Unwritten Open Secret About Soapmaking Journey


For this post, I want to talk about my second attempt to make soap. It’s unraveling my journey to knowing more about using essential oils in soap making. It’s a special journey for me and learned some wisdom I value and love. Hope this post will help you understand soap making better by looking through my perspective. Hence I am sharing in this post my insights and sentiments about my real journey to soap making.

The soapmaking notes

Before making my peppermint olive oil soap, I have written a lot of notes about soap-making months ago. I’ve written them so I can share them with my sister. I wrote about different topics that pertain to soapmaking. Topics such as ingredients, the step-by-step process of soapmaking, and what happens to the soap daily after pouring it into the soap molder are just some of them. I love writing those notes, and I miss writing soapmaking notes too. However, I can’t write soapmaking notes now because there are other things about essential oils that I need to write about because those issues are more crucial and challenging. As part of my exposed journey to learning aromatherapy, I want to document important lessons I’ve learned about essential oils and aromatherapy.

The reality-based soapmaking videos

After I was able to write a lot of notes about soapmaking, I was able to watch soapmaking videos. The good thing about watching these videos is that you can watch the soapmaker and things like what she does to her soap, how she does what she does, and her routines when making soap. Plus I can watch her anytime I want because all I have to do is re-watch the video. So I get to learn about how to make a soap plus I get to know more about the soapmaker too. Another nice thing about watching soap-making videos is that you get to watch the bloopers, the mistakes, and the quirkiness during soapmaking as well as the weaknesses, and flaws of the soaps made. Moreover, I get to see the mistakes during the soapmaking process. Some vloggers of soapmaking honestly show their mistakes in soapmaking even if it’s embarrassing that’s why I get to understand the reality of soapmaking more. Previously, I just know the concept of soapmaking when I was writing notes about it, but when I was able to watch the videos about soapmaking, I get to see the reality behind the notes I had written about. I think being able to see the challenging soapmaking process enabled me to accept the true nature of soapmaking. I am grateful that despite the challenges, the mistakes, and the flaws, the vloggers made me still want to pursue making soaps. I just wish they know how much I appreciate them and value the things I’ve learned from them. Because they made me see how joyful making soaps are, I love to make a lot of soaps too.

The different ingredients

When I made the first soap I used charcoal, so my soap was black!!! But when I made my second soap, it was white and conditioning and I love it soooooo much… I love how my skin feels after using the soap. Creating the first soap was messy! Since the charcoal was black, it made my soap molder look very ugly! That’s why I don’t want to use charcoal again. For those who are using charcoal, please don’t get discouraged from using it because some articles say that it is rich in health benefits. However, despite its health benefits, I prefer not to use charcoal anymore because it is black, it made my soap color black and it made my soap molder ugly.

My second attempt to make soap was a lot better. It’s gentle on my skin. It is made of three special ingredients that made it so good for the skin. The ingredients I used in my second soap are a lot different than the first. I used more ingredients in this soap, plus, the ingredients were carefully selected because it is based on my research and reading different articles as to how to make special soaps that are good for your skin. So the second soap felt nicer and feels like it is doing some more love and care to my skin. It feels like my skin is healthier and happier whenever I use my second soap. Also, I never felt intimidated in using my second soap. Unlike the other handcrafted soap with so many designs, my second soap is more humble, it’s just white and simple, but it makes my skin feel soft, and I love that feeling. A day before I’ve written this post, my sister was asking me about my second soap. She told me she liked it and she wanted us to make peppermint olive oil soap.

Discovering my secret ingredient

As I’ve mentioned above, I used three ingredients to make my second soap. It is made of peppermint essential oil, argan oil, and olive oil. When I get to realize the difference on my second soap and how lovely it feels on my skin, I also figured out my secret ingredient for this soap, and that is… Olive Oil!  Well, this is supposed to be my secret, but I think it is an open secret already as many articles online talk about it too.

As of the moment, I am not yet making another soap using olive oil. But it is always in my mind, I am always thinking I want to create soap using olive oil. The soap I’m using now is just a soap base that’s why it has no olive oil.  But I want to create olive oil soaps soon so I can use them every day and make my skin healthy and happy.

Cherish the journey 💋❤

(Ciele) Can Argan Oil Reverse the Signs of Aging?

