can add tamanu oil to your haircare routine. Simply add a few drops to your shampoo before applying and washing as usual. Another way is to mix 2 tablespoons of tamanu oil with 4 tablespoons of olive, hemp or grapeseed oil and warm it up in a separate bowl of hot water. Apply the oil mixture to the hair and either leave it in or allow it to stay on for 1 day before washing. Another way to add tamanu oil is to use it a few times a week on the ends of your hair. Simply take some oil in your hands, rub them together and gently apply it to your hair from the midway point down to the ends. You only need a little and it will make your hair very soft.
