This week I will share one of Japanese long time beauty secrets that’s been used for 100s of years. This is Tsubaki Oil or Camellia Oil or Tea Seed Oil.
Camellia oil has been used in Japan for more than 1200 years as food, light, skin care and medicine for immortality. By immortality, I’m sure they meant relatively, not literally because there is no 1200-year old Japanese walking around although there are many centenarians in Japan.
Camellia oil is high in oleic acid. It actually has more oleic acid than olive oil but camellia oil is sometimes referred to as Eastern Olive Oil. Just like olive oil, camellia oil can be consumed internally or apply externally on your skin and hair. When consumed, there are benefits like helping to lower the bad cholesterol, preventing high blood pressure, and helping with constipation. But I will focus on the external benefits when it’s applied on skin and hair.
In Japan, this brand Oshima Tsubaki is very famous. It’s been around for 95 years since 1927. I got this 100% pure camellia oil 2 oz or 60 ml imported bottle on Amazon for about $15. I’ll put the link here.
First, the benefits and how to use on your skin.
Benefits and how to use on your skin
1) For dry skin – You can apply a thin layer to your clean face and body. For a really dry skin, apply camellia oil after a toner. Although it has squalene, camellia oil is not itself a moisturizer but it acts as a barrier to retain the water as it gets absorbed into the skin. It also protects the skin from drying out. You can also do a hot pack by covering it with a hot towel.
Oleic acid is found in your skin. Because camellia oil is high in oleic acid, it penetrates easily and deeply into your skin especially if the skin is dry.
2) As a makeup remover – You can use camellia oil as a makeup remover or mix a drop with a cleanser for more moisturizing result.
3) As sunscreen to protect from UV – UV has two main culprits. UV-A that penetrates deeper into skin and causes wrinkles and premature aging and UV-B that causes damage on the outermost layer of your skin and causes sunburn. Camellia oil is known to protect your skin from UV-B. Apply a thin layer before you apply a regular sunscreen for more protection.
Camellia oil is recommended if you have healthy skin or if you are concerned about your dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles.
You should NOT use Camellia oil if you have oily skin or have acne. It can clog the pores if you have an oily skin and your acne will get worse.
Next, the benefits and how to use for your hair and scalp.
Benefits and how to use on your hair and scalp
1) For dry hair – Apply few drops of camellia oil depending on the length of your hair as a leave-in conditioner after you towel dry your hair. For my medium length I will use two drops. I rub my hands and apply.
A little bit goes a long way. If you apply too much it will feel greasy and heavy. And dry your hair. Here’s my Beyonce moment. Your hair will be super soft and smooth. If you tend to have split ends, apply the oil on the tip of the hair to prevent split ends.
2) To protect hair from heat and UV – Apply a thin layer on a dry hair before you use a dryer or hair iron. If you use too much oil or too much heat, you can damage your hair. When you use a hair iron, don’t go over 150C or 300F and don’t stay for more than 3 seconds in one spot. But really know your hair and adjust according to your hair. The thin layer also protects your hair from the UV.
3) For healthy scalp – If you have a dry, itchy scalp with dandruff or if you have an oily scalp, massage 5-8 drops of camellia oil into the dry scalp and wait for 5 minutes before shampooing and conditioning. You hair will be super soft and smooth. Camellia oil has natural saponin which benefits include but not limited to antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. It cleanses and restores the hair and scalp and improves circulation.
Camellia oil gives a nice shine and luster to your hair.
Since it acts as a makeup remover, skin care, body care, scalp care, hair oil for shiny hair, and sunscreen, it’s a great item to pack when you travel to lighten your luggage.
Massage Monday #633 Japanese Beauty Secret Taubaki Oil http://bit.ly/mm-633