Next destination: botanical oils of the world

Botanical oils are a jewel in a liquid state. We want you to get to know the properties of some of the oils we have come across during our travels. Some of them are already part of Henna Morena. We can find botanical oils to deeply moisturise the skin and to apply masks on the hair. Here are some of them:

Mediterranean 

Almond, Rosehip or Grape Seed and Petitgrain Oil

Almond oil is a source of antioxidants, vitamin E, healthy fats and proteins that prevent skin dryness and provide deep hydration. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and, thanks to its hypoallergenic properties, soothes and balances the skin and scalp after a day in the sun. Especially recommended for mums and babies, it prevents stretch marks and can be used to massage the baby and also applied to cradle cap. 

You will also find rosehip oil, a product extracted from the seeds of rose hips, a wild shrub of the rose family. It has a high content of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3), essential for cell regeneration, and 80% of essential fatty acids (omega 9), which help to keep our skin smooth and hydrated. It also provides us with vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C and vitamin E. A three-in-one in a nutshell. This oil favours skin regeneration and has a great healing power. Suitable for mature skin, stretch marks or cracks in the skin.

Finally, Grape Seed and Petitgrain oil, one of our best-selling oils that has multiple benefits for skin and hair, rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and tannins. These substances prevent the premature ageing of tissues and cells and therefore help to keep our body young and avoid wrinkles and premature ageing of hair.

Australia 

Macadamia nut oil

In Australia we find the precious Macadamia oil, the nut with the highest percentage of fats in existence (over 70%), but very light and very quickly absorbed by the skin, without leaving a greasy surface or clogging the pores. 

This oil protects cells from oxidation, helps prevent ageing and soothes skin redness caused by the sun. 

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, improves the appearance of scars, reduces wrinkles around the eyes and regenerates chapped lips. Need more reasons to try it?

Asia 

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, minerals and antibacterial properties, it is a multi-purpose moisturising product, which is suitable for both hair and skin.  It also helps to strengthen the hair structure, preventing excessive hair loss. And if that wasn't enough, regular use helps to cleanse the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth. A 10 for oil! You'll find it as an ingredient in these 3 hair products.

Central America 

Avocado oil

Avocado oil is very popular in gastronomic diets because it is rich in healthy fats, but it is also a treasure in the world of cosmetics. It is one of the few oils that contains palmitoleic acid, which is very valuable for the protection of cell membranes. Among its properties, it is highly emollient, softening and moisturising, ideal for massages, repairs broken nails, smoothes wrinkles and, when applied as a mask, prevents frizzy hair.

Centre America 

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a natural product extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, a shrub native to the Sonoran desert in Mexico. It was already used by the Aztecs, who attributed magical properties to it. 

Its chemical composition is similar to that of our skin, with 96% ceramides, the substance that coats the cells of the epidermis: its application allows its regeneration and balances the natural hydration of the skin. 

Jojoba oil has the ability to dissolve sebum from the scalp, regulating sebaceous secretion and preventing dandruff and seborrhoea. It also softens, moisturises and protects the skin.

Africa

Shea, argan and castor oil 

West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) is the kingdom of Shea, a sacred African tree that can grow up to 15 m high and whose fruit is used to make an oily butter that is one of the best moisturisers in existence. Shea contains a large amount of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, and fatty acids that protect the dermis from external aggressions and are great allies. Another benefit of this oil is that it retains water in the cells of the dermis, preventing stretch marks and the appearance of wrinkles.

In South Africa we find castor oil. Yes, yes, it sounds strange, but that is because we are not used to it. Although its origin is India, it was adopted by other cultures such as Egypt, China, Persia, Greece, Africa and even Europe. It is an excellent moisturiser, emollient, softener and skin protector.

Argan oil, known as the gold of the desert, is purchased in North Africa and contains a high percentage of essential fatty acids (80 percent) and tocopherols (Vitamin E), beta-carotenoids, squalene and phytosterols.  In other words, it acts as an anti-ageing, antiseptic and antifungal product.

Japan

Rice germ oil

The Japanese use rice germ oil. It contains a substance called oryzanol, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that cause ageing. And, mark you, mark you: rice germ oil acts as a draining agent and promotes blood microcirculation, as well as restoring moisture to the skin - a treasure yet to be discovered!

Quality Assurance

In the market you can find a great multitude of refined oils or oils obtained by aggressive means for the planet. At Henna Morena we recommend that you always choose organic and first cold pressed oils. 

Cold extraction is done mechanically at a low temperature, preserving the full content of essential fatty acids, vitamin E and natural antioxidants, and avoiding additives.

The world gives us wonderful botanical oils that care for our skin and hair in the most natural way possible: always apply them on clean skin and after sunbathing, preferably in the afternoon-evening, to leave it to act while your body rests.