As women get older skin functioning becomes a challenge. The production of important natural substances that make our skin look younger is disrupted due to environmental factors such as UV radiation. In addition, due to the decrease in estrogenic secretion, skin elasticity also declines, resulting in skin aging. (3)

To prevent the formation of wrinkles, aging women use several methods to control them. One of the effective method in reducing wrinkle occurrence is by having an estrogen treatment. You can do this by undergoing hormone replacement therapy. However, some research states that this mode of treatment may result in pathophysiological events. (3) Because of this, the question at hand is, are there any safe alternatives discovered in some parts of the world that can help prevent the occurrence of wrinkles? Are there any medication that we can take to counter the signs of wrinkles? Preventing the early signs of wrinkles is possible by using safer and healthier mode of treatments. This will enable women to avoid undergoing repeated procedures that can be bad for their health.

Argan oil, a naturally derived oil from the argan plant is said to have the ability to reverse or reduce the formation of wrinkles (1)

Components of argan oil and its antiaging effects

Argan oil is known to have anti-aging properties. Due to its antioxidant abilities, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and can prevent the dryness of the skin. Argan oil can act as an oxidative stress inhibitor and thus can protect cells from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation. (2) Argan oil can alleviate cell oxidative stress because of its components. Some of its beneficial constituents are unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. (2)

1. Argan oil’s Vitamin E for estrogen production

Argan oil is rich in tocopherols, particularly alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E. Taking vitamin E and vitamin C simultaneously results to their antioxidant abilities. The combination of these two vitamins can serve as radical scavengers (2) and trap the peroxyradical caused by UV-B. (2)

Another good constituent of agan oil is Ferulic acid. It is a phenolic compound that has antioxidant properties that can prevent oxidation. Compared with other antioxidants, it can stay in the blood and thus can neutralize the production of Reactive Oxygen Species or ROS (3) High levels of ROS can make the skin age faster caused by estrogen loss. Instead of undergoing hormone replacement therapy which can cause adverse effects (3), argan oil is a good option because it can safely replace the role of estrogen in skin aging. This can be done by taking the combination of Vitamin E and ferulic acid, as these compounds, synergistically work to maintain skin elasticity. (3)

2. Argan oil’s Vitamin E for collagen production

The decline in collagen and elastic fibers degradation response causes wrinkles. Hence vitamin E can help in moderating this concern. Vitamin E can help improve skin elasticity by the downregulating of Transforming Growth Factor or TGFβ thus producing more collagen and elastic fibers. (3)

Evidence that proves the efficacy of Argan oil on human skin’s elasticity

A 2015 study proves the anti-aging effects of argan oil. The findings of the study yielded that administering cosmetic argan oil and ingesting dietary argan oil can improve skin elasticity.The researcher investigated the effect of argan oil on sixty postmenopausal women who were divided into two groups. The treatment group was advised to take 25 mL/day of dietary argan oil and apply 240 mg (2 mg/cm²) or 10 drops of cosmetic argan oil on their left volar forearm. Meanwhile, the control group would consume 25 mL/day of olive oil and would also rub 240 mg (2 mg/cm²) or 10 drops of cosmetic argan oil on their left volar forearm. The treatment period ran for 60 days. skin elasticity assessments were done three times. First was before ingesting the oils and applying cosmetic argan oil. The next assessments were done after 30 days and 60 days of administering argan oil. The findings of the study showed that both ingesting dietary argan oil and cutaneous application of cosmetic argan oil increased gross elasticity (viscous deformation and the ability of deformation of skin to distension), net elasticity (elasticity without viscous deformation. Elastic recovery immediate retraction to immediate distension) and biological elasticity (elasticity with final distension) of the skin. It also showed a decrease in Skin Resonance Time or RRT. (3)

Moreover, the results of the study revealed that argan oil has more antioxidant content compared to olive oil. For this reason, the control group has demonstrated an improvement in skin elasticity due to the topical application of argan oil and not merely because of the application of olive oil. Another reason why the treatment with argan oil is more effective than olive oil is because consuming and applying argan oil have increased the level of vitamin E. (3)

Formulated Creams for retracting the formation of wrinkles and transepidermal water loss

