What do you share with the Kim Kardashian? Probably one or two things—or maybe none! Nonetheless, if you are among the over 7 million people in the US living with Psoriasis, then you share an experience with the ‘KK’. She is among the many celebrities who have come out to speak openly about their experiences with the skin condition.
If you have also struggled with the condition for months or a few years and now you are almost at a point of despair, you need to know two things: first, you are not alone, and secondly, Jojoba oil – amongst other oils – could save you from the struggles and bring a smile on your face.
What is Psoriasis?
Scalp Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes reddish, scaly, and flaking patches on the scalp. It can appear as one or two patches on the skin or cover large areas of your scalp, neck, or behind the ears.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the condition often starts when the body’s immune system stimulates faster skin cell growths, which don’t shed but get accumulated over the skin, resulting into dry, reddish, and scaly patches. Although certain cases of scalp Psoriasis are mild and are hardly noticeable, others are worse and can include embarrassing crusty patches and severe itching.
How Jojoba Oil can help with Psoriasis treatment
Jojoba oil is a natural liquid wax extracted from the nut of Simmondsia chinensis, an indigenous American shrub that grows wild in the arid regions of Southwestern states.
One of the features that make Jojoba oil handy in Psoriasis treatment is its great moisturizing properties. We have microscopic glands in our skin that secrets waxy or oily matter called sebum.
However, as we age, these glands produce less and less sebum, which results to dry skin and hair—and even itchy scalp and dandruff. Jojoba oil is believed to play the role of sebum and moisturizes our skin, scalp, and hair when the body ceases to do it naturally.
The oil is not only easy to apply on the scalp (considering that it is in liquid form in its natural state) but can also clear up dead cell buildup by penetrating your hair follicle and lifting up the debris which can then be washed off easily. Here is our list of effective shampoos for Psoriasis.
Jojoba oil also boasts of excellent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The anti-inflammatory property in the oil helps in soothing the pain caused by the dry, scaly patches that are associated with Psoriasis. It also reduces redness and itching.
Additionally, vitamin E and other antioxidants in Jojoba oil are known to bring favorable immunological changes that can go a long way in reducing inflammation and swelling.
Lastly, this versatile oil can also lower the risk of other secondary infections by curbing the entry of germs via inflamed and broken skin besides providing additional protection with its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Summary
It can be quite embarrassing and painful when the ugly Psoriasis patches extend onto the forehead and around your ears. However, as highlighted, Jojoba oil can save you from all these by improving the health of your scalp and skin.
This amazing oil is also gentle enough and can be applied on sensitive scalp or skin without causing allergic reactions. And here is another bonus: you can use the oil as a moisturizer not only on your scalp and skin but also your nails and even lips!