Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus vulgaris)
Watermelon seed oil is also known as ootanga oil and kalahari oil. Historians trace its origin to the Kalahari Desert of Africa. The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on the walls of their ancient buildings.
Watermelon is a warm, long-season crop. Watermelons were often placed in the burial tombs of Kings to nourish them in their afterlife. Watermelon is a warm, long-season crop. Acreage for watermelon has been the second largest for a vegetable crop. Watermelon seeds have been prized for the highly nutritive oil that they contain. The seeds are removed from the rind and then allowed to dry outside in the sun.
Once dried, the seeds are then pressed to extract the beneficial oil. Watermelon seed oil contains high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic and oleic acids as the major acids. Watermelon seed oil is light, easily absorbed, does not clog pores and is rich in linoleic and oleic acids. Watermelon seed oil is used in baby formulations, creams, lotions, soaps, and eye creams. This oil is good for balancing oil production, while being restorative & nourishing in action.
Its neutrality makes it a perfect oil to blend for body or facial oils being effective on greasy skin types. The light texture, moisturizing capabilities and stable shelf life of watermelon seed oil lends it to be a highly suitable addition to natural baby oil formulations. Unlike mineral oil that is a common
ingredient in commercial baby oils, watermelon seed oil does not clog pores or prevent the body from naturally eliminating toxins through the skin. Watermelon Seed Oil is very nourishing yet light oil with good absorption. It is a good choice for use with oily skin but can be effective with all skin types. Water Melon seed oil is added to skin care formulations for all skin types, including dry, oily, acne-prone or maturing skin as it is rich in essential fatty acids which help to restore elasticity to the skin.
The high content of omega acids & linoleic acid within the oil assist in the removal of excess sebum within the skin ensuring the skin is cleansed. The oil from the watermelon seeds can be used to dissolve the oil build up in the pores. So it is best for oily skin. Watermelon seed oil is also a perfect choice for inclusion in hair care formulations as it is non-greasy yet highly moisturizing. It is recommended for use in skin care formulations for all skin types, including dry, oily, acne-prone or maturing skin. Its viscosity, mild aroma and indefinite shelf life make it good all-purpose carrier oil for use in aromatherapy.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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