Have you heard of tamanu oil? If not, it's time to take note. This beauty oil could become the next trending oil.
Contents:
What is tamanu oil?
8 benefits of tamanu oil
Disadvantages of tamanu oil
8 ways to use tamanu oil
ReviewMy sagging skinSmall blemishesMy eczemaFinal thoughts
My dry skin
My sagging skin
Small blemishes
My eczema
Final thoughts
What is tamanu oil?
Tamanu oil is a rich and potent nut oil that is usually pressed from the seeds of tamanu trees, but also from their nuts. The trees grow in Asia and Australia.
The oil itself has a yellow-green color with a distinct nutty scent. What makes tamanu oil special is:
its unique composition of fatty acids
that it contains potent antioxidants
that it has anti-inflammatory properties
that it has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5 (where 0 doesn't clog pores at all)
These properties make tamanu oil a highly useful ingredient in skincare products, especially since it has been shown to be effective on the skin even in low concentrations and diluted form.
8 benefits of tamanu oil
1. Moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier
What distinguishes tamanu oil is its rich content of fatty acids compared to other oils. The oil is particularly rich in omega 9, 6, and 3. It softens, moisturizes, strengthens the skin barrier and is therefore beneficial for dry skin.
2. Protects against free radicals
Tamanu oil has a natural content of potent antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect against oxidative stress caused by air pollution and sun rays.
3. Stimulates collagen production
The reason tamanu oil is a popular anti-aging ingredient is that it promotes the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). A well-known GAG is hyaluronic acid. GAGs are essential for collagen and elastin formation. Together, these make the skin supple, firm and promote healing of damaged skin.
4. Smooths out wrinkles
As a result of tamanu oil protecting against free radicals, UV damage and stimulating collagen production, fine lines are smoothed out. Additionally, studies have shown that tamanu oil can absorb UV rays across a fairly broad spectrum. However, more studies are needed to confirm its UV protection.
5. Regenerating
Since tamanu oil repairs the skin, it also has some effect against scarring and stretch marks. Existing scars and stretch marks can be reduced and uneven skin can be smoothed out.
6. Antibacterial properties
Tamanu oil is also widely used on acne-prone skin. It has been shown to counteract the bacteria that cause acne (p. acnes and p. granulosum). The oil can therefore help with inflammatory acne.
7. Anti-inflammatory properties
For centuries, tamanu oil has been used on various skin problem areas. The oil contains the anti-inflammatory compound calophyllolide, which may explain tamanu oil's positive effect on inflamed eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, red and irritated skin, fungal infections and similar conditions. Note that tamanu oil cannot replace medication. Always consult a doctor if your skin problems do not improve.
Disadvantages of tamanu oil
Tamanu oil is a fantastic oil with many uses. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Tamanu oil:
has a scent that can be difficult to appreciate, especially if you're not used to nutty and herbal fragrances. You either love the scent or not at all.
is toxic to consume and should therefore only be used topically on the skin. Store the oil out of reach of children.
is a nut oil, so it's not suitable for those with nut allergies.
is very active, which can irritate sensitive skin. Try diluting tamanu oil with a mild oil like sweet almond oil.
has a fairly low comedogenic effect on the skin. Despite this, those who easily get clogged pores may experience negative results from the oil.
To still benefit from tamanu oil's advantages, you can dilute it with an oil that rates between 0-1 on the comedogenic scale. Examples of such oils are argan oil, hemp seed oil, and safflower oil.
8 ways to use tamanu oil
There are many different ways to use tamanu oil. We list the most common ways you can utilize the oil's benefits. Remember that the oil is only for external use and that you should always seek medical care for skin diseases and skin problems that don't heal.
1. Facial oil
The most popular way is to use tamanu oil as a facial oil – in its pure form or diluted with another oil or cream. As a facial oil, tamanu oil suits:
skin with early signs of aging
mature skin
dry skin
inflamed skin
acne-prone skin
skin with compromised barrier function
2. Skin booster
Since tamanu oil is both potent and active, it can be used to boost your skincare products. Simply mix a few drops of tamanu oil with your facial oil, face cream, or DIY face mask.
3. Lightening oil
Use tamanu oil to reduce acne scars and scarring. The oil can also have some effect on uneven skin texture.
4. After-shave oil
Apply to the skin after shaving to counteract inflamed hair follicles, especially with ingrown hairs.
5. Hair oil
As a hair oil, tamanu oil provides moisture and shine to the hair while reducing tangles.
6. Scalp oil
Try tamanu oil on dry scalp, dandruff, inflammation, infection, itching, and slow/poor hair growth. Apply tamanu oil to the scalp and massage for 10 minutes. Then wash out the oil with a skin-friendly shampoo.
7. Deodorant
Tamanu oil can be applied to the underarms to reduce bacteria that cause unpleasant-smelling sweat.
8. Foot oil
Try applying tamanu oil to the feet for athlete's foot.
Review
Image taken by @ecobyanna
I have tested tamanu oil from Fushi for 4 weeks and I'm completely sold! Worth knowing is that I have dry and eczema-prone 41-year-old skin. I used the tamanu oil morning and evening in the beginning, then later only used it in my evening routine. Regarding the scent, I'm one of those who love it – such a beautiful fragrance combination of nuts and herbs.
My dry skin
Despite tamanu oil being considered a rich oil, it was absorbed instantly on my dry skin. During the first week, the feeling afterward was a bit dry and tight despite two applications of the oil one after another. The skin looked almost matte, which is strange for an oil that should be good at nourishing dry skin. Into my second week, the tamanu oil had difficulty absorbing. My dry skin was simply saturated, smooth, and no longer dry. I then needed much less tamanu oil to moisturize my face. Here we have an excellent example of a plant-based oil that can quickly treat really dry skin on its own.
My sagging skin
Already after one evening application, I noticed in the morning that my skin was firmer. My skin became noticeably much more elastic, which I found hard to believe. I therefore stopped using the tamanu oil and let my skin rest for a week. When I reintroduced the tamanu oil, I got the same results. The skin became less saggy after just one application and gradually looked smoother and firmer. It gave my face a mini-lift, which probably only I noticed, but still! I was quite impressed, and that doesn't happen too often, I must add.
Small blemishes
In my youth, I had a lot of acne and foolishly tanned way too much without sun protection. My skin is far from perfect. Nothing major that bothers me, but there are small blemishes that adorn my face. The tamanu oil had no immediate effect on these beauty flaws, but after 1-2 weeks I discovered that my skin looked clearer and that the need for foundation wasn't as great.
Oh what joy!
My eczema
Conveniently enough, I was out of balance when I tested the tamanu oil. I had terribly troublesome flaring eczema and psoriasis on my body that wouldn't subside. When I used the tamanu oil, it didn't eliminate the eczema, but it calmed it sufficiently to give me peace of mind. Therefore, remember to be patient when you apply tamanu oil to problem skin. It takes time to strengthen the skin barrier.
Final thoughts
After my 4-week testing period, I tested other products and really missed the tamanu oil. Now it's part of my standard routine since I can't be without it for too long. With regular use of tamanu oil, I feel that my skin becomes saturated with it. Nowadays, just a few drops of tamanu oil in the evening together with another facial oil or face cream is enough. If you want to try tamanu oil, make sure you buy one that is pure, organic, cold-pressed and without additives. The tamanu oil from Fushi is a high-quality one that is freshly pressed from the season's harvest to maintain all the oil's beneficial properties.