Palm oil protects our beauty. Myth or reality? Palm oil and benefits for the skin Palm oil for the face: harm or benefit

Not long ago, materials began to appear in the media about the dangers of palm oil; many publications even equated it with the strongest carcinogens and toxic substances. Let's try to figure out if this is really true? Scientific research on palm oil and debates about its benefits and harms have not stopped to this day; meanwhile, this product is supplied in large quantities to some countries, including Russia, and is banned in others. To be fair, it is worth noting that palm oil is not much inferior in price to sunflower oil.

To begin with, it should be clearly understood that palm oil is obtained from the pulp of the fruits of the oil palm; it should not be confused with palm kernel oil, which is pressed from the seeds of these fruits. These are two completely different products with different composition and properties. Edible palm oil can be found in many products, such as margarine, condensed milk, mayonnaise, confectionery, etc. (the list goes on for a very long time). Industrial palm oil is the basis of many cosmetics (soaps, creams, etc.), and is also used in industry.

What beneficial substances are contained in palm oil?

Palm oil contains large amounts of vitamin A.

Palm oil contains vitamins A and E in such quantities that almost no other plant product can compare with it. Everyone knows that vitamin A is very beneficial for the health of the eyes, skin and the whole body. Even the WHO included palm oil in the list of products recommended for the prevention of vitamin A deficiency, and this is justified, because the retinol content in it is 15 times higher than in.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent premature aging of the body and is beneficial for the health of the genital area in both men and women, the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In addition, palm fruit oil contains vitamins D and K, as well as various microelements.

This product contains plant analogues of the familiar coenzyme Q10. This substance gained its fame largely thanks to the advertising of anti-aging cosmetic products, and few people know that coenzyme Q10 is necessary for many vital processes. It promotes energy production in the body, is necessary for normal heart function, has a hypotensive, antiarrhythmic effect, fights atherosclerosis, from the effects of free radicals and toxins, and is involved. And this is not a complete list of the beneficial properties of coenzyme Q10; almost no process in the body can do without it.

Palm oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6 and omega-9 in small quantities, but their content is so low that this product cannot be used as a source of these substances for the body.

Use of palm oil for cosmetic purposes

Palm oil is widely used in the production of soap and cosmetics, and unlike the food industry, its benefits in this case are not so much in doubt. Due to the fact that this product contains vitamins A and E and coenzyme Q10, it is used in creams and masks for aging, dry facial skin. These substances nourish, moisturize and tone the skin, help smooth out fine wrinkles.

Palm oil is considered very beneficial for hair, it helps restore its structure, eliminate dryness and increased fragility, it is recommended to be used for restoration after dyeing, perming, over-drying with a hairdryer and sunlight. Therefore, you should not refuse to use masks and hair balms that contain palm oil.

The harm of palm oil

Monosaturated fatty acids are a major point of contention in palm oil research: up to 65% of the acids contained in this product are palmitic (50%) and stearic (10–15%) acids. It is this fact that often forces us to exclude all the beneficial properties of palm oil for the human body. Monosaturated fatty acids consumed in large quantities can lead to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In addition, palm oil is often found in products subjected to heat treatment, during which the substances included in its composition acquire carcinogenic properties.

Palm oil in infant formula

Special attention should be paid to palm oil as a component of infant formula. Studies have shown that about 25% of all fat in mother's breast milk is palmitic acid, which is necessary for the normal growth and development of the child. Scientists were faced with the question of what can replace the fats of breast milk, because the composition of animal milk (cow, goat, etc.) is fundamentally different. That is why some animal fats in baby food are replaced with a mixture of vegetable oils, and palm oil is often the source of palmitic acid.

Palmitic acid, contained in infant formula, is absorbed by the child's body much worse than the component of the same name included in breast milk. Palmitic acid of plant origin binds to calcium, resulting in the formation of insoluble compounds in the intestines, which are subsequently excreted from the child’s body. As a result, it turns out that children do not only receive less of the fatty acids they need, but also lack so much.

Additionally, formulas containing palm oil may cause digestive problems. In young children (especially under the age of 1 year), the digestive system is immature, and such milk formulas can aggravate this essentially physiological condition. Children often experience constipation or diarrhea, colic, and excessive and frequent regurgitation.

The question arises, what should parents whose children are bottle-fed or mixed-fed do? To date, mixtures have been developed that do not contain palm oil. In addition, some manufacturers use structurally modified palmitic acid, which is better absorbed, when creating infant formulas. However, the production of such a product for baby food is expensive, which, of course, is reflected in its price.

