The Gold of the Desert: that is the nickname given to jojoba, a shrub native to Central America, cultivated for centuries for the wax found in its seeds. And for good reason: jojoba oil is extraordinarily beneficial for hair and skin, in countless ways. It is even said to work wonders on stretch marks. Let’s explore the “sheep nut” and all it has to offer.
Why is jojoba oil so good for the skin?
Rich in gadoleic acid (over 70%), an omega-9 fatty acid, jojoba oil’s composition closely mirrors the skin’s natural sebum. As a result, it is perfectly absorbed by the dermis. It is used in a wide range of skincare applications:
- Acne-prone skin: the anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties of jojoba oil make it a true ally for skin affected by acne. Applying oil to your face when you have oily skin may seem counterintuitive. Yet jojoba oil actually helps regulate the skin’s sebum production.
- Psoriasis and eczema: thanks to its nourishing and soothing qualities, jojoba oil is a natural remedy to help relieve the itching associated with skin conditions.
- Sunburn: jojoba oil acts as a natural sun filter. While it is no substitute for proper sun protection, it offers photo-protective benefits and is highly effective in supporting the skin’s barrier repair after sun exposure.
- Signs of ageing: the deeply moisturising nature of jojoba oil makes it an effective anti-ageing ingredient — a natural way to soften the visible signs of time.
- Stretch marks and scars: a natural skin-repairing agent, thanks to its antioxidant properties and its composition close to the skin’s hydrolipidic film, jojoba oil is ideal for preventing and treating skin trauma such as stretch marks, cracks, and scars.
Why is jojoba oil a must-have for pregnant women?
Pregnancy is a pivotal moment in a woman’s life — and a significant upheaval for her body. Hormonal fluctuations and weight gain can sometimes bring unwanted side effects, such as dry skin and stretch marks.
But as we said, jojoba oil can do it all!
- Deeply nourishing, it stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, both essential for maintaining good skin elasticity.
- Healing and protective, it repairs damaged skin. Pregnant women, whose skin is subject to dehydration, constant tension (especially around the belly) and weight gain, should make it their go-to companion. They will be less — or even not at all — prone to stretch marks, as gadoleic acid helps reinforce the skin’s suppleness.
- And if the skin is already damaged and marked by stretch marks, jojoba oil will help “repair” part of the dermis, by stimulating cell growth. Its content of natural vitamins A (which boosts cell renewal, including skin cells), D and E (which support cell membrane stability) also makes it a formidable stretch mark treatment.
Which jojoba oil should you choose to prevent or reduce stretch marks?
You can absolutely use pure jojoba oil to prevent or treat your stretch marks. Pay attention to its origin and prioritise quality for the best results. It is also possible to combine jojoba oil with another natural plant-based oil (for example olive or sweet almond oils).
Finally, you can opt for a blend of several plant oils in your stretch mark routine. Our Stretch Mark Care Oil, a blend of sesame, jojoba, avocado and soya oils, is an effective treatment for preventing and reducing stretch marks, whether pregnancy-related or not.