To successfully stop the appearance of wrinkles, some creams were also formulated and investigated. A 2014 study has successfully delivered a report on how a newly formulated anti-wrinkle eye contour cream that contains argan oil can prevent the occurrence of wrinkles. The participants who checked out the wrinkle eradication effect of the cream are women who are 35-60 years old with facial aging skin and moderate wrinkles status. The anti-wrinkle cream was tested on 20 women for 28 consecutive days. After the repeated use of the anti-wrinkle cream, it was able to fulfill its purpose. Through computer image analysis using VisiolineÒ VL 650 software, it was succesfully proven that there was a wrinkle decrease after the anti-wrinkle cream treatment. The successful eradication of light wrinkles has led to the appreciation of the cream due to its easy application and cosmetic qualities. Hence it is now ready to work for light wrinkles and can be safely used under normal conditions. Moreover, the moistening day cream formulated by the researchers is also effective in the treatment of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after 28 consecutive days of usage. Thus it is suited to improve skin’s hydration, suppleness, smoothness, and comfort.

Allowing ourselves to be continuously exposed to bacteria, dirt, and pollution plus doing repeated unhealthy practices can lead to wrinkled skin. In addition, it could also lead to other signs of aging such as having dark spots or melanogenesis on our face. To ensure that we have skin that’s so heavenly to touch, let’s reverse our unhealthy practices. Choose safe ways to prevent the formation of wrinkles.

Opt for safe wrinkle control medication, please 🙏❤

  • Gharby S and Charrouf Z (2022) Argan Oil: Chemical Composition, Extraction Process, and Quality Control. Front. Nutr. 8:804587. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.804587
  • Villareal M.O., Kume S., Bourhim T., Bakhtaoui F.Z., Kashiwagi K., Han J., Gadhi C., Isoda H. Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells. Hindawi Publishing Corporation. 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/340107
  • Boucetta K.Q., Charrouf Z., Aguenaou H., Derouiche A., Bensouda Y. The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Dove Press Journal. Clinical Interventions in Aging 2015:10 339–349
  • Popescu C., Manea S., Vlăduț V., Olah N.K., Morgovan C., Salman D., Lupuleasa D. Study On Effectiveness Of Two Cosmetic Creams With Argan Oil And Their Subjective And Instrumental Evaluation. Jokull Journal Vol 64, No. 7; Jul 2014

(Ciele) Is Argan Oil Safe To Use? The Side Effects of this Stubbornly Good Oil

When the effects of argan oil have been delivered in different parts of the world, you might have heard about it. You might even be one of the people who dropped by the pharmacy or clinic to ask your doctor if argan oil does indeed have positive effects.

Because of the proven positive effects of argan oil, you might be hooked by it as well. You might have dropped by your trusted store to take it out to your home in a snap. Or maybe you have been waiting to have it delivered to you by now.

In a 2011 argan monograph, it has been stated that there are no known acute or chronic toxicity levels of argan oil. (1) However, a year before that monograph was released, there was a reported case of anaphylaxis in 2010. (1) To provide a better understanding of the possible side effects of argan oil, this post presents some case studies.

1. anaphylaxis

A case of anaphylaxis caused by argan oil was reported after a 34-year-old Moroccan man smelled argan oil. He complained of having rhinitis and conjunctivitis. He also had epigastralgia and hypersalivation after ingesting argan oil. His throat discomfort lasted for 2 hours and his condition improved after taking some medication. Moreover, the patient suffered from generalized erythema in the arms, with secondary urticaria. He was advised to avoid including argan oil in his diet. (2)

In 2021, another case of anaphylaxis due to the topical application of argan oil has been reported. A 29-year-old woman with a history of having allergies to nuts had discomfort after using argan oil. The woman initially complained having anaphylactic episodes after applying a cosmetic hair care product on her scalp. This led her to deal with cutaneous pruritus, angioedema, and hypotension. She encountered an adverse reaction for the second time when she applied an argan body oil on her arms. She experienced the same symptoms with the first allergic episode but manifestation on the second time showed earlier. The woman experienced anaphylaxis after she had skin contact with argan oil. (3)

2. Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis was experienced by a 50-year-old woman and was reported in 2014. Eczematous lesions on the scalp with intense oozing and itching were the allergic symptoms after she used a moisturizer with argan oil. The manifestations occurred after a week of using the product. She’d been using the moisturizer daily to ease her scalp psoriasis. Aside from applying the moisturizer on her scalp, she’s also using it on her legs. (4)

