Tamanu oil is a dark green oil that is dense and is mainly used for skincare. It’s been used in traditional Polynesian medicines for centuries and studied by scientists since the 1930s. Tamanu oil has been shown to offer many benefits for skin and hair. Some of those benefits include:
- Increased collagen production
- Stretch mark prevention and treatment
- Acne treatment
- Clears dandruff
- Stimulates hair growth
- Treats athlete’s foot
- Relieves skin irritation (eczema, psoriasis, rashes, dryness)
History and Traditional Uses
Tamanu oil is a dark green oil that comes from the fruit kernels of the Ati Tree. After the fruit from the trees is ripe they are collected, cracked open and left to dry for 4 weeks. During this time the nuts change from a cream color to a chocolate brown. At this point, the seeds are oily and sticky and the oil is then extracted. This tree generally grows within the Polynesian region as well as in Vietnam, South India, Malaysia, and Thailand. It prefers soil that is sandy and slightly salty so most are along the coastline. The oil looks watery but rubs into the skin more densely rather than something slicker as you might expect from an oil. The oil smells nutty, slightly sweet, and earthy.
Tamanu oil has a long history within the Polynesian and Southeast Asian regions. It is used to treat wounds helping them heal faster while reducing the likelihood of an infection. Many Polynesian women use tamanu oil on their skin to prevent breakouts and for massages. However, tamanu oil has had many other roles in traditional medicine. Some other ways it is used are:
- Acne
- Scars
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Dry skin
- Sunburns
- Insect bites
- Cuts
- Body odor
Comedogenic Rating
It has a comedogenic rating of 2 which means there is a slight chance it will clog pores. The comedogenic rating scale measures the likelihood of an oil or butter clogging pores. The scale ranks from 0-5 with 0 meaning no chance of it clogging your pores and 5 being almost a guarantee that it will clog pores. Of course, each skin type is different but it’s a baseline to judge whether or not you should test the oil out first before slathering it on your face or body. With it being a 2 out of 5 it’s suggested that you test a small area first for a few days to see if you have any pimples or clogged pores.
Benefits
Tamanu oil is so highly regarded because it stimulates cell growth, increases collagen production, improves circulation, fights infection, and hydrates. This oil has many uses both in traditional medicine and for beauty and skincare. Let’s take a look at some of the core elements of tamanu that make it so powerful.
Antibacterial/ Antifungal
The canophyllic acid and friedelin found in tamanu oil have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This means it’s beneficial for wounds, athlete’s foot and dandruff caused by yeast overgrowth. Tamanu oil will treat the skin, kill bacteria and replenish new skin cells. It’s also wonderful for treating acne or breakouts for these reasons.
Anti-inflammatory
Tamanu oil contains several anti-inflammatory properties including xanthones and calophylloide. This makes tamanu great from rashes, swelling, sores, eczema, psoriasis or acne. There are many different reasons skin can become inflamed. The main ones are poor diet and an environmental trigger such as chemicals, pollutants or allergins. Luckily tamanu oil will reduce the irritation and redness while calming the skin.
Antioxidant
Tamanu oil contains xanthones, coumarins, and vitamin E all of which are antioxidants. Antioxidants are really beneficial for the skin, especially aging skin. They prevent free radical damage caused by factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, pollution, sun exposure, and diets high in sugar, fried and processed foods. They protect cells and prevent premature aging, sun spots, fine lines, cataracts, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and tumors associated with free radical damage.
Consuming foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants on a regular basis is essential. However, you also want to directly support the skin by applying oils and serums that contain antioxidants. This offers a great boost of protection to the skin especially skin that’s frequently exposed to the elements. The face, hands, and arms are usually always uncovered to adding an oil like tamanu helps prevent free radical damage.
Nutrients
It’s important to consume enough nutrients in your diet to sustain a healthy life, body functions, and skin. Additionally, you should also be adding oils to your beauty routine that contain similar nutrients. This ensures that the skin itself is replenished, protected and hydrated. Especially skin that is constantly exposed to the sun like hands, arms, and the face. Tamanu oil contains great nutrients for supple, clear skin. The main nutrients of tamanu oil are:
Palmitic Acid
The main benefit of this fatty acid is that it softens and protects skin by forming a protective outer layer. It seals in moisture and contains antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage. The skin’s outer layer consists of 15% fatty acids and as skin ages, this number can decrease up to 32%. Which makes fatty acids like palmitic great for aging skin.
Stearic Acid
This fatty acid is thick and a vital component of the outer most layer of the skin. It also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which help rid the skin of bacteria and soothe irritation associated with burns, eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Just like palmitic acid, stearic acid forms a barrier on the outer layer of the skin to keep it hydrated and protected.
Oleic Acid
Oleic acid is an Omega-9 fatty acid and the most abundant fatty acid found in the body’s tissue. This means that the body requires it more than any other fatty acid. Its main function is to keep cell membranes fluid and is the main source of energy for cells. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that calm the skin and relieve redness and irritation. Oleic acid helps strengthen the barrier of the skin and is less susceptible to free radical damage and oxidative stress. Both of which are directly linked to premature and advanced aging. Oleic acid is most abundantly found in peanut oil: 71.1%, almond oil: 67.2%, olive oil: 66.3%.
