Japan is one of my favorite places in the world. Not only is the landscape beautiful, and the food spectacularly amazing, but what I really fell in love with is the Japanese people and their impeccable culture. One of the things that I was most fascinated with was the geisha culture and their beauty secrets. Geishas are known for their lustrous, dark locks as well as their flawless skin. Research shows that one of their best-kept secrets is Tsubaki Oil. Now that I am in my 40s, I thought I would try this Japanese beauty secret.

Also called Camelia Japonica oil, Tsubaki oil is derived from the flowering Camelia plant known for its beautifully exquisite pink, red, or white flowers. It is also called the Rose of Winter, and interestingly, the state flower of Alabama! Traditionally, Japanese women would use Tsubaki oil to nourish and soothe the skin as well as help restore the elasticity of skin. It is a very rich source of Oleic Acid, polyphenols, vitamins A, D, C, and E.

Studies show that Tsubaki oil increases the activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. This helps protect skin from UV induced sun damage as well as free radical damage, inflammation, and aging. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect on collagenase, the enzyme that destroys the natural collagen in our skin as well as being able to increase collagen synthesis. Studies show that Tsubaki oil has a very strong anti-inflammatory action by modulating inflammatory mediators in a very similar was as NSAIDs. Oleic acid is also known to decrease the expression of inflammatory genes in our body.

So where can you get this incredible oil? It’s in this new favorite of mine from NUXE. It is the Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil (in both the Riche and regular formulations). First, I love its luxurious packaging and how convenient it is to use because of the spray.  It also has a very feminine yet subtle fragrance but the thing that I love the most is how it has a non-greasy texture that goes on your skin so elegantly. It also has other beneficial oils with anti-aging properties such as macadamia nut, sweet almond, hazelnut, tea seed, argan, borage seed, and sunflower oil.

HOW DO I USE IT?

1. All over my body after showering or bathing, on damp skin. I pay close attention to areas such as my elbow, knees, and my heels, where I really rub this in.
2. I rub it on my cuticles and so beneficial since I have been washing my hands more often lately.
3. One to two times per week, I apply it on my scalp and all over my hair then I put a shower cap on. I let it sit for about an hour then I wash it off with my shampoo then use conditioner.

Any questions? You can send me an email at paula@derm.net or send me a DM on Instagram @paulasperfectpout