Marti

Reply for Swissmiss:

Q: I have read that lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties...and I had wanted to use that to reduce the inflammation on my face (from rosacea). Now, in previous posts you mentioned that jojoba is able to penetrate the pores because of its small structure, and draw other larger molecules with it. So, if I were to add a few drops of lavender oil to the jojoba...would the lavender be pulled along with it?

A: Certain pathogenic bacterium cannot live in jojoba oil due to its inherrant properties. One of these is pseudomonas bacteruim which is the bacterium that lives on our skin and is normally not a problem until we experience a break, cut or tear to the skin. This is when the bacterium can enter teh site, set up housekeeping, and turn even the tiniest cut into an infected sore. We usually will apply an anti-bacterial ointment to the sore to help heal it by killing the bacterium. You can use the lavender oil and just add some to the mixture of jojoba and vitamin E. You could also add Tea Tree Oil as a natural anticeptic if you prefer; however, tea tree oil can be very drying to the skin, so if you do opt to use it, use it sparingly. Anything you add to the jojoba oil will be drawn into the skin after the jojoba has penetrated the skin and opened the pores.

Q: Similarily, I use differin gel at night which contains propylene glycol, carbomer 940, poloxamer 182, edetate disodium, methylparaben, sodium hydroxide. If I were to use the jojoba oil before the differin...these chemicals would be absorbed into by skin along with the jojoba...correct? Now...I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing...could the increased absorption cause clogging of the pore or irritation(chemicals get in but can't get out?)

A: If you are using a prescription medication for the Rosacea, you can still apply the jojoba oil, but wait at least 10 - 15 minutes to be sure the jojoba oil has been absorbed into the skin, then wipe off any excess that remains on the surface. THEN apply your medication. The jojoba oil will not allow the medication to clog your pores as its main function is to keep the pores 'clean', and to help moisturize the skin.


Q: I also have cystic acne (which is basically acne that is deep within the pores). I know jojoba is able to penetrate the pore..but would it be able to penetrate deep enough to resolve this...?

A: Jojoba oil can penetrate ALL the layers of skin, so eventually, it will get deep enough to help even the deepest of clogged pores. Keep in mind that it will help to break up the buildup of sebum in the skins pores, so those that are deep will eventually come to the surface as the jojoba oil does its job.