The Japanese geishas’ secret for flawless skin

Uncover the amazing ingredient renowned as the secret to the Japanese Geishas’ flawless skin.

That ingredient is camellia oil. So, let’s explore why this oil is so special in protecting the skin and boosting its hydration and skin renewal levels.

• Frequently used as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations camellia oil is a lightweight oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the Camellia japonica and Camellia oleifera plants.
• It is also known as Tsubaki oil, teanut oil, or tea seed oil and has been used for centuries by Japanese women to nourish their hair and skin.
• Camellia oil can be extracted using different methods such as solvent extraction or cold-pressing.
• The cold-press method typically results in the highest quality oil, as any process that uses heat could damage the nutritional and chemical composition of the oil.

Nutrient composition

• Camellia oil consists of a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, including Omega 3 and Omega 6, and very little saturated fats.
• It also contains high amounts of vitamin E as well as polyphenols.
• Other essential nutrients found in the oil include stearic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, triterpenes, saponins, squalene, calcium, and potassium.

What other nutrients does it contain?

• It also contains many antioxidants like catechins, tocopherols, gallic acid, and tocotrienol.
• Not just for the skin, camellia oil provides excellent benefits for strengthening the hair, enhancing shine and managing hair damage.

Benefits of camellia oil for the face

Moisturises the skin

• Moisturisation is one of the key steps in any skincare routine.
• The fatty acids in camellia oil help moisturise and nourish the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss that leads to dehydration. 
• This delicate and fast-absorbing oil is a super hydrator that results in soft and smooth skin.

Anti-Ageing

• Camellia oil has anti-ageing properties.
• Scientists found that camellia oil not only reduces trans-epidermal water loss but also induces the synthesis of type I skin collagen
• A matrix protein found in the second layer of the skin that is responsible for skin firmness
• Studies confirm that this prevents the formation of new wrinkles and evens out fine lines.

Antioxidant properties

The oil is loaded with antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and help prevent skin damage due to environmental stressors, UV-A rays, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

• In a study, microemulsions of camellia oil showed high antioxidant and oxygen radical scavenging ability. The antioxidant properties of camellia oil also make it an excellent sunscreen for normal to sensitive skin.

Soothes and calms the skin

• Camellia oil has been found to also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• It can be applied to facial skin to reduce inflammation, help soothe and heal irritated or inflamed skin, and provide a healthy glow to the face.

Reduces dark spots

• Studies also confirm that camellia oil aids in reducing dark spots. The oil nourishes the skin and helps with moisture retention, potentially leading to improved skin texture and tone.
• A study conducted to assess the effects of the camellia flower extract showed that it possesses anti-inflammatory and other protective properties

Does this ingredient help Dermatitis?

• They not only reduce dark spots and pigmentation but are also beneficial in managing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and even acne.
• The same study also showed that the extract of this flower also increased the production of collagen, maintaining skin elasticity and protecting it against pollutant-induced skin damage.

Wound repair

• Camellia oil is often used to help treat wounds, as well as conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. 
• It has also proven useful in treating damaged hair and dandruff.

Comedogenic rating

• Being an oil, the issue of its comedogenic rate is always a concern. 
• A comedogenic rating is a score that is given to natural substances with the purpose of helping consumers find products that are suitable for their skin.
• The score is given on a scale ranging from zero to five, and the lowest ratings represent substances that are the least likely to clog the pores or worsen acne or breakouts.

Of course, everybody’s skin is different, and some people may still experience reactions that are contrary to what these ratings may suggest.

Should I examine the oil for my client’s skin reactions?

• Camellia oil has been given a comedogenic rating between one and three, depending on the type of oil you use.
• Generally, the oil has been rated a one, but there are some versions that may be slightly higher in oleic acid, which increases the rating to a two or three.
• It therefore pays to examine the oil for potential reactions for sensitive or acne-prone skin conditions.

Are there any side effects?

• Camellia oil is mostly safe to use on skin, nails, and hair.
• However, anecdotal evidence suggests it can be toxic if you ingest it.
• Hence, be careful when using it in your face masks or toners. Avoid the eye area when you apply the mask that contains camellia oil. Close your eyes and lips when you use the camellia oil toner spray (or use cotton to apply the toner).

If you are using camellia oil for the first time and have any concerns about reactions, it is advisable to do a patch test to determine any potential sensitivity.

Today, camellias thrive across Japan, flourishing in parks and gardens, with their oil continuing to be a prized product. Recognized for its exceptional quality, camellia oil is a staple in modern haircare, skincare, and cosmetic formulations, and even finds its way into cooking.

Reach out if you have any concerns about this ingredient.