Another report of allergic contact dermatitis due to the use of argan oil was reported in 2014. This time the reported case involves a child. An 8-year-old girl experienced erythematous, scaly, itchy patches on the cheeks and perioral area. The symptoms appeared after the mother used argan oil to stop the lesions caused by the make-up pencil used to draw on the face of the child during her Halloween party. Argan oil allegedly worsened the rash. It was found in the tests conducted that the patient’s reaction to the makeup pencil was weaker than to the argan oil. It was suspected that the argan oil was bought online, and adulterated. The little girl was given some medication and advised to discontinue the use of argan oil. (5)

A 2016 case study reported four cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to the usage of argan oil. The white women included in the case report are aged 22, 23, 48, and 74 years. Some of the symptoms they experienced were dermatitis on the periocular area with erythema and edema. They also experienced itchiness or pruritus and a burning sensation. The women applied a product with argan oil that did not contain preservatives or fragrances. They used the product containing argan oil to address their concern with face dryness or periocular wrinkles. Rashes appeared for 8 to 3 weeks after applying argan oil. (6)

To prevent side effects, it is helpful to be mindful of our allergens. Some people might have mastered the art of dealing with pain, and when they experience some allergies or side effects, they can easily take some medicine to halter or discontinue the pain. However, it’s still good to practice prevention to avoid side effects and be conscientious about what we do for our health.

Change unhealthy practices ❤

  • Guillaume D., Charrouf Z. Argan OilMonograph. Alternative Medicine Review 2011: 16 (3) 278
  • Astier, C., Benchad, Y.elA., Moneret-Vautrin, D. A., Bihain, B. E., & Kanny, G. (2010). Anaphylaxis to argan oil. Allergy, 65(5), 662–663. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02200.x
  • Alvarez D.L.M. Calatayud M.C., Fernandez C.M., Martín A.M1, Toledo F.R1, De la Losa P.F., Mir C.JC., Aragonés M.A. Anaphylaxis After Cutaneous Application of Argan Oil. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2021; Vol. 31(4): 332-334 doi: 10.18176/jiaci.0596
  • Foti C., Romita P., Ranieri L.D ., Bonamonte D. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil (2014). John Wiley & Sons Ltd Contact Dermatitis, 71, 176–190. doi:10.1111/cod.12233
  • Barrientos N., De Vega M.M., Dominguez J. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil in an infant. 2014. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Contact Dermatitis, 71, 303–317. doi:10.1111/cod.12292
  • Veraldi S., Mascagni P., Tosi D. Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Argan Oil. 2016 American Contact Dermatitis Society. DOI: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000228

Oil Causes to Burn the Lamp in Biblical Times

In biblical times, electricity is not yet invented, hence, oil is an important commodity to ensure that dark places are well-lit, especially at night. God himself instructed his servants to use oil to light up lamps in the tabernacle.

May you be outside or confined in your ‘house’ during those days, it’s indeed very dark at night. You may drop some objects and break some precious things because darkness can be blinding and this is very saddening. Hence, lighting up a lamp using oil at that time is very useful to see clearly and pray well.

What does the bible say about oil as a fuel for the tabernacle’s lamp? Scroll down below.

Oil for the light

God instructed that oil will be used as fuel for the light in the tabernacle.

“Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,” – Exodus 25:6

“The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,” – Exodus 35:14

“The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for the light,” – Exodus 39:37

“And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his censers, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:” – Numbers 4:9

Use pure olive oil

God mentioned that olive oil must be used for the lamp’s oil in the tabernacle. He also instructed that the burning of the lamp should be continuous.

“Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.” – Leviticus 24:2

“And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” – Exodus 27:20

More oils

People in those times should always bring extra oil to make sure that their lamps are well lit in moments that they need to use them. Oils must be brought especially at night to make sure that you always have a light may you are in your house or somewhere else.

“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:”
“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
“And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” – Matthew 25:3, 4, 8

May we pause and light our lamps as we pray today. The practice of using oil for the burning of lamps may have been gone by now, but may the loss of the practice lead us to reflect that we can still pray and meditate for the unhealthy practices that we do and that God may give us the heart to desire to become better.

