Image by Freepik
Tamanu oil, a treasure trove of skin benefits, has taken over TikTok recently. However, it has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, revered for its remarkable healing properties. From adding a boost of hydration to dry skin to offering relief in skin conditions, this versatile oil promises a holistic approach to skin health. The following exploration dives into the essence of tamanu oil, unravelling its benefits, uses, and why it might just be the missing ingredient in your skincare regimen.
What is Tamanu Oil?
Also listed as Calophyllum inophyllum seed oil, in skincare products, tamanu oil is derived from the seeds of the Tamanu nut tree – a tropical evergreen native to Southeast Asia and has been used medicinally for centuries by various Asian, African and Pacific Island cultures. Tamanu oil can be defined by its look and smell. In its purest state, its consistency is thick, with a dark green colour and a distinctive deep, earthy and nutty scent.
Benefits of Tamanu Oil for Skin
The Tamanu nut tree is also commonly referred to as the “beauty-leaf tree” and that moniker is definitely well-earned. Tamanu Oil contains plenty of skin-loving properties, such as being anti-inflammatory, rich in fatty acids and anti-bacterial. Additionally, tamanu oil can stimulate collagen production and wound healing and acts as an antioxidant.
Containing both oleic and linoleic fatty acids, tamanu oil stands out against other oils due to its higher fatty acid content. This makes it especially beneficial for addressing dry skin as the two fatty acids contain powerful moisturising abilities. Additionally, these acids are biosimilar to our skin, which contributes to its hydrating properties and ability to repair the skin barrier.
Tamanu oil exhibits high antibacterial activity against bacteria-involved wound infections meaning it may inhibit the growth of propionibacterium acnes and propionibacterium granulosum, two bacterium that are implicated with acne. This suggests potential use of tamanu oil as an acne treatment.
Tamanu oil also has wound healing and skin regeneration properties, promoting cell proliferation and production of glycosaminoglycans – essential for creating and maintaining healthy collagen and elastin. More collagen and more GAGs means accelerated wound healing, leading to scars healing faster and fine lines and wrinkles being smoothened out.
On a similar note, tamanu oil is also rife with potent antioxidants, imperative for protecting skin from damaging (and ageing) free radicals caused by exposure to environmental factors such as sun and pollution, contributing to its anti-ageing benefits.
Tamanu oil contains calophyllolide, a molecule well-studied for delivering anti-inflammatory effects similar to that of hydrocortisone. This means that the oil is great for reducing redness as well as inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea.
Side Effects of Tamanu Oil
It goes without saying that if you have a nut allergy, it is important to steer clear of this oil as it is derived from a tree nut. Besides that, it is generally considered safe to use. However, there have been concerns about the comedogencitiy of the oil – that is how likey it is to clog pores. Since it is an oil-based product, some dermatologists believe that it has the potential to clog pores, making it slightly comedogenic. On the flip side, it is worth noting that every ingredient, including highly touted ones such as ceramides, can have the potential to clog pores when overused. Therefore, if applied in small amounts, you can reap the benefits of tamanu oil without it clogging your pores.
If you’re interested in adding Tamanu oil to your skincare routine, consider introducing it slowly into your regimen. Start using it only once or twice a week to see how your skin reacts to it. If it doesn’t break you out, feel free to up the frequency.
A note of caution: None of the studies on tamanu oil so far has gone through double-blind placebo-controlled trials or been conducted on humans which are both needed to verify its efficacy and benefits. Until rigorous research into tamanu happens, we should not be completely certain about its claims the same way we know for sure retinol helps with acne and signs of ageing or that vitamin C diminishes scars.
Conclusion
Tamanu oil emerges as a potent natural ingredient with a myriad of promises for skin health, from moisturising dry patches to fighting bacteria and fostering wound healing. Its centuries-old use in traditional medicine and the promising benefits underscored by preliminary research make it an intriguing addition to the skincare arsenal. However, given the lack of extensive human studies, it’s prudent for users to approach with caution, especially those with nut allergies or sensitive skin. As the beauty and medical communities continue to uncover the mysteries of natural ingredients like tamanu oil, one thing remains clear: nature holds untapped potential for supporting our health and wellbeing, including the vitality of our skin.
PS: You can also read the different ingredients to transform your skin.
