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Oils, oils, everywhere ... with so much hype surrounding natural oils and their benefits, what's a girl to believe? The trend is a solution to a big problem: Many cosmetics contain controversial chemicals such as propylene glycol, petroleum and parabens. They're likely marketed as moisturizers, but in fact, government Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS's, show that they can have some ugly effects on your health. Switch to natural oils, such as Asia's white Camellia oil, to take over the tasks of many chemical beauty products.
What is Camellia Oil?
According to CBS News, Camellia oil is the secret behind Japanese geishas' smooth, flawless skin. Used for centuries in Asia, white Camellia is a nut oil that moisturizes and nourishes skin. The news network claims that Camellia oil's ability to fix skin texture is unmatched by any other skin care product. It's available in pure oil formula or in specific formulations to help with stretch marks, hair growth, burns or other skin or hair issues.
Skin Care
Fans of Camellia oil include Kate Winslet, who used the Japanese white Camellia oil during her pregnancy to combat stretch marks. It's a natural soothing emollient, so it can soften and tone your complexion at the same time. It's not only good for dry skin, though: Sensitive or acne-prone skin can benefit from it because it's light and easily absorbed. It won't clog pores, but it should be used sparingly -- a little goes a long way.
Hair Care
Applied to brittle hair and split ends, white Camellia oil replenishes lost moisture in hair and leaves it lustrous and healthy-looking. It makes a great hair mask, but it can be an expensive habit to keep up -- instead, use a dollop as a leave-in conditioner for split ends. Its soothing properties help calm inflammation on sensitive scalps and even soothe itchy dandruff and improve eczema. Geishas even soaked their wooden combs in the oil overnight to nourish their scalp and hair.
Inside Out
Your body needs essential fatty acids to stay in good shape from the inside out. Camellia oil has ultra low levels of saturated fats (the bad kind) but high levels of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids to nourish skin and hair. The National Chung Hsing University even claims it has antioxidant properties to regenerate cells. Use Camellia oil as an ingredient in salad dressings, marinades or for everyday cooking. It's an easy beauty ritual that can also be delicious!
