We all want supple, thirst-quenched skin that gives off that natural dewy sheen. A lot of products promise it, but not all of them deliver. Beauty shelves these days are stacked with countless options and empty vows, so how can we tell our microbiome friends from our foes?
A crowded moisture market means that we’ve got to put a little sweat and time into research. And at Layers, we live for these tasks. We’re skin nerd extraordinaires, and today, we’re spilling the beans about one of our favorite ingredients when it comes to juicy, supple skin: meadowfoam oil.
WHAT IS MEADOWFOAM OIL?
Meadowfoam oil comes from the tiny seeds of Limnanthes alba, a white and gold flowering plant native to Oregon, California, and Western Canada. The seeds are cold pressed, producing an oil that offers a very unique chemical structure. Long chain fatty acids give it a long and stable shelf life.
WHAT DOES MEADOWFOAM OIL DO FOR SKIN?
Parched, dehydrated skin is one of the main culprits behind fine lines and wrinkles. Meadowfoam seed oil replenishes lost moisture and creates a barrier, so it hydrates and locks in moisture. Added moisture helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and soften skin at the same time. People love the rich, emollient qualities of this oil because it moisturizes without leaving a greasy, heavy feeling on the skin.
The benefits of Meadowfoam Oil:
- Softens and moisturizes hair and skin, but without feeling greasy
- Slows TransEpidermal Water Loss
- Creates a barrier on the skin and around the hair follicles, preventing moisture from escaping and preventing future loss of water
- Balances our skin’s natural sebum production, keeping it from being too dry or too oily
- Has antioxidant properties
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Easily absorbs into the skin without feeling heavy
HOW CAN I USE MEADOWFOAM OIL?
Meadowfoam oil can be used on its own or mixed with other products. You can apply the oil directly to your hair for conditioning, or look for products containing it. It’s a great option for hydrating dyed hair because it’s resistant to oxidation, which may keep color from fading and stripping so quickly.
It can also be applied to your skin to hydrate, plump, and soften your complexion. Oils like Meadowfoam are best applied as the final step in your skincare routine because they create a barrier, sealing in all the moisture underneath. In your nightly routine, cleanse with a pH balancing cleanser like our Balancing Milky Cleanser. Then, follow up with our Meadowfoam Oil duo: Immunity Moisturizer and a few drops of Layers Probiotic Serum to lock in the hydration.
Recent studies have also shown Meadowfoam oil to be a great option for treating stretch marks when paired with shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil.
IS MEADOWFOAM OIL SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Absolutely! Because Meadowfoam Oil works similarly to our skin's natural oils, it’s suitable for all skin types. Studies have shown that for skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne, it can calm and soothe without clogging pores.
Meadowfoam Oil is one ingredient that delivers on its promises. That’s why it’s an important part of our short but sweet list of natural ingredients that make up the Layers Probiotic Skincare collection. We know you’ll love this ultra-hydrating oil as much as we do. The skin you’ve been waiting for is just around the corner.