Program “To eat or not” with Marina Kostyukevich on the topic “Palm oil”:

OTS TV channel, program “Before everyone else” on the topic “Palm oil: harm or benefit?”:

Palm oil is produced by cold pressing from the fleshy fruits of the red oil palm, which is grown in many tropical countries for wide use, both in cooking and cosmetology. Palm oil is high in vitamin E, carotene, and other beneficial substances. This is what allowed cosmetic corporations to add valuable palm oil to cosmetic products as a source of vitamins A and E.

Today, palm oil has gained enormous popularity in cosmetology, since the vitamins contained in it have effective antioxidant properties, thanks to which the oil copes well with the consequences of poor ecology, poor nutrition and regular stress. With the constant use of palm oil, the process of age-related changes slows down, wrinkles disappear and even out, dryness, sagging and irritation decrease, the skin becomes velvety, smooth and toned.

In addition, palm oil protects the dermis from harmful ultraviolet radiation and is perfect for use in the open sun.

Home use of palm oil

The components of the oil have a positive effect on mature, dry, lacking tone skin. The features of the product allow you to use palm oil on the skin in the eye area.

When using palm oil, consider some nuances. This will help increase the efficiency of palm oil.

1. Palm oil is ideal as a cleanser for dry and thin skin.
2. Gently wipe your face with a cotton swab dipped in oil.
3. A replacement for night cream is oil, simply distributed over the skin in an even layer.
4. Palm oil makes an excellent nourishing mask.
5. For lovers of oil mixtures, various combinations of palm oil with olive, grape seed oil, coconut, burdock or linseed oil are suitable.

Since palm oil has antiseptic properties, it can be used even for sensitive and delicate skin.

Homemade beauty recipes made from palm oil

The simplest and at the same time effective way of use is to carefully apply palm oil to the skin of the face. After half an hour, the palm oil can be removed. Palm oil can also be added to professional masks and facial care products.

Palm oil cream

Palm oil can be used on the face as a homemade anti-aging cream. Also, using this cream will help protect your skin during the winter.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm oils;
• 10 gr. shea butter;
• 20 ml almond oil;
• 4 drops of bergamot.

Heat the viscous oils slightly in a water bath and then add drops of essential oils.

Recipes for masks based on palm oil

Palm oil masks are perfect for aging, lacking skin tone. The product will also help improve the condition of young and problematic skin. Using palm oil as a mask will restore turgor, restore a healthy complexion and significantly reduce flaking.

Palm oil mask for sagging skin

Palm oil for the face as part of a rejuvenating mask will restore skin tone, reduce age-related pigmentation and improve regeneration. After 30 years, it is recommended to conduct treatment courses of 10-15 procedures.

Ingredients:

• 20 gr. semolina;
• 4 drops lime oil.

Boil the semolina and add viscous palm oil, then wait until it cools and add a drop of lime. Distribute on skin and cover with a warm towel. Remove after half an hour.

Palm oil mask for problem skin

The product helps reduce inflammation and remove redness.

Ingredients:

• 6 gr. palm fruit oil;
• 20 gr. rice flour;
• 1 aloe leaf.

Mix the oil with aloe pulp and flour, spread on the skin and leave for half an hour. After removing the mask, wipe your face with chlorhexidine. Use no more than once a week.

Eye mask

The mask helps prevent the formation of wrinkles around the eyes.

Ingredients:

• 5 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 5 gr. fresh yogurt.

Mix the ingredients of the mask thoroughly and gently apply to the surface of the face. Leave it on overnight and remove it with a damp sponge after waking up.

Palm oil mask for normal skin

Provides thorough hydration and nutrition. Maintains youthful dermis.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 gr. kaolin;
• 5 ml lemon juice.

Mix white clay with palm oil, add lemon juice and spread on the face, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. It is recommended to use the composition once every 3-4 weeks.

Palm oil mask for oily skin

Palm oil for the skin will relieve the skin of inflammatory processes, even out the upper layer of the dermis and reduce the secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Ingredients:

• 4 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 ml tea infusion;
• 4 aspirin tablets;
• 15 gr. yeast.

Dilute the package of yeast with tea infusion, add acetylsalicylic powder and palm oil. Distribute the finished mask along the massage lines of the face. Keep for about 15-20 minutes.

Softening palm mask

Suitable for softening and nourishing rough skin.

Ingredients:

• 20 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 grams of fresh cottage cheese;
• 6 drops of patchouli oil.

Soft fresh cottage cheese, beat until pureed in a blender, add heated palm oil and a portion of essential oil. Distribute over the top layer of the epidermis and leave for 30-40 minutes. Afterwards, remove the mask and wash with cool water.

