Baobab Body Oil
There’s always some new ‘superfruit’ or magic berry around in beauty, and here’ a new one, broght to us in a body oil – the Baobab. Baobab Oil is cold pressed from the fruit seed of the mighty, ancient, Baobab Tree, straight to bottle, unrefined and 100% organic. For centuries,the fruit of the Baobab Tree, which grows in the sub Sahara, East Africa and Madagascar has been known to local people as the Tree of Life for its role in easing ailments ranging from stomach disorders to skin conditions.
Today we know that Baobab fruit contains extremely high levels of antioxidants including Vitamin A – which helps to repair skin tissue, Vitamin C – the anti-ageing vitamin, Vitamin E – a highly efficient antioxidant and Vitamin F – an essential fatty acid which helps to heal hydrate and plump the skin.
Because of its purity, Baobab oil is a natural moisturiser, absorbed rapidly into the skin without clogging up skin pores. It most defintiely does absorb quickly. There is no residual oiliness at all, which is great.
Studies have proved that it increases skin elasticity, whilst the high concentration of omegas 3, 6 and 9 contained in the oil reduces appearance of stretch marks and scarring, reduces the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis and other scaly skin disorders – and can even alleviate pain from burns.
Those are a lot of claims, and obviously I can’t say from trying it for few weeks whether they work – but it has helped with my dermatitis on my hands, and I am using it on my nails. Apparently African women use it on their nails to strengthen them, so if it’s good enough for them. My nails are terrible, so here’s hoping!
African women also smooth Boabab oil onto their hair to protect it from the sun and keep it moisturised and frizz free. It also makes a soothing rub for tired feet and because the oil is flavour and odour free, makes excellent base oil for natural fragrances and exotic oils – the perfect bath oil – mix it with a drop of your favourite essential oil.
If you like your products natural, then give this one a go. It’s not glamorous, won’t look great on your dressing table, but it is really, really effective, particulary at this time of year when your skin needs extra care.
Baobab Body Oil is £35 for a 100ml bottle, available from Holland and Barrett, and at minvita.co.uk