Please be better… please… 🙏

Aroma Story: safe Care Oil as a stress reliever

This is my first Aroma story post. The inspiration behind this post is after I have smelled an aromatic oil while I’m in an alfresco cafe.

While having a late afternoon conversation with some friends in a cafe, someone in the group showed me the regular oils she’s been using. It’s the oil that she uses when she gets stress or just want to relax because it smells nice.

When she handed me the oil, it’s contained in a perfume roll on bottle. It’s neatly presented. When I applied it on my wrist, I smelled it immediately to figure out it’s scent. I couldn’t accurately identify the scent details but it reminds me of a lemon candy, because to me it smells somewhat lemony and mentholy.

Being naturally curious, I read the details provided in the bottle to know more about the oil. However, the details were written in a different language. There is an english translation but the details provided are too brief.

While the oil smells good, and contained in a somewhat frosted bottle, I think about the oil inside. Research-based books and articles I’ve read recommends that oils must be contained in an amber bottle because the oil will oxidized if it’s exposed to light and other contaminants. Hence the oil is not well protected and prone to being hurt and damaged as the light strikes on it whenever it has to be exposed under the sun.

Since essential oils must be stored properly to avoid oxidation, I am thinking that the used oil is a synthetic oil. (Please note that I am concluding, and not telling that it is a synthetic oil.) The details in the bottle did not mention the oils used for the blend. Moreover when I applied it on my wrist it does not have that oily texture. It’s somewhat watery and not yellowish.

The use of this oils is beneficial if you use it for unwinding because of it’s odor.

Since I smelled that oil while I was in a restaurant with a man-made lake, I associate it’s odor with that view and an afternoon conversation with old workmates.

Well we’re getting old… aging…

Have fun playing while getting old…

A reminder from Oil therapy ❤

How to Make a Lovely Chocolatey Shampoo Bar

I previously made a hair cleansing bar using lye, however, it tangled my hair so I have to painstakingly comb my hair. At first, I didn’t know what’s the possible cause for it. I eventually realized that using lye in the cleansing bar can be damaging to our hair because the pH level is not balanced.

Even though that’s been the case, I don’t want to give up on making a hair Cleansing bar and make it right. So I aim that lye will not be included in my new hair Cleansing bar, to make sure that it will go well with My hair. Instead of having lye, I used a genuine Coconut derived surfactant. It is safer and good for our health. This Coconut surfactant is naturally good but has to go through some processes to be able to become an even better ingredient for topically applied products. To know more about how good it is, you can read ‘books’ and articles on my website as well.

Since I’ve read some research about the goodness of this Coconut derived surfactant, that stayed in my mind. Whenever I think about the goodness it has, I have the urge to continue being patient in trying to make a hair Cleansing bar right. This resulted in the creation of my Chocolatey shampoo.

I made only one Chocolatey shampoo bar. Mixing different ingredients and scents in one cleansing bar, and making different varieties of cleansing bars in one batch is not how I work with my ‘products’. It is not my style because. I want to focus, understand and carefully and lovingly make Each of my ‘products’.

I’m looking forward to washing my hair with my Chocolatey shampoo and see how it would make my hair smell even more pleasant. I want to clean my hair using it so when I dined or attend a Great Banquet with invited people like my family, relatives, and believers, my Chocolatey shampoo-washed hair would smell so heavenly.

How to make a Chocolatey shampoo bar?

The procedure for my Chocolatey shampoo bar is not difficult but requires commitment, endurance, and patience.

Choosing the ingredients

In step one, the ingredients for a heavenly aromatic bar are carefully chosen. There are many ingredients that you can use out there but not all nice-sounding ingredients can be chosen. The good ones are carefully selected. There might be moments where you doubt the goodness of an ingredient, and ask yourself can this be really chosen? The hesitation could be rooted from the understanding or background that you have. Maybe it’s because you haven’t yet fully heard, understood, or read the good news or research articles from ‘books’ or any publication. Hence reading about the ingredients enables you to know which ingredients can be chosen and what makes an ingredient a good one. As for me, because I want to make a good Cleansing bar and make it right, I’m patient in getting and preparing the ingredients.

Weighing the chosen ingredients

Weighing the ingredients is also important to make a good hair Cleansing bar. To make sure that I get the right instructions when making my chocolate shampoo, following a recipe ‘book’ will certainly be helpful.