Palm nourishing mask for thin and dry skin

Suitable for severe irritation, peeling and excessive tightness. Replenishes moisture deficiency in the epidermis.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 10 gr. cocoa bean oils;
• 30 glycerin drops.

Mix palm oil and cocoa bean butter, add glycerin drops. Apply all over your face and leave overnight. After waking up, cleanse your skin and wipe with tonic. Use the mask at least three times a week.

Anti-wrinkle mask with palm oil

Provides an excellent tightening effect, reduces expression lines and improves facial contour.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 gr. shea butter;
• 4 drops rose essence.

Gently heat the palm and shea butter, then add the rose drops. Apply the mixture with a special brush. Leave on for 1 hour, then remove with a damp cotton swab.

Refreshing palm mask

It will remove swelling and refresh you after insomnia or a hard day.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 gr. oatmeal;
• a bunch of parsley.

Add the juice of fresh parsley leaves and slightly melted palm oil to the oatmeal. Distribute the mixture onto the skin and leave for 45 minutes.

Palm oil mask for deep cleansing

Regular use will ensure effective regeneration and remove the top layer of dead cells.

Ingredients:

• 10 gr. palm fruit oils;
• 20 gr. dried chamomile;
• 10 gr. natural coffee.

Dried chamomile will need to be ground and combined with fresh coffee grounds and heated palm oil. Apply the composition to pre-steamed skin and leave for 10 minutes.

Palm oil is extracted from the pericarp of the African palm tree by cold pressing. The pulp of the fruit contains 70% pure oil. The finished oil is a solid mass of bright orange color.

This red palm oil contains simply a huge amount of vitamins A and E and ranks first among products in terms of their content. In addition, the oil contains a rare component Q10, the deficiency of which leads to aging of both internal organs and the appearance of the skin. It is worth mentioning the benefits of the presence of vitamin K.

Palm oil contains many fatty acids, which is why it is often used in making candles and soap.

In cosmetology, palm oil is most often used to care for facial skin, especially dry and aging skin, since it has softening, moisturizing, and nourishing properties. In addition, oil is added to cosmetics to give them a firmer consistency.

The second popular oil extracted from the oil palm is palm kernel oil or kernel oil. It is extracted by cold pressing from palm seeds.
It is also great for skin care because its composition is close to that of human fat. It is also used for culinary purposes. The taste is very similar to a nut, it is white in color and has a hard composition.

As for skin types, it is especially suitable for dry, aging, combination skin, as it has a softening and moisturizing effect.

Also, the use of oil helps smooth out wrinkles and perfectly tones the skin. Palm kernel oil also improves skin firmness and elasticity. Possessing antiseptic properties, the oil is also suitable for sensitive facial skin that is prone to irritation.

Use of palm oil

Palm oil is a kind of chameleon, as it can change its structure from liquid to solid. It all depends on the manufacturer and storage temperature conditions. Testa butter has several varieties.

Two types of palm oils can be used in their pure form as a cream. This cream is especially suitable for caring for dry and rough skin. Or you can use the oil for a while, using it as a natural mask.

Don't worry if your palm oil is a hard consistency - it will melt when you apply it to your skin.

It is good to use the oil as a night cream. Simply apply undiluted oil to your face (you can also apply it around your eyes). The cream has a greasy texture, so you need to wait until it is completely absorbed.

The use of this cream has a good effect on the condition of aging dry skin. You can only treat very dry areas if you have combination skin. If after using the cream you feel discomfort, then you should use it as an additive in your daily cosmetics.

Based on your skin type, you can add oil to homemade masks that are suitable for you. Just add one teaspoon of palm oil to the finished mask. The result is especially noticeable when adding oil to nourishing, moisturizing and skin rejuvenating masks. Such recipes can be found in the mask recipes section.

In addition, the oil is an excellent addition to homemade creams. Especially if the oil is hard. All in the same amount - 1 teaspoon. You will also find cream recipes in our homemade cream recipes section.

Palm oil is an excellent alternative to shea butter and cocoa butter. See sections and Homemade creams with shea butter.

Palm oil goes well with other oils. You can choose the right mixture for yourself, focusing on the desired result and the properties of natural oils. Descriptions of oils can also be found on our website in the Cosmetic oils section.

The best ratio is 1:2 or 1:3 (one part palm oil and the rest another). If you only have solid butter, you can melt it over low heat. Then, place the mass in a suitable container and use it instead of nourishing cream.

