Meet Cape Chestnut or Yangu, indigenous to Southern Africa, endemic from the Cape through to Kenya. When in bloom, it truly is a magnificent sight to behold. The translation of its botanical name says it all; Calodendrum capense – kalos means beautiful, and dendron means tree in Greek, capense is Latin for from the Cape. The seeds of the tree are cold pressed to produce the ultra moisturising and nourishing, Cape Chestnut oil. The oil is highly valued in skincare due to its prolific omega fatty acid and antioxidant content, vitamin E specifically.
Cape chestnut oil is a light, non-greasy emollient, that absorbs readily into the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. It is ideal for hyper sensitive and reactive skins, providing a soothing, nourishing and moisturising action. It is renowned for its anti-ageing effects courtesy of a multitude of antioxidants and skin loving essential fatty acids. The oil’s prolific fatty acid profile includes: palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid.
The benefits of these omega fatty acids include:
- Ω Palmitic acid, which functions as an emollient for the skin, helping to soften and soothe the skin. Palmitic acid also acts as an occlusive agent, locking moisture into the skin.
- Ω Stearic acid helps to protect the skin’s surface by forming a moisture barrier; protecting the skin against water loss.
- Ω Oleic acid is excellent for those with deeply dry skin that is irritated, cracked, or mature, especially for those with eczema, psoriasis, and flaky skin. Oleic acid also functions as an antioxidant, preventing free radical activity and in turn reducing inflammation.
- Ω Linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, whilst assisting the cellular regeneration process.
Considered as one of the best conditioners for damaged and dehydrated hair; it adds shine, silkiness, maleability, and softness to hair. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties – ideal for the alleviation of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. Its impressive essential fatty acid and antioxidant profile coupled with its emollient action make it the perfect oil for preventing dandruff, scalp flaking, and restoring the hair and scalp’s natural moisture.
