Camellia oil, popularly called ‘Wonder Beauty Oil’, has been used by Japanese women for flawless radiant skin and lustrous shinning long hair for centuries.
The versatile organic oil is used on face, hair, scalp and body as natural option for toner, serum and night creams. Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain will tell you more about it.
A native to Japan called ‘Rose of Winters’ is fast becoming a popular beauty ingredient due to the skin-perfecting properties and is considered an excellent all-around moisturiser for the skin as well as for hair.
Switching to pure organic oil may not be an easy option for you but carrier oil with heavenly uses provides one-stop solution for all your beauty problems.
The non-greasy oil allows it to be easily and quickly absorbed deep into the lower layers of the skin because its composition is similar to sebum — the oil our skin produces by itself delivering an immense amount of phytonutrients and is rich in vitamins A, D and E, plant collagen, oleic acid as well as nourishing Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. It is an extremely moisturising and conditioning ingredient that combats inflammation and signs of ageing and is even touted as a warrior in the fight against acne, soothing irritation, increasing healing and fighting bacteria.
Camellia oil is also beneficial for nourishing the hair, promoting hair growth and is also known to check greying of the hair. It also helps frizzy hair by softening the texture. It also carries nutrients, collagen and elastin to the skin, protecting the skin from the drying effects of sun-exposure and ageing.
The question arises as to how we can use Camellia oil for skin and hair care. To apply it on the skin, take a little oil in the palm and spread it on both your palms and pat it lightly on the face. Avoid rubbing. It can also be applied directly on areas with wrinkles, lines and blemishes. Indeed, it helps in minimising acne scars and softening the hard skin on the knees and elbows.
Apply it on the body, immediately after bath while the skin is still damp. This helps to seal in moisture. Since Camellia oil has the ability to soften the skin with a hard texture. It can also be used to massage the nails and soften the cuticle surrounding the nails. It is ideal for nourishing the skin on the hands, after performing washing chores.
It gives amazing results when applied on damp hair after showering in moderate quantity as per personal preference. For difficult hair, it should be applied before washing to untangle hair and make them manageable.
The oil can also be used as deep treatment pack to treat hair damaged from colouring. You should warm the oil and apply a few drops into hair before washing. You can do the hot-towel wrap to moisten the scalp and allow better absorption of the oil. The oil can also be mixed with other ingredients to soften rough and frizzy hair. Mix 200 ml distilled water with one teaspoon of glycerine and three tablespoons of Camellia oil. Add five drops of rose or sandalwood essential oil for fragrance, if you wish. Keep in a spray bottle in the fridge. Shake before use and apply a little on wet hair.
You can apply Camellia oil in combination with rice bran oil by mixing the two oils together and apply it on skin. You can apply them separately also for benefits of Vitamin E and anti-ageing antioxidants.
Camellia oil also does an excellent job to soften rough skin in areas like elbows, legs, knees and heels. Apply small amount gently on damp skin immediately after bath and allow it to be completely absorbed. You can use it twice a day in the morning and at night for better results.
Camellia oil softens dry or brittle nails and rough cuticles. Add two drops of oil on cotton pad and rub on brittle nails and rough cuticles and message gently for soft, smooth and healthy nails and cuticles.
The oil has an SPF of 3.5 and provides protection from harmful UV rays. Apply light layer of Camellia oil before you move out in open areas and it will keep your skin safe from radicals.