Red palm oil can also be used to cleanse the skin. There are two options for preparing the cleanser. The first is simply rubbing the skin with heated, undiluted oil. The second is washing. Just apply it in the same way as a cleansing foam, for example. For best results, massage the skin with oil well.

Since the oil is used to make soap, it has excellent foaming properties. It goes well in equal quantities with coconut and olive oils. Such mixtures will soften and give your skin the necessary hydration. Used for all skin types, except for oily facial skin – for which there are contraindications. Palm oil can bring not only benefits, but also harm.

Today, palm oil is being actively discussed in all media. Some are trying to prove its harm, some its benefit. But first you need to understand that two types of this oil are produced. Due to the place where the palm tree grows - Africa - both varieties are called tropical. Palm and palm kernel oils differ in their production method. Let's tell you more about them.

How do you get it?

Palm oil has a high level of resistance to oxidation and rancidity. It contains equal amounts of saturated. It is produced from the soft part of the fruit

The richness of this oil lies in carotenoids and melts at temperatures above 30 °C. Local residents use it in cooking.

Palm kernel oil is obtained from the fruits of the same palm tree, only from the kernels, by pressing. In our country, this product is actively used for soap making (for good foaming and elasticity), in the production of cosmetics, medical ointments and perfumes.

Where do palm trees grow?

Oil palms grow to a height of about 20 m and have clusters of fruit very similar to plums. One cluster is about 800 fruits, weighing up to 50 kg. One hectare of palm plantations produces eight times more vegetable oil than one hectare of sunflower land. They are grown on special plantations in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Africa and other countries. The largest exporter of palm kernel oil today is Malaysia.

Archaeological finds confirm the researchers' guesses that this oil was consumed by our distant ancestors about five thousand years ago. It is still used today in the preparation of many national dishes of residents of West African countries.

Description

Palm kernel oil is a not very solid substance with a yellowish-white hue. It contains 20% unsaturated fatty acids and 80% saturated fatty acids. Therefore, it is not particularly beneficial for the body.

Palm kernel oil is found in many products, such as chocolate, ice cream, margarine, and various creams. The percentage of its content in every hundred grams of the product determines its effect on the body.

Palm kernel oil: harmful or not?

This oil is considered environmentally friendly. Nutritionists say that it must be included in the diet of an adult every day. African nut palms have never been treated with insecticides or pesticides.

Despite the many controversial situations surrounding the benefits and harms of palm kernel oil, no one refutes the information that it contains only 20% unsaturated fats, and the remaining 80% are saturated triglycerides, which are easily metabolized and are precisely involved in reducing “bad” lipids coming from food. As a result, when using it:

General well-being improves;

Improves the quality of skin and hair;

The strength of the body's bone tissue increases.

Palm kernel oil. Properties

It is an irreplaceable source of antioxidants. Palm kernel oil is a leader in tocotrienol content, the main source of vitamin E. For example, a small amount of palm kernel oil in the daily diet provides excellent protection against exposure to ultraviolet rays. Tocotrienols also prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, especially in the arteries, and in particular in the carotid artery, which reduces the risk of stroke.

A little-known, but well-studied property of the oil is the suspension of aging of the body. The beta-carotene involved in this gives palm kernel its color. And carotenes, as everyone knows, improve visual acuity, have a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system and metabolic processes in the skin and the body as a whole, slowing down their aging.

Palm kernel oil contains a high percentage of vitamin K. This has a positive effect on blood clotting.

And the wonderful news from recent research is that there are no trans fats in this oil. Therefore, nutritionists almost always recommend it for nutrition of those who are struggling with excess weight.

Today you can often hear that palm kernel oil is only harmful because it is hydrogenated. This process was invented in order to obtain a solid product from liquid vegetable oil. And this oil melts at a temperature slightly above room temperature. Therefore, it does not need the hydrogenation process.

Many people believe that palm kernel oil is harmful. Allegedly, in the stomach it turns into plasticine. This is, of course, an incorrect statement. Lard and hard cheeses also do not melt in the stomach. Digestion of food occurs under the influence of acid, not temperature.

There is a rumor that palm kernel oil is banned in developed countries. In fact, it is these countries that purchase oil in thousands of tons. The United States alone accounts for more than 10% of global consumption of this tropical product.

Application in the food industry

Where is palm kernel oil used? Application in the food industry is especially common.

The benefits or harms of palm kernel oil in baby food have been debated for a long time. Most researchers and nutritionists agree that this tropical component should not be present in such a dairy diet. Palm kernel oil is very dangerous for a child's fragile gastrointestinal tract. Frequent consumption of this product with formula milk threatens with the following possible consequences:

Colic in the stomach;

Unreasonable regurgitation;

Severe constipation;

Leaching calcium from the child’s body;

It is even possible that addiction may occur (a detrimental effect on the baby’s nervous system).

