Today's article tastes like crystalline sea, luxuriant vegetation and atolls that make you dream in the shade of a palm tree. In fact, the cosmetic we are going to talk about comes from Polynesia, even if nowadays it is really available everywhere, in specialized shops and online, tamanu oil, a true elixir for all skin types but also in case of pain and rheumatism. But let's try to understand better on the basis of the most recent scientific research.
Tamanu oil, what it is and properties
Tamanu oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the nut of the Calophyllum inophyllum L tree, which in Polynesia takes the name of tamanu. The nuts of this plant contain up to 75% of oil, which has always been used to soothe wounds and other skin disorders, such as infections and scars. In recent years, tradition has been supported by scientific research, which has shown that tamanu oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and healing properties, useful in case of acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatosis, burns and chapped skin, but even skin damaged by UV rays. In fact, tamanu oil is an excellent after-sun product, being able to reduce up to 85% of DNA damage induced by sunlight. In addition, this oil is useful against photoaging, for the prevention of wrinkles and stretch marks (Pribowo et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2021). Science has also been able to demonstrate the ability of tamanu oil to reduce scars (Raharivelomanana et al, OCL, 2018). Not only that, tamanu oil is also a pain reliever and can help in case of rheumatism and sciatica (Pribowo et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2021). The properties listed are due to specific compounds contained in this oil, including resinous compounds, as well as fatty acids that combine to form a truly unique composition of beneficial substances (Raharivelomanana et al, OCL, 2018).
Tamanu oil, uses and applications
You can apply a couple of drops of pure tamanu oil directly on damp skin, to stimulate regeneration processes, counteract acne, scars, wrinkles, erythema and damage from UV rays. You can also use tamanu oil for massages for pain and sciatica. In this case, since the skin area is larger, it is advisable to mix tamanu oil with other oils. For example, you can mix 80 ml of jojoba oil and 20 ml of tamanu oil into a small bottle. In general, for the first use it is advisable to test on a small patch of skin to rule out a skin reaction.
