Description

Tamanu oil is extracted from seeds that grow on a tropical evergreen called a tamanu nut tree. Tamanu oil and other parts of the tamanu nut tree have been used medicinally for hundreds of years by certain Asian, African, and Pacific Island cultures.

Historically, people believed in tamanu oil’s skin benefits. Today, you can find many anecdotal stories about the uses of tamanu oil for skin. Some studies suggest tamanu oil may prevent tumor-growth in cancer patients, treat vaginitis and help reduce symptoms in people with HIV.

Tamanu oil for acne

A 2015 study looked at tamanu oil from five different parts of the South Pacific.Trusted Source It found that the oil exhibited high antibacterial and wound-healing activity against bacterial strains involved in acne, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and Propionibacterium granulosum (P. granulosum).

There’s also evidence of the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. Together with its ability to kill P. acnes and P. granulosum, tamanu oil may also be helpful in treating inflamed acne.

Tamanu oil for acne scars

Tamanu oil has been used to successfully treat scars in a hospital setting. Numerous biological studies have shown that tamanu oil has wound-healing and skin regeneration properties.Trusted Source It’s been shown to promote cell proliferation and the production of certain components of your skin — including collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) — all important in the healing of scars.

Tamanu oil is also rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of scarring, as well as acne.

Tamanu oil for athlete’s foot

Tamanu oil is believed to be an effective remedy for athlete’s foot, a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. Though the effects of tamanu oil specifically on athlete’s foot have not been studied, there’s quite a bit of evidence backing the oil’s antifungal properties.

Tamanu oil benefits for wrinkles

Tamanu oil is an active ingredient used in many skin care products, including anti-aging creams. The oil is rich in fatty acids, which can help keep skin moisturized. It also contains antioxidants, which fight against damage from free radicals.

The oil’s ability to promote collagen and GAG production also plays a role in anti-aging and skin regeneration.

Finally, tamanu oil may help prevent wrinkles caused by sun damage.

Tamanu oil for dark spots

No evidence currently exists that shows tamanu oil can reduce the appearance of dark spots, though some people use it for that purpose.

Tamanu oil for dry skin

Skin dryness is a condition commonly treated with use of oils. Tamanu oil happens to have a high fat content, so it’s likely very moisturizing for the skin.

Tamanu oil for eczema

Research suggests tamanu oil may have anti-inflammatory properties.Trusted Source And while there are people who have used tamanu oil to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, more research is needed to understand its role.

Tamanu oil for fading stretch marks

As with acne scars, most people try to fade their stretch marks with moisturizing, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory treatments. While tamanu oil has these properties, there’s not enough research to know whether it has any effect.

Tamanu oil for hair

Researchers have not looked deeply into how tamanu oil affects the hair. It probably works as a moisturizer, though that’s not been proven. Anecdotal stories suggest it can be used to slow hair loss, but researchers have not proven this.

Tamanu oil for ingrown hairs

Ingrown hairs often become inflamed and irritated. Because tamanu oil has anti-inflammatory healing properties, it’s possible it could treat ingrown hairs. As a proven anti-inflammatory, it could have benefits. However, there’s no specific research on tamanu and ingrown hairs.

Tamanu oil for insect stings

Some people use tamanu oil to treat insect stings. But while tamanu oil does work as an anti-inflammatory, there’s no research yet into its effects on bug bites.

Tamanu oil for scars

Several studies have found that tamanu oil has a number of properties that can help skin wounds heal faster, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production.

Tamanu oil emulsion was used on hospital patients in two studies to treat resistant and postsurgical wounds.Trusted Source Tamanu oil improved healing and led to significantly less scaring.

Tamanu oil for sunburns and other burns

Some people use tamanu oil to treat their sunburns and other burns. While research suggests tamanu oil has healing and antibacterial properties, there’s no clear understanding of its effects on burns.