What is jojoba oil in skincare?
Jojoba oil is pressed from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, native to the deserts of the American southwest. Technically it is not an oil at all but a liquid wax ester – and that distinction is the whole point.
Human sebum is roughly a quarter wax esters, so jojoba’s structure is unusually close to what skin produces naturally. That is why it absorbs cleanly and rarely feels greasy. It is also exceptionally stable and resists going rancid.
What skin concerns does jojoba oil treat?
It suits almost every skin type. On dry skin it softens and seals; on oily skin its similarity to sebum can help signal that less oil is needed; and it is non-comedogenic enough for acne-prone skin to tolerate.
It has documented anti-inflammatory activity, useful for eczema, psoriasis and general irritation, and laboratory work on human skin shows topical jojoba wax increases pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid synthesis while lowering inflammatory markers.
What ingredients are best paired with jojoba oil?
Use it as the sealing step over humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and alongside ceramides and squalane for barrier repair.
It also works as a carrier for essential oils and as a buffer for retinoids, taking the edge off dryness without blocking absorption. It is one of the few plant oils that dissolves hardened sebum, so it doubles as a gentle first-step cleansing oil. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are age spots?
Age spots – known clinically as solar lentigines, and sometimes as liver spots – are flat, well-defined brown or tan patches that appear on skin with the most cumulative sun exposure: the face, backs of the hands, forearms, shoulders and upper chest.
Despite the name, they are not caused by age itself. They are a record of ultraviolet exposure, which is why they are common from the forties onward and why they cluster on areas that rarely get sunscreen.
What causes age spots?
Long-term UV exposure drives melanocytes to over-produce melanin in concentrated spots, and the surrounding keratinocytes stop clearing that pigment efficiently as skin ages.
Fair skin, a history of sunburns, tanning beds and outdoor work all raise the risk. Any new spot that changes shape, colour or size, bleeds or has an irregular border should be checked by a doctor rather than treated cosmetically.
What ingredients are best for age spots?
Topical treatment works but needs patience – expect three to six months. Retinoids speed turnover so pigmented cells shed faster, vitamin C and niacinamide brighten and protect, and alpha arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid and liquorice root inhibit new pigment.
Glycolic or lactic acid helps lift existing pigment from the surface. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, including on hands and chest, is what prevents new spots forming. Take our Skin Quiz.
