How To Use Tamanu Oil for Hyperpigmentation?

You all know about olive oil, primrose oil, almond oil the list is endless really, but there is one oil that has remained under the skincare radar for some time and that is Tamanu Oil. Now, Tamanu oil isn’t a new kid on the block, in fact it’s been around for thousands of years. The first to know about the benefits of this multi-talented oil were the Polynesian people who discovered this magical oil could treat a huge manner of skin aliments. From minor burns, wounds, eczema, acne and even hyperpigmentation.

It's hyperpigmentation and how it can be treated by tamanu oil that will be the main focus today. But if you are wanting to find out more about tamanu oil and its skincare benefits you can check out our blog post for more information. Now let’s dive right in and find out more about how to use tamanu oil for hyperpigmentation.

Does tamanu oil help with hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation can affect many of us, particularly women with a hormonal imbalance, such as during pregnancy. The benefit of using tamanu oil is the fact it contains anti-inflammatory properties due to the calophyllolide molecule in the formula. This molecule is able reduce any post-inflammation marks, such as dark spots that are a result of spots and acne breakouts.

As for hyperpigmentation caused by exposure to UV rays there are two antioxidants present in tamanu oil, coumarins and xanthones. Both of these potent molecules have the ability to help cell membranes remain healthy against the presents of free radicals. This basically means that any more exposure to UV rays, pollution and harsh weather won’t cause further damage to the skin resulting in pigmentation becoming darker with studies showing that over 70% of hyperpigmentation is reduced when using tamanu oil.

How do you use tamanu oil on your face?

Tamanu oil has always been named green gold, due to the fact its harvest is a long and meticulous resulting in the highest quality of tamanu oil being produced, the tell-tale sign being the oil is green in colour. This makes it very easy to spot tamanu oil that has been rushed during harvest by using fire to draw out the oil instead of natural sunlight. Lower quality tamanu oil is quite often yellow or brown and this should be avoided, especially when the product claims to be a raw formula.

The best way of using tamanu oil on the face really depends on which skincare product you are using. For example, to use tamanu oil in its rawest form you can apply it directly onto the skin and massage in. When formulated into products such as serums and facial oils you’ll find you can use other oils, such as rosehip and jojoba without any worry of it becoming too much heavy for the skin. The slight downside to tamanu oil is the fact that it is comedogenic and can result in the pores becoming blocked which often leads to breakouts, such as spots and blackheads. This is something to bear in mind if you have an oily or blemish-prone skin type so my advice would be to avoid tamanu oil in a raw form, but instead formulated into an effect serum or similar product enriched with other complimentary ingredients that will combat signs of ageing, spots and other concerns.

Does tamanu oil lighten skin?

Due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound healing benefits of tamanu oil it also has a well-established reputation for combating severe skin dryness, such as conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, not forgetting of course the ability to soothe any areas of sunburn.

Although there has not been any proven research clarifying tamanu oil can lighten the skin, by this I mean evening out any skin tone or areas of hyperpigmentation. There is no harm in you trying it out for yourself as long as you perform a 24-hour patch test on the inside of your forearm before applying it all over the skin to avoid any unwanted skin irritations.

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade away?

The thing about hyperpigmentation is that quite often once it has formed on the skin it will never completely go away, but with treatment you are able to treat it making it appear lighter and less noticeable on the surface. If left without any treatment, on average you can expect any pigmentation to take between 3 to 24 months to show signs of improvement, this is very much dependant on the severity of how dark the pigmentation is and the size of the effected area.

What can I mix tamanu oil with?

As already mentioned, you are able to use tamanu oil on its own, ensuring of course you have the best quality that is green and not burnt, poor quality. When added into formulations you will find that because tamanu oil is not an essential oil, but instead a nut oil it makes it an effective carrier. This basically means it can help other ingredient and formulas work together and deliver the optimal results for the skin. There are an impressive amount of skincare and haircare products that are enriched in tamanu oil, from serums, moisturisers, hair masks, shampoos and conditioners.

Keep in mind that if you are unsure whether tamanu oil will work for you and your skin, its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to discuss the best way of introducing this clever oil into your daily routine.

What is tamanu oil used for?

If you consider how tamanu oil was first discovered and used hundreds of years ago it was for its impressive healing properties, with the oil being applied directly onto all wounds, from minor to severe. With its anti-inflammatory properties you can expect any wound to be reduced and repaired with the help of skin cell stimulation from the ancient oil giving you and even texture and visible improvement.

Skin concerns treated by tamanu oil

• Sunburn
• Minor surface wounds
• Deep-set wounds
• Acne
• Athlete’s foot
• Dark spots and pigmentation
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Hair loss
• Rosacea

Will tamanu oil clog pores?

Tamanu oil is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidants which results in it being a nut oil that is not comedogenic, however, if used in pure form on acne-prone skin it can lead to blackheads and spots so ensuring you use tamanu oil in your routine correctly, such as alternating it with other potent, pore clearing ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinol you will reap the rewards without much concern of your pores becoming clogged.

So, hopefully now you have a better understanding of tamanu oil and how it can combat any signs of hyperpigmentation. Don’t forget if you have anu questions, come and join us over on our Instagram