Body Series - Oils - Part 2: Meadow Foam Seed, Jojoba Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil

My first post on this topic covered three oils (Almond, Avocado, and Coconut) and compared them based on various characteristics. I discussed how using oils (vegetable, nut, and/or seed oils) to moisturize and care for our skin is a great idea for numerous reasons including quality, cost, availability, effectiveness, flexibility, etc. So, onward search to find the right oil or oils to use....

In this post, I have included Meadow Foam Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil. Keep in mind, this is a casual experiment and based on my experiences with these oils over the course of several weeks. But, I think you'll find the results meaningful and useful.

The Great "Oil" Experiment - Part 2 -

Meadow Foam Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil

MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL

JOJOBA OIL

HEMP SEED OIL

Method of Use:
I applied each oil as a morning moisturizer after shower to my face and body and then tracked the "open-air" absorption as well several other standard characteristics and overall results, which I've included here.

I did read here that skin regenerates every 21 to 30 days, so it would seem that you personally would really want to test an oil for a full month before deciding whether or not you are happy with the results. However, keep in mind that many factors contribute to the health and corresponding appearance of your skin, not just what you put on your body, but what you put in your body as well as environmental factors, well-being, etc.

***I had intended to use the oils for about three days each, but in practice that didn't seem nearly long enough and I ended up using them for one to two weeks each, which is still probably not long enough to make a personal decision, although enough to point one in the right direction.


Meadow Foam Seed Oil

Meadow Foam Oil contains over 98.0% fatty acids with chain lengths of 20 carbons or more and it has higher quality triglyceride levels when compared to other vegetable oils. Due to the oil's unique chemistry, it provides emolliency without being overly greasy. When combined with less stable oils, Meadow Foam Seed Oil can boost their oxidative stabilty. The flower received its name, because, when in bloom, the fields resemble foam blowing on the ocean (see pictures here). Very pretty.

This oil benefits natural body care recipes because of its ability to moisturize and adhere to the skin. When applied to the skin, it will form a moisture barrier to help prevent moisture loss. It can be used to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging and to add shine to hair and repair dry/ damaged hair. It offers ultraviolet protection, blends well with other oils, and helps products to last longer and retain their scents longer--even under extreme conditions. 

It addition, this oil is reported to be a more environmentally friendly choice having been used as an alternative to sperm whale oil, fed to cattle and other livestock, a source of nutrition for wild animals and insects, and as a renewable crop (usually grown as a rotation crop).

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is actually a wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. It was historically used by the Native Americans for wound treatment, hair and scalp treatment, hair restorative, and skin healing. It is very silky and quickly absorbed so it may need to be reapplied often or used in blends. It solidifies at cooler temperatures.

It is reported to be beneficial to all skin types but especially for those with acne since jojoba oil is thought to have antibacterial properties and it contains long-chain wax esters that closely resemble skin sebum. It is also a great cleanser for the scalp and skin for these same reasons. 
 

It is highly penetrating and contains a natural anti-inflammatory called myristic acid and is useful in formulations for arthritis and rheumatism. It can be used as a moisturizer (hair, skin, nails), thought to reduce wrinkles and stretch marks, helps to balance skins natural oils, and heal acne. It has natural antioxidant properties and can help extend the shelf life of other oils.  

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is an edible oil that has a high nutritional value because its ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids matches the balance required by the human body. It contains all the essential amino acids including a rare protein known as globule edestins that is very similar to the globulin found in human blood plasma. It has been called “Nature’s Perfect Food for Humanity”. 

Due to this oil's complete fatty acid profile, it has been studied for use in treating AIDS. It is also thought to be effective to treat numerous health problems related to EFA deficiencies including high blood pressure, edema, low metabolic rate, tuberculosis, hair loss, liver degeneration, circulatory issues, etc.

Furthermore, this oil is reported to produce smooth skin, speed healing, help with blood pressure, enhance immune functions, reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis, reverse PMS, treat bacterial infections, prevent allergies, and help with brain development. It is also thought to be useful in the formation of cell membranes, recovery from fatigue, and as a potential broad spectrum ultraviolet skin protector, just to name a few. 

