Tamanu nut oil eliminates acne and blackheads. This is a Tahitian elixir for skin problems

Tamanu oil: what is it? We explain

Tamanu is gaining more and more recognition on the cosmetics market. What is that? Tamanu oil is oil obtained from the nuts of trees from the Calophyllaceae family, mainly two species: Calophyllum inophyllum and Calophyllum tacamahaca, growing in Polynesia and simply called tamanu. This oil is also known as kamani, dilo, punna and callophyllum oil. Tamanu are evergreen trees that grow along sea coasts. Oil is obtained from their fruits, called nuts. It is cold pressed from ripe nuts, previously dried for four to even six weeks in the sun. Only five liters of greenish-yellow or yellow-brown oil are obtained from 100 kg of the product. It has a liquid, thick consistency and a characteristic, herbal, slightly spicy aroma.

Tamanu oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic and oleic), as well as biologically active compounds. It is completely inedible and is only used externally. From ancient times in skin care it is used by the people of the Pacific Islands. To this day, Polynesians use it as an afterword a soothing agent and supporting the healing of wounds, burns and irritations, and even in bacterial infections and skin inflammations. It reached Europe in the 19th century, and at the beginning of the 20th century, French researchers discovered that it was worth using to alleviate the symptoms of leprosy, and since then it has been systematically gaining popularity. Currently, it is obtained not only in Polynesia, but also in other countries with a tropical climate where tamanu trees can be grown. Interestingly, in the past it was also a component of oil lamps, and now it is also used as a biofuel.

Tamanu oil: properties of the product

The rich composition is an undoubted advantage of tamanu. The properties of this oil result from the presence of substances such as:

• essential unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs, including oleic and linoleic), which significantly improve the condition of the skin and hair, reduce transepidermal water loss, and regulate the functioning of glands present in the skin;
• flavonoids and coumarinswhich have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-swelling properties, and also reduce the production of free radicals;
• phytosterolswhich have anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties;
• tocopherolswhich have an antioxidant and moisturizing effect on the skin.

Due to its rich composition, tamanu nut oil:

• moisturizes for a long time,
• nourishes the skinsaturating it with essential unsaturated fatty acids,
• reduces discolorationrestoring the skin’s natural color,
• accelerates the healing of wounds, irritations, insect bites, inflammation and scars,
• visibly reduces acne and pimples,
• eliminates blackheads.

Tamanu oil: application

How to use tamanu? It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging. As a rule, it is applied directly to the skin and is quick-drying. It works particularly well in the care of acne and problematic skin. In case of acne lesions and scars, it is recommended to apply it pointwise, directly to the skin. It has a healing effect in the scar healing process, which is worth remembering. In daily care, it is a good idea to pat a small amount of oil onto damp skin of the face, neck and cleavage.

Tamanu oil can also be used for oiling. Such a treatment, performed once or twice a week, will give your hair shine and prevent frizz, and will also visibly nourish the scalp and hair, improve blood circulation in the scalp and the functioning of hair follicles. Tamanu oil should be massaged into the hair and left for fifteen minutes, preferably wearing a shower cap or towel. After this time, it should be washed off with a gentle shampoo.

Research confirms the effectiveness of tamanu oil in the case of:

• acne,
• minor wounds and irritations,
• atopic dermatitis,
• scars,
• herpes,
• swelling,
• sunburn,
• psoriasis,
• mycosis,
• dandruff,
• protection against UV radiation.

However, you should know that tamanu oil has a level of protection against solar radiation that does not exceed SPF 11, so such sun protection may be insufficient. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this oil as a sunscreen.