Jojoba has been called “miracle oil”, because it moisturizes, but reduces sebum production in oily skin.  So, it works for all skin-types and even the difficult to manage “combination” type. 

To be included in natural skincare products, it is first extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant that grows wild in northwestern Mexico, southern Arizona and southern California. Native Americans have used jojoba for hundreds of years for its healing properties.

It is unique among vegetable oils, in that it is very similar to human sebum (the oil produced by the skin).  In fact, it is more accurately described as a liquid wax. 

Other types of wax, such as paraffin, may be found in natural skincare products, because they are technically organic, but they also clog the pores and destroy the skin’s pH balance.  Paraffin wax is a derived from mineral oil.

Recent research has shown that jojoba not only softens, but also reduces wrinkles and stretch marks.  But, the benefits don’t stop there.  It has been beneficial in treating acne and even psoriasis.

skincare products  that contain jojoba have a dual effect.  First, it forms a non-greasy layer that prevents the loss of moisture over time.  Second, it is quickly absorbed into the pores, so it increases the moisture content.

There is little threat of breakouts or allergic reactions, with this product.  If you read reviews of natural skincare products, you will see that adverse reactions are often mentioned.  Simply because something is naturally occurring does not necessarily mean that it is safe.

Jojoba also has antioxidant activity, which is important to the skin’s health and appearance.  It is the affects of oxidation that cause the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.  When combined with the damaging affects of the sun, the two account for nearly all of the signs of aging.

Vitamin E, Co-enzyme Q-10 and enzymes found in honey are also good antioxidants for the skin.  Natural skincare products should contain naturally occurring vitamin E, but they may contain a synthetic version.  The best vitamin E comes from a German manufacturer, but can be found in natural skincare products from New Zealand.

New Zealand also has the best honey, too.  Researchers there identified the antibacterial and antiseptic activity that allows honey to heal damaged cells.  Honey has been used for centuries by native peoples to heal and protect burns, as well as prevent bandages from sticking to the skin.  New research suggests that it may be affective on the new staph infections that are so resistant to synthetic antibiotics.

COQ10 is an expensive ingredient, but researchers have been amazed by how quickly it will undo damage from the sun, helping to erase fine lines and wrinkles.  Only the best natural skincare products contain a form that will penetrate deeply through many of the skin’s layers, absorbing free radicals and repairing oxidative damage.  You will not find this ingredient in a department store.

Margaret Bell is a dedicated advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and diligent researcher of skin care systems.  Visit her site at:   to discover which genuinely natural skin care line Margaret recommends and uses after extensive comparisons.  This article may be reprinted on a blog or website if this resource box is included.