6 Benefits of Pataua Oil for Hair and Skin

Are you looking for an effective and natural way to enhance your natural beauty? Look no further, as the answer to this question is pataua oil.

It is a powerful and versatile oil that can be used to enhance the appearance of your skin and hair. 

Pataua oil is pulled from the seeds and pulp of the pataua tree, which is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. (1) It has been used by the regional population for centuries for its advantages to hair and skin.  

Read further to learn more about the perks that pataua oil offers and how it can transform your beauty ritual.

What Is Pataua Oil? 

Pataua (Oenocarpus bataua) oil, also referred to as seje, trupa, chapil, (2) ungurahui or ungurahua, (3) patawa, milpesos, and komboe, is a natural oil native to Northern and Southern America’s topical areas.

It has a light greenish-yellow color. (1) It is rich in antioxidants, like carotenoids, amino acids, oleic acid, tocopherols, and various sterols. (4)

Pataua oil is extracted and traditionally used in food preparations (salad dressing, fried foods, and meat preservatives), cosmetics (hair loss and dandruff prevention), and traditional medicine (ointments, emollients, decongestant, expectorant, tuberculosis treatment, and bowel movement stimulant).

The palm tree roots fight worms, stomach disorders, diarrhea, and headache. (5)

Benefits of Pataua Oil

The following are the benefits of pataua oil.

1. Increases hair growth

According to researchers, pataua oil is excellent for hair growth. (6) It contains linoleic acid, (1) which induces growth factor expression and boosts hair growth. (7) It also controls hair water loss and keeps the scalp healthy.

There are about 5 million follicles in the human body and 100,000 on the human head. (8) Some of these follicles discontinue as you age, which results in hair thinning or alopecia.

With abundant omega-9 fatty acids, (9) pataua oil can improve your hair growth rate and add shine and luster to your hair. 

2. Improves scalp health

Pataua oil benefits hair health due to its high content of fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. (10)

Pataua oil is rich in vitamin E, (10) which fights dry scalp and buildup-causing bacteria. It combats premature hair growth, hair thinning, alopecia areata, and female- and male-pattern baldness. 

3. Brightens the skin

Pataua oil inhibits the activity of tyrosinase (a melanin-producing enzyme that gives color to the skin) and treats sun age spots and melasma caused by excessive melanin assemblage. (11)

4. Promotes healing and repairing

Pataua oil has anti-inflammatory benefits; (10) it stimulates wound healing and improves, calms, and balances the skin, even compromised skin caused by allergies, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema). (12)

Pataua oil also strengthens cell membrane integrity.

5. Reduces signs of aging 

The oleic acid in pataua oil contains antioxidant compounds that combat free radical damage (10) caused by environmental stressors such as UV rays, (13) a leading cause of premature aging.

It minimizes free radical damage to the skin and fights dark spots, wrinkles, sagging, fine lines, and unwanted features. 

6. Moisturizes and soothes the skin

Pataua oil goes deep into the skin, balancing the skin’s natural hydration and controlling water loss. (13) It also acts as an excellent moisturizer for the skin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of pataua oil (10) reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation and soothe the skin. This oil keeps skin hydrated and supple to prevent cracks.

How to Use Pataua Oil on the Skin

Follow these steps to apply pataua oil to the skin:

1. Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin. Pat dry. 
2. Take 2–3 drops of pataua oil on your fingertips and gently massage it on your skin.  
3. Leave it on your skin for 15–20 minutes or for as long as you want.
4. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

You can apply this oil once or twice a day, based on your skin needs and type. You can also incorporate this oil into your moisturizers and facial cleansers.

Note: Experts recommend using this ingredient only a few times a week. Apply in moderation. Use pataua oil one to two nights weekly for dehydrated, dry skin. For acne-prone, oily skin, use it as an initial step inyour skin care routine, followed by a water-based cleanser to prevent clogging of pores.

How to Apply Pataua Oil to the Hair

Follow these steps to apply pataua oil to hair:

1. Rub a small amount of pataua oil in your palm to warm it up slightly. 
2. Run your fingertips through your hair toward the ends and on significantly damaged or dry areas. 
3. Let it sit for at least 25 minutes, and wash it off.

You may also leave the oil on your hair overnight for best results. Put on a plastic shower cap to lock in the moisture.

General Queries

Final Word

Pataua oil is a valuable and versatile oil for skin and hair care. This hidden gem from the Amazon rainforest needs more appreciation and recognition.

Pataua oil has several properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, moisturizing, protecting, stimulating, and nourishing, and can be used to improve the looks and health of the skin and hair.

Pataua oil can be used by itself or in combination with ingredients or oils for a customized formula.

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