Baobab - A Natural Ingredient to Moisturize Dry Skin
Baobab - A Natural Ingredient to Moisturize Dry Skin
Baobab oil comes from the fruit of the Baobab tree, commonly referred to as the “Tree of Life.” It contains powerful ingredients that protect and heal your skin. It gets its nickname from its abnormally long lifespan of over 500 years. The tree most commonly grows in Africa but is also found in India, Madagascar, and Australia. In areas where the baobab tree grows, local people use every part of the tree. The fruit, leaves, seeds, and oil processed from the seeds are used in nutritional supplements, food, hair care, and, of course, skincare for making anti aging skin care products.
Much of the common benefits of Baobab oil come from being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including:
- Linoleic acid
- Linolenic acid
- Oleic acid
- Palmitic acid
Omega-3 fatty acids help to moisturize by preventing water loss from the skin and helping to repair the skin barrier. They also soften the skin, improve skin texture, and improve skin elasticity. The first two – linoleic acid and linolenic acid – are very popular fatty acids used in skincare products such as ultra hydrating facial moisturizer for their moisturizing and softening qualities. Omega-3’s are also anti-inflammatory and can heal cracked skin and soothe rashes.
Along with fatty acids, baobab oil also has strong antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals that can damage your skin. These antioxidants and vitamin A protect the skin from bacteria that can lead to breakouts as well as brings back youthful elasticity to the skin. The vitamin E in Baobab oil has also been shown to reduce skin damage from UV rays. It isn’t as effective as sunscreen but will moisturize and aid in the protection of your skin from harmful free radicals and UV light. It is a brilliant oil for the skin microbiome, supports a healthy skin moisture barrier, and reduces inflammation.
Baobab oil contains vitamin E, which has been shown to be beneficial for reducing skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Vitamin E can absorb the energy from UV light and prevent UV-induced free radical damage to the skin. Baobab oil won’t replace your sunscreen, but it will definitely moisturize and protect your skin at the same time. The oil is also fairly non-comedogenic, so its use is unlikely to clog your pores.
Baobab oil is an all-around beneficial oil to look out for in your skincare products. Azuri uses Baobab oil in the Marula Glow face créme, the best brightening cream for dry skin. For more information on how Azuri uses Baobab oil and other natural plant botanicals on our anti aging skin care products, check out our website.
Why You Should Choose Natural Skincare: Reason 4: Ancient and Traditional Practices
Why You Should Choose Natural Skincare: Reason 4: Ancient and Traditional Practices
Each of our natural skin care products at Azuri is inspired and informed by the traditional practices of Ayurveda and ancient African skincare. Both of these practices have existed for centuries and have been developed based on the available plant botanicals from those areas.
Ayurveda is one of the earliest known forms of medicine and body care in the world. Some studies and research show Ayurveda to be at least 3,000 years old. Ayurveda is rooted in the idea that all illnesses or problems originate from an imbalance in the body. There are three types of health types, or doshas, that Ayurveda talks about: pitta, vata, and kapha. These doshas are tied to the elements: wind, water, earth, fire, and space. Pitta is tied to fire, vata is tied to wind, and kapha is tied to earth and water. Ayurveda’s philosophy is to treat the cause of common illnesses and problems by the rebalancing of these doshas and elements rather treating the symptoms, which is typical of Western medicine. In Ayurvedic skincare, the idea is the same – rebalancing the skin’s qualities so it functions healthily.
Traditional African skincare has also been around for centuries. Local African skincare practices were developed based on the local plant botanicals. Africa is typically split into three biological communities: the subtropical desert, tropical savanna, and tropical forest. Each provide a rich ecological environment full of beautiful and powerful plants that can provide incredible benefits to the skin and body. For example, Shea butter is native to North and West Africa and is an incredibly effective, popular and the best moisturizer for oily skin. However, the prevalent moisturizer in East Africa is Nilotica butter. Some studies show that Nilotica butter is a more effective moisturizer than Shea butter but both are popular and (effective). The collection of these botanicals is done through native farming practices or wild harvesting. These practices protect and preserve the earth’s resources while still taking advantage of their (powerful benefits).
Azuri seeks to use the knowledge of ancient practices of both India’s Ayurveda and Africa to create modern, luxury organic skincare. We also seek to support the folks native to this area who discovered how to harvest and sustainably grow these botanicals that we benefit from today. All of our ingredients used in our natural skin care products are wild-harvested and directly support local women’s empowerment and livelihood.