Palm kernel oil in the food industry is used for:

Production of oil-based products (table margarines);

For the production of processed cheeses;

Increasing the sales (storage) period of products.

Other uses of the oil

It is also used for the production of cosmetic products (soaps, creams, lotions), in dietary nutrition, and is prescribed to control blood pressure, prevent cancer, and in cases of combating excess weight and neuropsychic breakdowns.

Palm kernel oil is often used in salons or massages are performed with it at home. It is used as a stand-alone massage product or in a 1:10 ratio with other fatty ingredients.

Sometimes it is included in aroma compositions, adding essential oils recommended by the attending physician.

Cosmetologists recommend this tropical oil to many women for facial and body skin care. It is advisable to purchase it in pharmacies or specialized stores so as not to run into a fake. To restore elasticity, moisture and nutrition to the skin of any part of the body, after a shower or bath, apply a small amount of oil with point and circular movements and rub into the skin. For these purposes, you can use either the product itself or create mixtures based on it, adding, for example, almond, peach, coconut or avocado and grape seed oil.

Cosmetologists welcome applications and masks with formulations based on palm kernel oil. Apply wipes soaked in a mixture of oils to the problem area for 15-20 minutes. Carry out a course of such procedures.

Curls also respond well to this tropical oil. Mix oil into hair balm (1:10). Gently rub into hair and scalp and rinse well. Sometimes it is recommended to rub this product into the nail plate.

The harmlessness of palm kernel oil

Tropical African palm oil is considered safe when taken in recommended doses for no more than six months. Palm kernel oil is also completely safe in products (ice cream, margarine, spread, chocolate).

It can become harmful in several cases. For example, in the case of frying on it or using it for dressing salads.

Palm oil, as the name suggests, is extracted from the fruits of the oil palm tree and is widely used in cooking and cosmetology. Palm oil differs from other vegetable oils in its rich content of both vitamin E, carotene (provitamin A), and coenzyme Q10, as well as other vital healing substances that optimally combine and mutually enhance their effects. Suffice it to say that red palm oil contains 15 times more carotenoids than carrots and 50 times more than tomatoes, traditional sources of provitamin A. The vitamins contained in red palm oil are absorbed by our body almost completely, without any chemicals. additives

This is what allowed French cosmetics companies, famous for their high technology, to include palm oil in creams as a source of natural vitamins A and E.

Properties of palm oil

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about antioxidants, which help remove free radicals from our body, which are the sources of a wide variety of diseases and early aging. So, palm oil contains them in large quantities, and therefore is indispensable for those who have high cholesterol in the blood, who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system, who have impaired metabolism and the functioning of the immune system.

Application in cosmetology

Palm oil is of particular importance for the skin, because it is the first to experience all the consequences of an unfavorable environmental situation, unhealthy diet and constant stress. The skin begins to fade faster, age, become wrinkled, and peel off. The vitamins contained in red palm oil provide the skin with effective antioxidant protection, due to which the aging process slows down, wrinkles gradually smooth out, and the skin itself seems to be reborn: dryness and flaking disappear, the skin becomes soft, smooth and younger before the eyes.

In addition, palm oil helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is why it has been included in creams and lotions used on the beach.

If you want to keep your skin youthful for a long time, pay attention to the composition of the creams you choose. If they contain red palm oil, it means that their manufacturers keep up with the times and use the latest achievements in the cosmetic industry.

Home use

Palm oil is very beneficial for mature or dry skin. The special composition allows it to be used for the skin around the eyes. We offer several universal recipes.

1. Use palm oil instead of foam to cleanse your face.
2. You can gently wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in palm oil.
3. A wonderful evening cream is an oil simply applied to the skin in a thin layer.
4. Palm oil makes an excellent nourishing mask. For this procedure, apply the oil in a thick layer and after about 40 minutes, rinse with warm water.
5. If you practice using cosmetics prepared yourself, take this advice into account. Add a teaspoon of palm oil to your cream, mask to nourish or moisturize your facial skin. This will enhance the effectiveness of the products and help restore the skin and prolong youth.
6. Adherents of using oil mixtures in facial care and rejuvenation will enjoy making combinations of various vegetable oils, including palm oil in a 3:1 ratio. Olive, coconut, burdock, flaxseed, shea or other oils are ideal.

Since palm oil has antiseptic properties, it can be used even for sensitive skin.