Linoleic Acid
Otherwise known as vitamin F, linoleic acid helps with brain function, skin regeneration, and regulates metabolism. It is an essential fatty acid but the body does not produce it so it’s best to get enough from foods, in beauty oils or other such skincare products. Linoleic acid is an Omega-6 fatty acid that has many benefits for the skin. It keeps skin hydrated and plump, acts as an anti-oxidant keeping free radicals away, evens hyperpigmentation, and balances acne-prone skin.
Tamanu Oil Uses
Tamanu is used in a huge variety of ways on the skin. Below are 7 of the top ways you can add it to your regular beauty routine. For more ways to use Tamanu oil CLICK HERE.
Increase Collagen
Tamanu oil contains high amounts of lipids (fatty acids). Lipids make up 13% of collagen. Applying this oil to the skin promotes collagen production by stimulating cell growth and supplying necessary nutrients. The body naturally decreases collagen production around the age of 25 which results in the beginning signs of aging. Applying products like tamanu oil that promote collagen production help reduce these signs and keep skin healthy.
Apply a few drops of tamanu oil to the skin at least once a day. Allow it to absorb into the skin as there is no need to wash it off. You can also mix a few drops with your favorite serum or moisturizer and apply it as normal.
Treat Stretch Marks
Tamanu oil boosts collagen production and encourages the growth of new skin cells. This means that it will supercharge skin healing. The vitamin E in tamanu oil will also act as a wound-healing agent and prevent or lessen the appearance of scars.
Apply tamanu oil to the skin 1-2 times a day. Massage it into the skin to stimulate circulation and blood flow. Allow it to absorb as there is no need to wash it off. The sooner you treat stretch marks the less likely they will turn into scars. Always keep skin hydrated both by drinking water and applying oils regularly. This is especially true at moments of weight gain or loss.
Clear Dandruff
Dandruff is generally caused by an overgrowth of bacterial yeast, an allergic reaction to a product, or a build-up of oil. The most common reason being an overgrowth of bacteria. Tamanu oil helps treat and prevent dandruff by killing the bacteria that causes flakes. It also calms irritation from allergic reactions and reduces oil build-up.
Apply a few drops of tamanu oil in your palm, add shampoo and mix it together. Apply this to your scalp and wash it as normal. Repeat this every time you wash your hair until the scalp clears up. From then move to every other wash as regular scalp maintenance.
If it’s from an allergic reaction then it’s best to change shampoos to something for sensitive skin and apply tamanu oil as suggested above until symptoms clear. If it’s from an oily scalp wash your hair more regularly and use tamanu oil when you shampoo until the scalp has cleared.
Treat Acne
Acne and breakouts are normal and common. However, they can be embarrassing and frustrating. Acne is generally caused by poor diet, irritation, dehydration and sometimes genetics. The reason tamanu oil is so great for acne is that it also contains antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of which will help treat acne, reduce breakouts, calm redness, and prevent scarring.
The first step is to clean up your diet and eliminate all sugar, processed foods and anything fried. If you want clear skin, these are your enemies. Also, drink at least 3 liters of water every single day. Keep a water bottle near you at all times and take a sip every 30-60 minutes.
The next step is to eliminate any products that might be causing irritation. It could be makeup, face washes, lotions or high comedogenic oils such as cocoa butter or coconut oil. Eliminate anything you think irritates your skin and find a face wash for sensitive/ oily skin.
Next, wash your face 1-2 times a day and always follow it up with a non-comedogenic oil. Some options include tamanu, shea butter, grapeseed, hemp, argan, or rosehip. As with any new product test it out on a small area for a few days to see if your skin reacts. Once you find the oil that best suits your skin apply it after you wash your face. Allow it to absorb and don’t wash it off. Maintain this routine for at least 3 weeks to see how well it works for your skin.
Hair Growth
Tamanu oil contains lots of fatty acids that are great for hydrating hair and promoting growth. It also helps keep the scalp clean and pH balanced allowing hair follicles a healthy environment to grow. The main reason hair grows slowly is that the follicles are clogged, oily or dry. Use tamanu oil to clean up the scalp and promote growth. It’s not a cure for baldness but rather a way to increase growth and hydration.
Add a few drops of tamanu oil to the palm of your hand along with some shampoo. Wash as usual massaging the scalp for several minutes. Rinse as normal and apply conditioner if desired. You could also do a warm oil treatment once a week using tamanu oil and olive oil. Mix 1-2 droppers of tamanu oil with olive oil in a small glass bowl. Warm it in either the microwave for a few seconds or in a water bath as a double boiler. Apply the warm oil to the hair from scalp to ends. Massage it into the scalp for several minutes and wash it off after 2+ hours. Feel free to leave it in overnight and wash it off the next day.
To hydrate dry ends add a few drops to your palm and gently apply it as desired. Do this once a week 1-2 days before washing.
Athlete’s Foot
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of tamanu oil make it an easy fix for athlete’s foot. Simply wash the area with soap and towel dry. Then apply a thin layer of tamanu oil to the skin and allow it to absorb into the skin. Repeat this at least twice a day until symptoms clear. Try to keep feet in clean, dry socks and use a moisture-absorbing powder in shoes to prevent new occurrences.
Skin Conditions
Tamanu oil can treat many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, and cuts. It promotes healing by encouraging new skin cells to grow. It also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory elements that rid the area of infection and reduce swelling and redness.
Before applying tamanu oil make sure the area is clean. Apply a thin layer on the skin and either gently massage it in or simply allow it to be absorbed. Repeat this 1-3 times a day until the area is clear and healed.