Ensuring that the right measurement of the ingredients is carefully followed is good. However, there are times when you can’t perfectly follow all the ingredient measurements. But you must contemplate whether an ingredient is too much or too less as misconsuming ingredients may be bad and harmful to your health. Balancing and using a recipe’ book’ or notebook will help to have the right formula.

Liquid Phase

In the liquid phase, I have cocoa butter, and oils good for the hair. In this step, you have to make sure that the cocoa butter melted well, so it can blend well with the oils. Cocoa butter is a bit hard, So in the liquid phase, it has to be melted. You’d see in this step the transformation of Cocoa butter from solid to oily liquid. It would undergo a heating process to become its oily liquid form. This is good because this will allow other oils to be added and mixed well with Cocoa butter.

solid phase

In the solid phase, I added the sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. You mix the batter until it looks like mashed potato.

cooling phase

In the cooling phase, you’ll add the Aromatic Essential oils that are good for the hair. You can also include ph correction ingredients, as well as natural preservatives.

molding

The most difficult part of the Chocolatey shampoo bar is molding. Putting the mixture on the soap molder is challenging because there are times when the Chocolatey shampoo mixture is stubborn. It does what it wants to do. It goes to places where it wants to go. It sticks in places it wants to stick that’s why I get annoyed at it at times. I sometimes wonder if this hair-cleansing mixture would allow itself to be molded without being stubborn. While molding I was thinking ‘don’t be too stubborn. If you only know how much I am praying for you get you molded correctly.’

A possible reason for this could be because I have forgotten to add water on the mixture.

waiting time

As of the moment of writing, I’m still waiting for my Chocolatey shampoo bar to become appropriately firmer. I’m looking forward to washing my hair with it.

Heavenly Aroma

My Chocolatey shampoo scent smells floral particularly Ylang ylang with a soft aroma hint of Lavender. As you smell it more, the Chocolatey scent even becomes more evident, which for a chocolate lover like me smells heavenly.

Delight in heavenly aromas ❤

(Ciele) Why does Cosmetic Argan Oil Have A Therapeutic Potential Against Hyperpigmentation Disorders

Melanogenesis, is a pigmentation issue that is commonly faced by mature individuals. It may show a different color on your skin hence sometimes misinterpreted as sunburned skin or freckles. However, understanding melanogenesis will enable you to see that its different from the previously mentioned skin problems. It also requires an Individual to focus on certain remedies that are appropriate for it.

Essential oils are known to be administered in treating melanogenesis. Different oils have been seen in some articles that may lead you to wonder if they are really effective in Melanogenesis treatment. However, it is important to know which Essential oil is legitimately effective in regulating Melanin cells. While there are oils that have been speculated that can be used for melanogenesis, it is important to be reminded that some are not supported by research. Cosmetic argan oil is the appropriate oil for melanogenesis because research confirmed its effects in regulating melanin cells. To confirm the impact of cosmetic argan oil on melanogenesis, a 2013 in vitro study that investigated the inhibitory potential of cosmetic argan oil on B16 murine melanoma cells, a type of pigment cells have been used as a reference. This post discusses why Cosmetic Argan oil is proven to be the best oil for Melanogenesis.

Cosmetic argan oil compounds

Major fatty acids in Cosmetic argan oil are oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic, and stearic acid. Carotenoids, triterpene alcohols, and xanthophylls are also legitimately found in argan oil. Other chemicals in the oil are sterols. Types of sterol exhibited in argan oil are sitosterol, spinasterol, schottenol, and -sitosterol. However, the most important component of Cosmetic argan oil that makes it effective in Melanogenesis is tocopherols. Alpha-tocopherol is also known as Vitamin E is the main tocopherol in argan oil.

Two reasons for the depigmenting effect of cosmetic argan oil

1. Vitamin E and Tocopherol effect on melanogenic enzymes

Depigmenting effect of cosmetic argan oil is due to tocopherols. It can inhibit melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) expressions. Its ability to inhibit
melanin biosynthesis controls the number of melanin cells.

Enzymes are important in controlling melanogenesis. Melanin biosynthesis occurs at melanosomes that contain the enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT). These three major enzymes have the ability: to catalyze Melanin biosynthesis.

