Marula oil – new wonder product?

Marula oil, an antioxidant-rich oil that's derived from the Marula tree in South Africa is slowly gaining recognition in the beauty industry. The product that can be applied to both the face and hair to increase moisture and combat ageing is non-greasy and fast absorbing, making it ideal for most users. The oil is slowly popping up in a number of skin and hair care products. It not only hydrates skin and helps restore elasticity, but improves skin tone and reduces redness. When applied on one's locks, it helps reduce frizziness and smoothen dry ends.

NON-GREASY TEXTURE
Marula oil has been processed by African women tribes since long. It is available in India at herbal and natural product stores in the form of hair oils, creams, foundations etc. Even though the collection of products is not as extensive as abroad it is giving argan oil competition in terms of its benefits, says Dr Apratim Goel, cosmetic dermatologist and laser surgeon, Cutis Skin Studio. "This is a light textured oil which contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids and flavinoids that is great for skin and hair. It helps in regeneration of cells in the skin as well as the hair and protects it from cellular damage due to external and internal factors. It also stimulates collagen remodelling under the skin with regular use facilitating as an anti ageing. With long term use, it prevents photodamage and acts an an effective hydrating therapy for dry skin. The oil also has a non-greasy texture which works great for hair. It can be lightly brushed from the scalp to the tips acting like a good hair serum. Unlike other oils it doesn't make the scalp and hair sticky and oily. Only precaution to be taken is those that are susceptible to breakouts and with very oily skin must avoid it in the day time as this may block the pores of oil glands further and aggravate acne. Night time application though would be good as there is anti inflammatory and antibacterial effects as well."

CHECK ITS SUITABILITY
Dr Amrapali Patil beauty expert and founder of Trim N Tone, explains Marula oil is said to be a good source of oleic acid. "Oleic acid gets quickly absorbed in the skin as it is an essential fatty acid that our bodies produce innately. Like other oils it too hydrates the skin well and the manufacturers claim that it helps in delaying the ageing process of skin. In order to use, first clean the skin. Apply oil (2-5 ml) gently with finger tips, spritz skin with water mist or dampen skin lightly. However, check with your dermatologist before you use this oil to ascertain its suitability for you. Always do a patch test before you apply any substance on your skin," she adds.

MULTIPLE BENEFITS
Dr Bharti Magoo, aesthetic and anti-ageing physician, Golden Touch Clinic has been using Marula oil for her skin and hair care range since the last few years. "The oil has a higher concentration of Omega 9 fatty acids, more vitamin? C and E than argan oil which is also used widely in cosmetics. It also contains procyanidin which is vasoactive polyphenol like in red wine, it fights bacteria, it hydrates skin without clogging. It is absorbed quickly. Like many oils it reduces the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenates dry skin. It conditions nail bed and improves brittle nails, so it is used in many nail hardeners. It is also useful in skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis etc as it reduces itching and redness. Further, it reduces transepidermal water loss and increases the smoothness of skin. It is ideal for dry skin."