Plant oils have always been a highly misunderstood ingredient, especially in skincare. Many think of oils as heavy and pore-clogging ingredients and are wary of using products that contain it, especially if they have oily skin or live in tropical climates. This is a huge misconception as there are thousands of oils, which all vary in texture and benefits. As such, it is important to understand the benefits of the specific oil before deciding if you should use it.
S1 Stretch Mark Cream was formulated with a blend of nourishing oils to provide replenishment and vitamins to your skin. Today we will be focusing on understanding "Tsubaki" (soo-baw-kee) which also known as camellia oil and is extracted from the camellia japonica flower in Japan. Tsubaki oil has been used since ancient times as a metal protector for Japanese samurai swords and even as a hair treatment for geishas to make their black hair appear shinier, healthier and more vibrant. Long regarded as a beauty secret of the geishas, it is also used to take off their theatrical makeup and moisturise eyelashes.
What is Tsubaki oil?
A precious oil that helps to replenish the skin's barrier function and prevent water loss, making it ideal for repairing dry skin and skin damage. It is considered a dry oil, which means that it does not feel oily on skin at all - one of the reasons why it is used in S1 Stretch Mark Cream.
Why is Tsubaki oil so prized by the Japanese?
That's because Tsubaki oil contains a high concentration of fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants which can help to repair and restore your skin. Some of these include:
Vitamin A - encourages healthy skin cell production
Vitamin D - supports cell growth and repair
Vitamin E - retains skin moisture, making it softer and smoother
Oleic Acid - penetrates the skin deeply and locks in moisture, preventing your skin from developing lines and wrinkles
Linoleic Acid - strengthens the skin barrier to effectively keep water in and irritants out
Palmitic Acid - acts as an emollient to soften the skin
Polyphenol - protects the skin from UV and environmental damage
How can Tsubaki oil help stretch marks?
Stretch marks form as a result of rapid skin stretching due to various reasons such as pregnancy and puberty. Tsubaki oil helps by promoting skin elasticity to reduce the chance of stretching and also helps to minimise the appearance of existing stretch marks and scars. It is one of the most expensive and rapidly absorbed plant oils, and has a low molecular weight that is almost exactly identical to skin, allowing it to penetrate the deepest layers of skin to nourish and retain moisture.
When your body attempts to repair those little tears in the dermis (your stretch marks), the healing process can cause itching of the skin which may feel uncomfortable. Having dry skin can exacerbate this itch and pregnancy can cause your skin to become more prone to dryness. A cream containing Tsubaki oil can help to reduce itch and moisturise your dry skin. Most importantly, Tsubaki oil is safe for use during pregnancy and on babies, making it a great option for mothers and those with sensitive, inflamed skin.
How to use Tsubaki Oil for stretch marks?
You can look for stretch mark creams such as our S1 Stretch Mark Cream that contains Tsubaki oil from Japan. If you are looking for 100% pure Tsubaki oil, the most classic and popular brand in Japan is "Oshima Tsubaki Oil".
Some helpful tips:
1. Start using stretch mark creams the moment you notice stretch marks or on places you know will likely experience rapid skin stretching, such as the belly or thighs.
2. Use the cream day and night daily on areas that are prone to dryness as these are areas that are most vulnerable to stretch marks. Some areas, like the knees, can carry additional weight that leads to the formation of stretch marks.
3. Consistency is key. Stretch marks can take months to fade and you will need to apply the cream everyday to see visible effects.