How To Use Tamanu Oil for Hyperpigmentation?
You all know about olive oil, primrose oil, almond oil the list is endless really, but there is one oil that has remained under the skincare radar for some time and that is Tamanu Oil. Now, Tamanu oil isn’t a new kid on the block, in fact it’s been around for thousands of years. The first to know about the benefits of this multi-talented oil were the Polynesian people who discovered this magical oil could treat a huge manner of skin aliments. From minor burns, wounds, eczema, acne and even hyperpigmentation.
It’s hyperpigmentation and how it can be treated by tamanu oil that will be the main focus today. But if you are wanting to find out more about tamanu oil and its skincare benefits you can check out our blog post for more information. Now let’s dive right in and find out more about how to use tamanu oil for hyperpigmentation.
Does tamanu oil help with hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can affect many of us, particularly women with a hormonal imbalance, such as during pregnancy. The benefit of using tamanu oil is the fact it contains anti-inflammatory properties due to the calophyllolide molecule in the formula. This molecule is able reduce any post-inflammation marks, such as dark spots that are a result of spots and acne breakouts.
As for hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to UV rays there are two antioxidants present in tamanu oil, coumarins and xanthones. Both of these potent molecules have the ability to help cell membranes remain healthy against the presents of free radicals. This basically means that any more exposure to UV rays, pollution and harsh weather won’t cause further damage to the skin resulting in pigmentation becoming darker with studies showing that over 70% of hyperpigmentation is reduced when using tamanu oil.
How do you use tamanu oil on your face?
Tamanu oil has always been named green gold, due to the fact its harvest is a long and meticulous resulting in the highest quality of tamanu oil being produced, the tell-tale sign being the oil is green in colour. This makes it very easy to spot tamanu oil that has been rushed during harvest by using fire to draw out the oil instead of natural sunlight. Lower quality tamanu oil is quite often yellow or brown and this should be avoided, especially when the product claims to be a raw formula.
The best way of using tamanu oil on the face really depends on which skincare product you are using. For example, to use tamanu oil in its rawest form you can apply it directly onto the skin and massage in. When formulated into products such as serums and facial oils you’ll find you can use other oils, such as rosehip and jojoba without any worry of it becoming too much heavy for the skin. The slight downside to tamanu oil is the fact that it is comedogenic and can result in the pores becoming blocked which often leads to breakouts, such as spots and blackheads. This is something to bear in mind if you have an oily or blemish-prone skin type so my advice would be to avoid tamanu oil in a raw form, but instead formulated into an effect serum or similar product enriched with other complimentary ingredients that will combat signs of ageing, spots and other concerns.
Does tamanu oil lighten skin?
Due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing benefits of tamanu oil it also has a well-established reputation for combating severe skin dryness, such as conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, not forgetting of course the ability to soothe any areas of sunburn.
Although there has not been any proven research clarifying tamanu oil can lighten the skin, by this I mean evening out any skin tone or areas of hyperpigmentation. There is no harm in you trying it out for yourself as long as you perform a 24-hour patch test on the inside of your forearm before applying it all over the skin to avoid any unwanted skin irritations.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade away?
The thing about hyperpigmentation is that quite often once it has formed on the skin it will never completely go away, but with treatment you are able to treat it making it appear lighter and less noticeable on the surface. If left without any treatment, on average you can expect any pigmentation to take between 3 to 24 months to show signs of improvement, this is very much dependant on the severity of how dark the pigmentation is and the size of the effected area.
What can I mix tamanu oil with?
As already mentioned, you are able to use tamanu oil on its own, ensuring of course you have the best quality that is green and not burnt, poor quality. When added into formulations you will find that because tamanu oil is not an essential oil, but instead a nut oil it makes it an effective carrier. This basically means it can help other ingredient and formulas work together and deliver the optimal results for the skin. There are an impressive amount of skincare and haircare products that are enriched in tamanu oil, from serums, moisturisers, hair masks, shampoos and conditioners.
Keep in mind that if you are unsure whether tamanu oil will work for you and your skin, its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to discuss the best way of introducing this clever oil into your daily routine.
What is tamanu oil used for?
If you consider how tamanu oil was first discovered and used hundreds of years ago it was for its impressive healing properties, with the oil being applied directly onto all wounds, from minor to severe. With its anti-inflammatory properties you can expect any wound to be reduced and repaired with the help of skin cell stimulation from the ancient oil giving you and even texture and visible improvement.
Skin concerns treated by tamanu oil
Sunburn
Minor surface wounds
Deep-set wounds
Acne
Athlete’s foot
Dark spots and pigmentation
Eczema and psoriasis
Hair loss
Rosacea
Will tamanu oil clog pores? Tamanu oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidants which results in it being a nut oil that is not comedogenic, however, if used in pure form on acne-prone skin it can lead to blackheads and spots so ensuring you use tamanu oil in your routine correctly, such as alternating it with other potent, pore clearing ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinol you will reap the rewards without much concern of your pores becoming clogged. So, hopefully now you have a better understanding of tamanu oil and how it can combat any signs of hyperpigmentation. Don’t forget if you have anu questions, come and join us over on our Instagram
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
