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Jojoba oil is a herbal oil, or rather a wax, which is obtained from the jojoba shrub. The seeds of the shrub are crushed to produce the wax. The plant is mainly found in Arizona, southern California, and the northern parts of Mexico. A plant with flat gray-green leathery leaves and a deep root system, Jojoba is well adapted to survive in desert heat as well as drought. It has characteristically very long life span of 100-200 years
As mentioned earlier, technically jojoba oil is not really an oil, but what is known as an "a polyunsaturated liquid wax". Thus jojoba oil differs substantially from other vegetable oils in its chemical composition. Because of its properties, it does not oxidize or become rancid and does not break down under high temperatures and pressures. The molecular structure of jojoba oil is among the closest to the natural oil called sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands in the body and notably the scalp. It is therefore used in a wide range of hair products and oils.
Here are some of the ways in which jojoba oil is useful:
- It can be used to substitute or supplement sebum, the production of which may sometimes be inadequate due to a variety of factors. Jojoba oil can be applied to the scalp where it nourishes the roots of the hair and prevents it from becoming dull and brittle. When applied, it forms a lipid layer on the scalp, acting as a moisturizer.
- At the same time, jojoba oil is also known to be a scalp cleanser that can help alleviate encrusted sebum that accumulates on the scalp. These sebum buildups could otherwise block hair follicles from growing and impede normal hair growth.
- Its anti-oxidant properties also protect the scalp and hair from external damage caused by environmental factors.
- Due to its unique properties, it is used in many products like conditioners, shampoos, lotions, creams, soaps as well as cleansers.
- Because it contains no artificial chemicals, it can be used repeatedly.
- Jojoba oil is often used as a conditioner and helps make hair smooth and silky
Jojoba oil also has many alternate uses - for example, since it is odorless itself, it is also used as a base in the manufacture of perfume. It is also a registered (licensed for sale) pesticide for use on crops. Jojoba oil is also often used to help in the treatment of acne, cold sores, and other such skin ailments. It can also be used for removing make up and also as a cleanser. You can apply jojoba oil directly to the skin to soften the skin and even reduce wrinkles, stretch marks and to lighten and help heal scars.
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