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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.
Pigmentation is simply skin’s coloration, determined by the amount of melanin produced by the skin cells. This umbrella term can include a wide variety of skin pigmentation disorders that can affect small or large areas of the skin. It includes genetic conditions, as well as environmental ones, such as sunspots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation, for example, refers to a darkening of the skin, such as with age spots and sunspots.
To prevent discoloration from damaging UV, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, jojoba oil, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is also a good brightening agent for hyperpigmentation. Hydrolyzed collagen also enhances the appearance of dull or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
marula oil may be effective for pigmentation, 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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