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Obtained from the kernels of the marula tree (native to southern Africa), marula oil is pleasant-smelling, and loaded with proteins – which make it useful in a number of skin and hair treatments. It contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C; essential fatty acids including stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, and amino acids such as L-arginine and glutamic acid.
Marula oil is excellent at restoring life to dry, aging skin. The amino acids work to make your skin more hydrated and fresh, fatty acids make your skin softer and act as a natural moisturizer, and antioxidants protect your skin from UV and pollution damage.
Some people who are allergic to nuts are also allergic to marula oil, so test a small patch of skin first. Secondly, marula oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog your pores. It contains a high level of oleic acid, which is a layer that can clog pores and make oily skin worse. So if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should reconsider using marula oil.
There are several different types and causes of acne. Cystic acne occurs when pores in your skin are clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. This creates a perfect opportunity for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an infection. The infection can grow deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and redness, causing raised acne bumps (AKA cysts) with pus that can be tender to the touch.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of cystic acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating cystic acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against cystic acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
marula oil may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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