Charlize Theron can't live without emu oil
The October edition of InStyle tells us that Charlize Theron's top must haves include emu oil. Yes, she regularly rubs the fat from a large flightless bird into her hair. I am known to do the same and I need a replacement for my near finished bottle from Skin Biology. I have already decided that I am not going to buy the Skin Biology oil again. It really does look like melted fat and it smells like a farmyard.
Happily, my research for a better class of emu oil took me to Uniquely Emu, which sells a triple refined, odorless and completely clear oil called Clearly Emu ($25.00 in TIA store). An oil worthy of Charlize's coif. But what's with emu oil anyway?
Emu oil is actually very close to human sebum and, hence, our skins will easily absorb and process its goodness. It contains essential fatty acids: linolenic, linoleic, oleic, and palmitic. Linolenic (omega-3 EFA) and linoleic (omega-6 EFA). Oleic is a known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, topical applications of emu oil may result in the growth of thicker hair….. both a thickening of existing hair shafts (which shrink in diameter with age) and a “re-awakening” of the dormant (sleeping) hair shafts (which increase as a percentage of total hair shafts with age).
In fact, a Dr. Michael Holick at Boston University School of Medicine conducted a study on mice which was designed to quantify the effect of emu oil on hair growth and hair regrowth. The Holick team saw 20% increase in DNA synthesis, which means that there was a 20% increase in the proliferation activity, or the growth activity of the skin in the animals that received emu oil, compared to the animals that received corn oil.
Also amazing 80% of hair follicles that had been asleep were woken up and began growing hair. Overly simplified, normal hair follicles alternate between a resting phase and a growth phase, and topical applications of Emu oil were a wake up call for these snoozing hair follicles….in mice.
Balding men take note: emu oil may inhibit 5 alpha reductase – a body chemical that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It is known that DHT is strongly implicated in the onset and progression of male-pattern baldness. When Emu oil is applied onto balding parts of the scalp, it works to de sterilize the DHT-producing components of hair follicles.
Emu oil can be used on its own, or with a hair growth treatment such as Folligen. Experiment with a daily rub into the scalp and a once a week all-over hair mask. We hope to be able to offer Clearly Emu in the TIA store later this week.
Related posts
Loading...
A couple years ago my husband's back went out so badly, he was basically crippled for almost a year. For the first month heavy-duty pain meds had zero affect. I had been reading about emu oil about that time for its use on skin and also its use as an anti-inflammatory. I bought some from my "best research" source and used it on his lower back. The first night he felt the affects and could move without pain. I keep a supply in the house always, so now I think I'll try it on my hair! Thanks, Marta. ~jk
Posted on October 27, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Platinumskincare.com has been my source for high quality emu oil at rock bottom prices. This company makes high quality chemical peels and other clinical products and defintely does not cut corners where emu oil is concerned. The company's emu oil is certified by the American Emu Assoc. and abides by the Emu Oil Trade Rules for Fully Refined Emu Oil for cosmetic, medical and pharmaceutical uses.
Posted on June 28, 2010 at 7:02 am
Hey Naja,
Have you seen results using this brand of emu oil? What about smell and consistency? I read Marta's article and she mentions that the previous brand she used, smelled like chicken fat. The new one is refined three times (although too expensive) and l have no idea what it means... Please help!
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 11:30 am
Hi Ellena,
My apologies for not noticing your question earlier. In recent months, I have not been online as much. Too much going on and just out of it.
To answer your question, I have used emu oil on my face and neck, both as a moisturizer during the winter and after chemical peels. It is hydrating, non-irritating and has anti-inflammatory properties. I love it.
I don't use emu anywhere else on my body, including scalp.
The one I purchase from platinumskincare.com is very high quality, unbelievably inexpensive and has no "chicken fat" or other bad smell. The consistency is fine. During the winter months, the product does thicken a bit. It's the opposite for warmer weather.
Hope this helps.
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 3:13 pm