What is Camellia Seed Oil? It is essentially green tea oil. It comes from the seeds of Camellia Sinensis, the plant from which green tea is made.
Most of us know what an amazing plant this is, given the many health benefits of drinking green tea. It is astringent and increases metabolism, which for the skin means it tightens the pores. It is a potent antioxidant, which when applied to skin as a toner, protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and other assaults. It even protects the cells against cancer, by providing this DNA shield.
But does that mean the OIL from green tea can have similar positive benefits when applied to our skin? YES – and then some. Below are the main assets of Camellia Seed Oil and what you can expect from using it.
EMOLLIENT/PROVIDES A MOISTURE BARRIER/Great for Sensitive Skin
While it’s true there are many facial oils that are moisturizing, green tea oil is moisturizing without being irritating. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin and are trying to repair and protect your moisture barrier. This is the oil to use if your skin is irritated. It soaks in deeply and locks in active ingredients. Pressed into my skin after applying retinol or BHA at night, I find my my face has an extra glow and my pores are tight when I awaken.
Interesting FACT: There’s a reason why this oil soaks into the skin so nicely. Its molecular weight is almost identical to that of skin, allowing it to absorb rapidly and thoroughly into the epidermis.
ANTIOXIDANT/PROTECTS SKIN FROM DNA DAMAGE
As stated, camellia seed oil is more absorbent than most because of its chemical makeup, so it soaks into the skin and not only locks in moisture, but it also protects against DNA damage. The environment and UV rays can damage skin cells. The catechins in green tea oil protect the epidermis from this damage, thus preserving skin cells and its youth.
Interesting FACT: This oil also contains 85% oleic acid and vitamins A, B, D and E. This gives it additional protective qualities with the vitamin E, and reparative powers with the vitamin A.
INHIBITS MELANIN/LIGHTENS DARK SPOTS
In this study, published on the NIH website, researchers showed that:
Our observations indicated that CJS-EO inhibited α-MSH-induced melanogenesis through tyrosinase inactivation and the simultaneous suppression of the expression of proteins involved in melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. CJS-EO is known to be safe, and we confirmed that it is noncytotoxic in this study. Therefore, CJS-EO can potentially be employed as an effective skin-whitening agent for the future development of complementary and alternative medicine-based aromatherapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8610653/
In other words, when you block the enzyme Tyrosinase, you block the production of melanin, and dark spots will lighten.
Interesting FACT:
Melanin serves to protect skin from UV damage, however when produced in excess, it accumulates on the skin and can cause freckles, dark spots, etc., and can lead to cell death and diseases such as skin cancer.
WHICH ONE TO USE?
There are many brands that carry this oil. I choose organic and have re-purchased
this one from Botanical Beauty, over and over again. Affordable and effective, I haven’t seen a reason to go elsewhere.
This is another breed of camellia seed oil – Camellia Oleifera – from Sweet Essentials, which also has many beneficial properties, but is not to be confused with Camellia Sinensis.
Have you used Camellia Seed Oil? Tell us which brand you like in the comments section below!
And for information on making your own Green Tea TONER, See DIY Green Tea Toner for Healthy Skin
