Moringa oil is a nutrient-rich elixir that has been used in traditional medicine and skincare remedies for many years. This oil, derived from Moringa oleifera seeds, is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial ingredients that can help enhance the health and appearance of your skin. It has recently become a popular home remedy for reducing premature ageing due to its antioxidant effects, and my mom also approves. She believes that oil is loaded with omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that impart many benefits to the skin, from reducing irritation to diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Know the benefits of moringa oil for premature ageing.

What is moringa oil?

Moringa oil is made from the seeds of the moringa tree, which is also called the miracle tree, drumstick tree or horse radish tree. The oil extracted from moringa seeds is also called ben oil and has several health and beauty benefits. It is nutrient-dense and is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It has been used in the Indian subcontinent for several generations, thanks to its medicinal properties. Moringa is easily found in the sub-Himalayas, sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asia, central and Southern America, and the Caribbean islands, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Moringa oil for premature ageing: Does it work?

This oil can help reduce premature signs of aging because of its rich nutrient value, says Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda. It is a rich source of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight free radicals in the body and prevent oxidative stress, as found in a study published in the Journal of Food and Dairy Technology. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can circulate in your blood and tissues, causing harm to your body tissues, skin, and hair, which accelerates ageing. By neutralising these free radicals, we can prevent the ageing process and visible signs of wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and age spots.

Fight premature ageing with moringa oil. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Moringa is also a rich source of fatty acids which contain high levels of oleic acid, as found in a study published in the Journal of Research in Agriculture and Animal Science. This is a type of Omega-9 fatty acid that helps hydrate your skin, and promotes collagen production, which improves skin elasticity. The more nourished, supple, moisturised, and elastic your skin is from within, the lesser the signs of ageing. However, more research is needed to prove the claim.

4 ways to include moringa oil in your skincare routine

If you want to know how moringa oil works for premature ageing, you can try the following ways to manage it:

1. Moringa oil night serum

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of moringa oil
• 2 drops of vitamin E oil
• 1 drop of lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of cold-pressed coconut oil

Method:

• In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of moringa oil with 2 drops of vitamin E oil, 1 drop of lavender essential oil for essence, and 1 drop of cold-pressed coconut oil.
• Mix all these ingredients and store them in a small bottle.
• Apply a few drops on your face and gently massage with upward motions.

This night serum helps to hydrate the skin and repair damaged tissues, thus giving you a youthful glow.

2. Moringa face mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of moringa oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of yoghurt

Method:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of moringa oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of yoghurt, and make a smooth paste.
• Apply the face mask and rinse after 20 minutes with lukewarm water.

This face mask helps hydrate the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, and nourish and reduce the appearance of fine lines and signs of premature ageing.

3. Moringa eye cream

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of moringa oil
• 1 tablespoon of almond oil
• 1 tablespoon of shea butter

Method:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of moringa oil with 1 tablespoon of almond oil, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter.
• Gently heat this concoction in a double boiler by placing the ingredients in a bowl, and place this bowl in another bowl containing water.
• Heat the outer bowl on a slow flame till the ingredients melt.
• Allow the mixture to cool down and then store it in a bottle.
• You can apply a small amount around your eyes and massage gently using your ring finger.

This cream helps reduce puffiness around the eyes, dark circles, and fine lines.

Use moringa oil rich eye cream to avoid signs of ageing. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Moringa anti-wrinkle face oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of moringa oil
• 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil
• 5 drops of frankincense essential oil

Method:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of moringa oil with 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil, and add 5 drops of frankincense essential oil.
• Blend the oils and store them in a glass bottle.
• Apply a few drops on clean skin and massage gently in upward motions.

This face serum helps promote cell regeneration and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and signs of ageing.

Are there any side effects of moringa oil?

Moringa oil in a broad spectrum is safe for all skin types unless you have an allergy to moringa itself. In that case, do a test patch on the outer elbow area before using it on your face. If you have sensitive skin and experience irritation, redness, or acne, avoid using moringa oil. Also, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using moringa oil in your skincare routine.

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