The amount of these enzymes in the cells is important during the production of pigment cells or melanin because it can limit the overproduction of melanin leading to melanogenesis.
Chemical compounds can inhibit or activate melanogenic enzymes and this affects in regulating the pigmentation of the skin.

The 2013 In vitro test elicited the effect of cosmetic argan oil on depigmentation because the expression of melanogenic enzymes dopachrome tautomerase (DCT), tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) decreased after 72 hrs of treatment. The fatty acids of argan oil are important in regulating the activities of tyrosinase. Linoleic acid decreases tyrosinase activity, while palmitic acid increases it.

2. Vitamin E as an antioxidant and its power against hyperpigmentation

The coacting effect of all the argan oil components also contributes to the effective treatment of melanogenesis. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when the epidermal cells have been damaged. This happens when lipid peroxidation has been triggered due to UV radiation exposure. Argan oil is an effective antioxidant due to its components. Tocopherol particularly the alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E helps in lipoperoxidation protection. Apha-tocopherol or commonly known as vitamin E can whiten the skin. The combination of Vitamins E and C even makes it more effective in dealing with hyperpigmentation. This is because they inhibit the production of melanogenic cytokines by serving as radical scavengers by trapping peroxyradical caused by UV-B.

incubation treatment time

The study proved that argan oil indeed can decrease tyrosinase. However, 4 hours of treatment with argan oil on B16 melanoma cells does ot result in an immediate decrease. To see the most inhibitory effect, melanoma cells must be incubated for 48 to 72 hours

concentration and dilution

The 2013 in-vitro result showed the following:

At 1/10000 dilution, argan oil can already cause a depigmenting effect.

At 1/1000 v/v, there was a significant decrease in tyrosinase, and DCT expression but not TRP1. This result showed after 72 hours of incubation treatment.

At 1/100 dilution, there was no cytotoxic effect on argan-treated B16 cells, but there was a decrease in melanin content after 72 hours. There was a slight decrease in the cell count and cell viability.

Note:

This is my 2nd Official post about melanogenesis. The First post I’ve written about melanogenesis is an Extract. In the first post, I clarified the misconception that the substance used in melanogenesis is an extract and Not the Oil of Ylang ylang.

This 2nd post about melanogenesis confirms that Cosmetic argan oil is truly proven to be effective in healing melanogenesis.

Ps. Please note that my focus is genuine Essential oils, and I don’t write about synthetic oils.

Focus on the Essentials ❤

Reference:

  • Villareal M.O., Kume S., Bourhim T., Bakhtaoui F.Z., Kashiwagi K., Han J., Gadhi C., Isoda H. Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells. Hindawi Publishing Corporation. 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/340107

(Ciele) Ylang-ylang Oil or Extract: Which Does Research Confirm as an Effective Strategic Remedy for Melanogenesis?

As people get older, marks on facial skin can develop and become evident. This is caused by the overproduction of melanin. Hence, topicals to regulate melanogenesis are being produced. Some of the cosmetic depigmentation agents being used are hydroquinone which is a tyrosinase inhibitor (1) and arbutin (2) which is bearberry leaf derived. However, consumers are also looking for natural medications to treat pigmentation concerns. For this reason, researchers investigate natural substances such as Ylang-ylang.

some articles are recommending Ylang ylang oil (Cananga odorata) as a treatment for melanogenesis and present research to support this claim. To learn about effective oils, researches including the ones mentioned in articles are read to understand what research confirms as the remedy for pigmentation concerns.

While reading the researches, I observed that methanolic and aqueous extracts were mentioned to refer to the solution used for investigation. It is important to note that methanol and aqua are different from oils. Ergo, Two papers are consulted to know which solution is verified to be a remedy for melanogenesis. One is an 2014 in-vitro investigation and the other is a 2015 review. What does the research say? Read more to know more.