It is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, a vulnerary, and helps to balance dry skin and strengthen hair and nails. It is readily absorbed into pores, is an emollient, and has rejuvenating properties. The benefits of this oil are thought to be so numerous that I cannot cite them all here and I encourage you to read more about yourself -- see here and here and source links below for a start. 

RESULTS ------
Keep in mind that you don't want to put something on your body that you wouldn't put in your body. Ensure that is a consideration when deciding which oil to use (and for how long you use it) on your skin.

Meadow Foam Seed Oil:
I fell in love with this oil. Seriously, the benefits it provides (including ultra-violet protection and anti-aging qualities), not to mention the fact that it absorbs well, has no odor, a light color, and is so stable, it increases the shelf life of other, less stable oils--come on?!?!? What more could I ask for?!

This oil is definitely a possibility as a daily use oil. In fact, I don't want to stop using it now. One other bonus benefit, after using it the first time as a whole body moisturizer, I noticed a definite improvement in the softness of my skin. Check out this website for a DIY recipe for a face & body moisturizer using primarily meadowfoam seed oil (and an amusing/ enlightening critique on the original outrageously expensive product).

Jojoba Oil (Wax):
I had an extremely difficult time setting aside the Meadow Foam Seed Oil, so it had to be for a really intriguing alternative. The fact that jojoba oil closely resembles our own skin's sebum did the trick. However, on its own, Jojoba was not going to be moisturizing enough for me. Similar to my experience with Coconut Oil, my skin felt itchy as the day progressed. I was not totally surprised by this result, however, because I had read that this oil may need to be reapplied since it absorbed so quickly.

I believe that this oil will be most useful in blends or for use on my face only, since I would prefer a quickly absorbing oil there. Also, I intend to try this at some point as a hair conditioner considering its quick absorption qualities.

Hemp Seed Oil:
This was a surprise favorite for me. Not only does this oil have numerous potential benefits, but it also appears to be very moisturizing and quickly absorbing, which sort of amazed me. In fact, this post was delayed because I wanted to continue to use the hemp seed oil until it caused my skin to dry out (I just knew it would).

But, I used the oil for two weeks and that was never the case, although it was the best absorber so far. And it doesn't end there-- after using this oil I had a noticeable improvement in the softness of my skin, similar to the Meadow Foam Seed Oil. Furthermore,  it's so nutritious I began adding it to my protein shakes instead of the flax seed oil I was formerly using.

The downside to this oil: if anything, it was a bit of a hassle storing it in the refrigerator. This is a very delicate oil and does not withstand cooking (high temps) or excessive light. I also read that lower quality oils would become rancid easily, but I do not think it is difficult to find a high quality version. In addition, it has a strong nutty/ grassy smell, but I did not notice it to be strong after applying it to my skin. Overall, I loved this oil and will try to find a way to use it regularly to nourish my skin, probably through continued addition to my foods and external use.

The chart below summarizes various characteristics of the oils used.

 *Cost per ounce based on 8.5 ounce bottle purchased online at MRH (excludes S&H). You may be able to save a bit buying in bulk or buying locally.

 

So there you go, Part 2 of the Great Oil Experiment and I think the idea that really solidified itself after this set is that I am not going to likely find one oil, but rather, I think the most benefit will be found in using a combination of a few favorite oils... Also, two favorites became apparent in this set - Meadowfoam and Hemp Seed and I wonder how they'll hold up to the next set....

Stay tuned for the next set of oils in Part 3..... Baobab and Kukui Nut, no, no... Tamanu, Wheat Germ, and Argan... so many great choices!

 

Update! View Part 3 here!

 

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Sources:
1. http://www.meadowfoam.com/mso.php
2. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
3. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/meadowfoam.php
4. http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/the-beauty-of-meadow-foam
5. http://www.essentialingredients.com/pdf/MeadowfoamBrochure.pdf
6. http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/carrieroilprofiles.asp
7. http://www.livestrong.com/article/87154-jojoba-oil-benefits/
8. http://www.livestrong.com/article/284301-jojoba-oil-treatment-for-the-scalp/
9. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp_oil
10. http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=64
11. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/hempseed.php

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