Uses and applications of marula oil in cosmetics
What is Marula Oil
Sclerocarya Birrea: this is the scientific term used to indicate the plant from which the precious Marula oil is obtained. Many snail slime cosmetic products by Dulàc are rich in it.
The uncontaminated, wild and sometimes brazen nature of Southern Africa is the scenario where this tree grows and stands out luxuriantly, even reaching 20 meters in height.
Its expansion in the African continent has followed in the footsteps and migrations of the Bantu peoples, the first to use it as an important food resource.
Considered the real African gold, it was declared a national heritage of South Africa in 1951 due to its great economic, medicinal, food and cultural importance for the entire continent.
A single word, borrowed from computer jargon, is enough to define the Marula tree: multitasking.
It is a plant capable whoe components are able to give surprising benefits. In fact, the natives very soon discovered the numerous medicinal virtues of its leaves, used to treat burns and wounds, or of the peel, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.
However, the true richness of this plant is represened by its fruit and seeds from which the precious Marula oil is extracted. Towards the end of February the fruits ripen, turning a beautiful golden yellow.
The scent they give off is so intense and alcoholic that it attracts numerous herds of elephants, who love to feed on the Marula for a long time. The leathery and walnut-like shell encloses the rich and aromatic pulp from which a particularly appreciated liqueur is obtained, the Amarula Cream.
Marula oil is obtained from the seeds that are cold pressed and filtered without the intervention of harmful solvents to prevent the development of molds and yeasts, which could alter the premium quality of the oil. The subsequent refining is necessary to guarantee a pure and safe product from a cosmetic point of view.
Properties of Marula Oil
Marula oil has excellent virtues, especially in the care of the epidermis. In the past it was used by indigenous peoples to massage the skin, heal it and to soften and make the hair shiny.
Modern scientific research has shown that Marula oil, unlike other vegetable oils, has a marked resistance to oxidation, thanks to its particular formulation.
The high presence of saponins, tocopherols, flavonoids and arachidonic acid make it an oil that can be used in complete safety, without running into oxidation and rancidity problems. Its strengths, in addition to the powerful antioxidants, are the vitamins.
Marula oil is in fact characterized by a high quantity of vitamins C and E , which promotes the production of collagen and elastin, two fundamental components for the tone and compactness of the epidermis. It is essential for skin hydration as it coats the skin with a thin hydrolipidic film capable of improving its smoothness and tone and preventing dehydration.
It fights skin ageing, reducing the small fine lines that appear around the eyes and lips, over time eliminating the appearance of wrinkles mainly due to the action of both the sun and environmental pollution. Thanks to its high content of EFA (essential fatty acids) it fights skin redness and reduces inflammation, flawlessly nourishing the skin all over the body .
Healing and antimicrobial, it treats small wounds and proves to be a valid ally in fighting acne and impure skin . By virtue of its silky and fine texture and good absorption by the skin, the Zulu populations traditionally used it as a massage oil. It spreads easily and reactivates blood circulation, effectively fighting both cellulite and water retention.
Stable, rich in nutrients, easily absorbed: these are the three characteristics that make Marula oil a real joker in the cosmetic industry.
It is used in all those preparations where there is a need for a hydrating, anti-aging, emollient, antioxidant and repairing action. Its applications are numerous: in case of dry, dehydrated, toneless skin, or in case of acne, skin imperfections and cellulite.
It can be used pure to restore skin balance and to treat minor inflammations, while on the face to hydrate and fight small expression lines.
Gently massaged, it moisturizes and helps fight small signs in the eye contour area. It can be added to your usual cream to enhance its moisturizing and anti-wrinkle effects, just spread it morning and evening on cleansed and well-cleansed skin.
Used alone or in addition to the anti-cellulite cream, it allows for an excellent revitalizing massage, especially at the circulatory and lymphatic level. A few drops and a bottom-up massage are enough to see the first results in a short time.
To use it correctly, it must be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond oil and spread it gently on the skin, especially after shaving, because it reduces redness and inflammation. Marula oil can be added in a few drops to your usual nail polish. With this small gesture you will not only give yourself a pleasant final glossy effect, but also a powerful and valid reinforcing effect. The oil can also be added to hand cream to moisturize the skin and make the manicure perfect.