Cananga odorata Methanolic Extract

1. Ylang-ylang flower buds

Methanolic extracts can be made using flower buds of ylang ylang.

a. Effect on melanoma cells

Ylang-ylang’s flower buds’ methanolic extract is claimed to be effective in regulating melanin overproduction because it yielded an inhibitory effect on theophylline-stimulated murine B16 melanoma 4A5 cells (1, 2)

b. Compounds

Chemical compounds that were found to inhibit melanogenesis are compound 5 which is canangaterpene I, and compound 12 which is (3R,3aR,8aS)-3-isopropyl-8a-methyl-8-oxo-1,2,3,3a, 6,7,8,8a-octa hydro azulene-5-carbaldehyde. The chemical compounds do not induce any cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. (1, 2) Moreover, the two compounds have more melanogenesis-inhibiting potency than arbutin. (1)

c. lignans

Another reason why methanolic extracts have the potential to inhibit melanogenesis is that it has lignans with catechol moiety but does not have glucosyl moieties. (1)

2. Ylang-ylang seed methanolic extract

Methanolic extract Can also be produced using its seeds

Enzyme

N-trans-feruloyltyramine suppresses melanogenesis. It strongly inhibits an enzyme used in melanin biosynthesis called tyrosinase protein (1)

Cananga odorata aqueous extract

Meanwhile, ylang-ylang’s aqueous extract does not affect dopachrome formation, hence does not influence antityrosinase activity, thus ineffective in inhibiting melanogenesis. (1)

The research presented above shows the efficacy of Cananga odorata as a treatment for melanogenesis. However, more research articles are needed to confirm if the solution agent is the oil or extract.

Confirm the efficacy of remedies 💋❤

  • Tan L.T. H, Lee L. H., Yin W.F., Chan C.K., Kadir H.A., Chan K.G., Goh B.H. Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015. Article ID 896314, 23-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/896314 )
  • Matsumoto, T., Nakamura, S., Nakashima, S., Fujimoto, K., Yoshikawa, M., Ohta, T., Ogawa, K., & Matsuda, H. (2014). Lignan dicarboxylates and terpenoids from the flower buds of Cananga odorata and their inhibitory effects on melanogenesis. Journal of natural products, 77(4), 990–999. https://doi.org/10.1021/np401091f

Love Natural Books: Natural Home Remedies by Mark Evans Phil

A book that talks about how to heal illnesses through Aromatherapy and Herbalism.

Lovely tips to always remember are provided in this book.

Learn traditional ways of healing that can be continuously applied at present and in the future…

This is a must have book in every home library.

(Ciele) Peppermint Essential Oil Treats Itchiness

Here’s an observation result where peppermint was found to be effective in reducing Pruritus Gravidarum

A 2012 study investigated the efficacy of peppermint essential oil on women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy that are experiencing moderate or severe pruritus. The patients were attending Rasoul Akram Hospital in Rasht in 2011. The materials used in this study include 60 mL of peppermint oil 0.5% in sesame oil for the case group as well as a placebo which is 60 mL of sesame oil for the control group. The respondents were instructed to apply the oils twice a day, for two weeks. The results of the study prove that peppermint essential oil is effective in reducing the severity of skin itch. The researchers in the study also purported that menthol is the material that’s responsible for easing the skin itch. (2)

Another study in 2016 investigated whether peppermint essential oil is an effective treatment for chronic pruritus. The 50 subjects are attending Al-Hussein University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from June 2014 to June 2015. The study had two groups. The first group was assigned to have the 5% crude peppermint oil in petrolatum be applied on the area with skin itch. While petrolatum base will be topically applied to the participants in the second group. Both groups have 25 respondents. All of the fifty selected participants were diagnosed with chronic pruritus due to hepatic, renal, or diabetic. The topical application was done on the affected areas twice a day for two weeks. The result of the study yielded that there was a significant improvement in the patients who used the peppermint oil while there was no significance among the patients who used the placebo. For this reason, the researchers concluded that peppermint essential oil is acceptable as a treatment for skin itch. Moreover, they purported that peppermint essential oil can alleviate itch by activating A-delta fibers and k-opioid receptors. (3) Hence for your or your family’s itch concern, peppermint essential oil would be the right choice to treat it.

References:

  • (1) Amjadi M.A., Mojab F., Kamranpour S.B., The Effect of Peppermint Oil on Symptomatic Treatment of Pruritus in Pregnant Women. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2012), 11 (4): 1073-1077
  • (2) Elsie L.T., El Mohsen A.M., Ibrahim I.M., Mohey-Eddin M.H., Mohamed L Elsie. Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus. Dove Press Journal. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2016) 333-338
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