Buriti oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the medicinal plant Mauritia flexuosa having several benefits, such as hydrating and preventing dry skin and hair, smoothing wrinkles and expression lines, or promoting wound healing.
This is because this oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E with antioxidant, emollient, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be applied directly to the skin, or diluted in moisturizing cream or hair masks, for example.
Furthermore, buriti oil can also be used in cooking to prepare food or used in the form of buriti oil capsules. Ideally, buriti oil should be used with the guidance of a dermatologist, nutritionist or herbalist.
What is it for
Buriti oil has several health benefits, such as:
1. Prevent or treat dry skin
Buriti oil is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 which promotes deep hydration of the skin, by preventing the loss of water through the skin and, therefore, can be used to help prevent or treat dry skin.
2. Increase skin elasticity and smoothness
Due to the presence of fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E in its composition, with antioxidant, moisturizing and stimulating collagen production, buriti oil can increase skin elasticity and softness.
3. Attenuate and prevent wrinkles and expression lines
Buriti oil is rich in vitamin C, with antioxidant properties and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin for the skin, which helps to reduce and prevent wrinkles and expression lines.
Furthermore, this oil has moisturizing properties, preventing skin dryness, which also helps to reduce and disguise wrinkles and expression lines.
4. Prevent premature skin aging
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, A and E with antioxidant properties, which prevents damage caused by free radicals to skin cells, and therefore can help prevent premature skin aging.
5. Help in the treatment of skin diseases
Due to its emollient, moisturizing and antioxidant properties, buriti oil can also be used to help treat skin problems, such as psoriasis or eczema, helping to relieve redness, irritation and dry skin.
6. Promote wound healing
Buriti oil is rich in vitamins A, C and E, and fatty acids that stimulate the skin’s collagen production, increase hydration and prevent damage caused by free radicals, promoting and accelerating the healing of wounds or burns on the skin.
7. Prevent damage from sunlight
Buriti oil has a sunscreen effect that prevents damage caused by UVA and UVB sun rays due to its antioxidant action.
Furthermore, this oil is an excellent after-sun, as it deeply hydrates the skin and promotes the healing of sunburns.
It is important to highlight that buriti oil does not replace the use of sunscreen. Learn how to choose sunscreen.
8. Lighten skin blemishes
Due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties for the skin, buriti oil can also help lighten skin blemishes, making it a good plant-based alternative. plant based for people who do not wish to use or have side effects from cosmetic creams.
9. Moisturize and nourish hair
Buriti oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, nutrients that act on the structure of hair strands, leaving them hydrated and nourished. Discover other oils recommended for hair.
10. Rebuild hair strands
Buriti oil can be used on dry and brittle hair, to rebuild strands, as it is rich in nutrients, in addition to promoting hair hydration, increasing shine and reducing frizz, and can be part of the hair schedule. See how to make a hair schedule.
Can you consume buriti oil?
Buriti oil can also be consumed in cooking to prepare food or used in the form of buriti oil capsules.
Oral consumption of buriti oil can bring health benefits, such as preventing chronic diseases or strengthening the immune system, due to the vitamins and omega 3, 6 and 9 in its composition, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. See the benefits of consuming buriti.
How to use
Buriti oil can be used on both skin and hair:
1. Buriti oil for skin
Buriti oil for skin can be used by applying a few drops directly to the skin or preferably mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, or moisturizer.
- Buriti oil for the face: apply a few drops of buriti oil to a cotton pad and apply it to the face and massage gently, 1 to 2 times a day;
- Buriti oil for the body: Mix some buriti oil into a moisturizing cream or carrier oil and apply it to the skin, massaging gently with your fingertips, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until completely absorbed.
In the case of wounds or burns on the skin, it is recommended to dilute buriti oil with a carrier oil.
2. Buriti oil on hair
Buriti oil can be used throughout the hair, from the root of the hair, applying a few drops to the scalp, and massaging with circular movements for 5 minutes and over the entire length of the hair, repeating at least once a week.
Furthermore, it is also possible to add buriti oil to a moisturizing hair mask or even to shampoo or conditioner.
Care when using buriti oil
Before using buriti oil on the skin, an allergy test must be carried out, preparing a mixture containing 1 drop of the oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, and applying it to the back of the hand or the crease of the skin. elbow.
Wait 24 hours and, if during this period the skin becomes red or irritated, it is not recommended to use buriti oil.
How to make buriti oil at home
Buriti oil can be purchased at health food stores or pharmacies or prepared at home.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
In a container, add water and the buriti fruits with the skin. Leave to soak until it is soft to make it easier to loosen the skin and remove the pulp.
When soft, remove the fruits from the water and remove the buriti skin. Then cut the pulp until you obtain 1 kg of pulp and add it to a pan with 4 liters of water and heat until it boils. Then, turn off the heat and use a ladle to remove the buriti oil from the surface.
As it may still be mixed with a little water, it is recommended to add this oil to another pan over low heat, to evaporate the water, leaving only the buriti oil. Strain and store in a clean, dry glass container.
Possible side effects
When applied to the skin, buriti oil can cause side effects, such as irritation or contact dermatitis, which is why an allergy test must be carried out beforehand on a small area of the skin and use buriti oil.
Furthermore, when consumed orally, buriti oil can also cause allergies, and therefore should only be used with medical advice, especially in capsule form.
Who shouldn’t use
Buriti oil, especially in capsule form, should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there are not enough studies on its safety in these phases.
Furthermore, buriti oil, whether for application to the skin, hair or used in cooking or in capsules, should not be used by people allergic to this oil.
