Lunaty

Plant oils used, in Lunaty skincare, have anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects upon topical application.

In the outer most layer of the epidermis, there is a structure called stratum corneum (SC). SC is like a brick wall that acts like a permeability and antimicrobial barrier. The antimicrobial function of SC is due to its weak acidity and antimicrobial peptides within its internal compartments. Hydration of the SC is crucial for its integrity and maintenance of the skin barrier homeostasis.

Previous research has found that glycerol, available in oils such as jojoba and avocado, contribute to SC hydration. Further, monounsaturated free fatty acids available in these oils can act as briefly and transiently disrupt the skin barrier to allow for other compounds present in the oils to reach deeper levels of the skin. Furthermore, tocopherol (vitamin E) has antioxidative effects and can reduce inflammation and restore skin barrier homeostasis. Phospholipids available in these oils also have long term anti-inflammatory effects by reducing gene expression of inflammatory proteins. Even without penetrating deep into the skin, topic plant oil application will result in moisture retention in the SC and increases skill cell turnover.

Below we will review the plant oils used in Lunaty Skincare and their efficacy as moisture retention, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. Please refer to peer-reviewed and excellently written review by Lin et al, published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2018, for more information ¹.

Argan oil

Argan oil is composed of mono-unsaturated and saturated fatty acids and contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols and squalene. Daily topical application of argan oil has been shown to improve skin elasticity and skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintain water-holding capacity. Argan oil is also an effective agent in enhancing wound healing.

Avocado oil

Avocado oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid. It also contains beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, lecithin, minerals, and Vitamins A, C D and E. This oil is an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged or chapped skin and also results in rapid wound healing. Topical application also increases collagen synthesis and decrease the numbers of inflammatory cells during wound healing process.

Borage oil

Topical application of borage oil in children and infants normalizes skin barrier function.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil exhibits a high oxidative stability and resistance to degradation. It also enhances the absorption of other ingredients in the product when applied topically. It repairs altered skin barriers in diseases such as eczema. Jojoba oil also have proven anti-inflammatory effects and has been successfully used to help with skin infections, aging and wound healing.

Pomegranate seed oil

Pomegranate seed oil is a good source of essential FFAs, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and lipid-soluble fractions. Pomegranate seed oil has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rose hip oil

Rosehip oil contains substantial unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Tocopherols and carotenoids are among the many lipophilic antioxidants present in rose hip oil. This oil offers substantially high protection against inflammation and oxidative stress. Indeed, topic use of rosehip oil was effective for patients with eczema, neurodermatitis and cheilitis.

Shea butter

Shea butter is composed of triglycerides and has a high fraction of tocopherols, phenols and sterols, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter has been shown to be as effective as ceramide-precursor products for eczema, which are the most commonly used products for eczema.

In conclusion, the plant-based oils mentioned in this review article have been shown to be potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and water-retaining agents, with many beneficial effects for the skin upon topical applications. All claims made in this article were based on the evidence-based findings reviewed in the article by Lin et al, in which they gathered peer-reviewed journal.

Reference

1.        Lin, T., Zhong, L. & Santiago, J. L. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. (2018) doi:10.3390/ijms19010070.