Who would have thought that the world’s next best beauty phenomenon would be found within a flightless bird, native to the land down under? Emu oil for skin is here and it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought after self care products — here’s why.
In this article we discuss the following:
- What is Emu Oil?
- Emu Oil Uses and Benefits
- Emu Oil Side Effects
- Emu Oil Reviews
- Best Emu Oil Brands
- Where to Buy Emu Oil
- Other Emu Products
What is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is an oil-like substance that is directly derived from the fat of the emu species. Yes, the flesh of Australia’s famous flightless bird is now being used to make a global skincare formula that is providing effective results for a myriad of concerns.
Does emu oil work? The masses seem to think so, and this newfound substance has a following of quite loyal patrons who swear by the oil’s abilities. It’s being used for everything from hair growth to cough syrups for swine flu — a versatile ointment, indeed.
How is Emu Oil Made
So, how do they get emu oil anyway? Just beneath the surface of the emu skin, there is adipose tissue and fat. From here, it’s relatively simple to harvest this oil out into the world, where it can be prepared for further filtration, processing and refining standards.
By the end of these numerous steps, the reward is pure emu oil ready to be used by human beings.
Unfortunately, this process is nowhere near harmless for the emus in question; it’s actually fatal. Emu oil can only be harvested once the animal is dead. Some find solace in the notion that, in Australia, emus are killed for many other reasons regardless, so taking oil from them is merely a further byproduct from a carcass that was going to die anyway for meat or other cosmetics.
Emu Oil Uses and Benefits
We’ll be taking you through the broad spectrum of uses and benefits of emu oil, so that you can see if and how this product could offer something new to your self care routine.
As with any skincare product, emu oil uses are not universal, and not everybody’s skin is going to take to the formula in the same way. We recommend a patch test before any use of emu oil, this includes on the hair.
Also note that this oil is best used over long periods of time; emu oil benefits won’t reveal themselves overnight.
Emu Oil for Hair
First thing’s first, emu oil can be used topically or orally; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. A lot of retailers will push for you to swallow their oils in capsule form, insisting that this is the only way to receive the full benefit of the product in as short a time as possible.
This is largely untrue, and a lot of people have found that their own head of hair responds far better to topical application of the oil directly to the hair follicle.
When used on hair, emu oil is said to drastically improve the thickness, shine and overall condition. It is also quite effective at managing dandruff, as well as eliminating split ends once and for all. You can see why this oil has seen such widespread appeal.
Emu Oil for Hair Growth
Hair growth is possibly one of the most important emu oil skin benefits. It is thought to have the ability to revitalize dormant hair follicles, which reduces loss and improves growth.
Dlonzo, owner of Dlonzo Natural Products, specializes in promoting healthy hair, scalp, and skincare regimens: “I found that Emu oil works as a transdermal carrier, meaning that it penetrates the skin and composites active ingredients, such as essential fatty acids including Omega-3 and Omega 9. These are excellent for boosting hair growth and reducing hair loss.”
Emu Oil for Hair Growth: Before and After
We could go on about the wonders of emu oil in relation to hair growth for ages, but a picture is always worth 1000 words. Here are a series of before and after photographs, showing dedicated users of emu oil and their hair growth progress over specific periods of time:
How to Use Emu Oil for Hair
How you use emu oil for hair benefits depends on your personal preference. For some, the act of rubbing oil into their scalp every day is an undesirable task, so they prefer to take the oil capsules each morning and be done with it.
Taking emu oil orally, however, means that the health benefits of the oil will be divided around the different parts of the body, including the skin and bones. You won’t necessarily receive the most potent effects for your hair, as the load will be evenly distributed.
If hair growth is your primary motivation for using emu oil, then we recommend a topical application as needed.
Emu Oil for Skin and Face
Dr. Flora Stay is the founder of Cleure, dermatologist recommended personal care brand geared at those with sensitive skin. She spent a long time researching this new formula, before introducing 100% pure emu oil that is certified by the American Emu Association and is sourced from organically-fed, free-range emus, to her brand.
She found that emu oil can be incredibly hydrating for those with very dry sensitive skin, is easily absorbed due to it’s small particles, and is hypoallergenic and tolerated by most people with skin sensitivities. Furthermore, it is full of fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitoleic acid, and plenty of omegas, which are helpful for reducing inflammation from symptoms of eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis.
Emu Oil for Eczema
Eczema is an aggressive skin condition, identifiable by itchy and inflamed patches, usually on the arms and behind the knees, though technically it can develop anywhere on the human body.
Emu oil for skin is proving to be a worthwhile remedy for certain cases of eczema, when applied topically. The fatty acids work to hydrate the affected areas to degrees usually unattainable by regular oils or lotions, helping these areas to heal quite significantly.
Since eczema affects roughly 10 percent of the global population, people are constantly on the lookout for any new remedies that may provide even an hour of relief.
Emu Oil for Acne
Seeing the benefits that this oil had on eczema ridden skin, it seemed only logical that it may be able to offer some aid to other conditions, including acne.
Applying emu oil topically on active acne won’t take away your problem skin per say, but it will offer quite a drastic change to puffiness and redness on the face. Emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of the fatty acids, according to Dlonzo. According to him, the fatty acids help with reducing pain and swelling, which is a godsend for anyone who is battling a breakout.
More than this, most individuals suffering from acne have quite a rigorous daily deep cleansing ritual, for the purpose of keeping things sanitary. Emu oil may help with restoration of any cells that are damaged or lost in this process, resulting in accelerating healing, long term.
Emu Oil for Scars
The linoleic acid in emu oil is what makes this formula suitable for the treatment of scarring. Cellular regeneration is a natural side effect of this kind of acid, making it highly unlikely for the skin to develop new scars, or for old ones to take up permanent residence.
In terms of facial scarring, such as those that occur due to acne, omega 3,6 and 9 are present in the oil to work against any risk of cystic acne leaving craters in the epidermis or dermis.
Emu Oil for Psoriasis
Similar to eczema, psoriasis is a skin condition in which itchy, scaly patches start to exhibit themselves on the outermost layer of human skin. The most common areas include the elbows, knees and scalp.
Many suffering from psoriasis have reported that an emu ointment offers similar relief to that of chemical medications administered by health care practitioners. It is incredibly soothing, while also nourishing the affected zones so that they might have time to reverse their severity.
Emu Oil for Wrinkles
Yes, emu oil for face may just slow down those signs of aging that we so desperately seek to conceal. Aging or sun damaged skin needs rejuvenation, if the overall appearance is desired to change.
Emu oil can offer this to a degree, and combined with its natural moisture, wrinkles seem to fake in record time for those who stick with this skincare regime. The anti-aging properties of emu oil are only starting to be explored amongst skincare professionals, so this is an area to watch in the coming years.
Emu Oil for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a form of scar tissue, so it becomes only logical that emu oil would have some positive attributes to offer to this area as well.
We mentioned how emu oil has the ability to penetrate the different layers of the skin like no other oil on the market. It’s in this way that emu oil can dig deep into the breast, stomach or thigh regions for the purpose of cellular regeneration and fading of existing stretch marks.
What’s wonderful is that emu oil doesn’t concern itself with whether said marks occurred due to pregnancy, weight loss, or any other causes; it sees only the scarring and works to reverse it — no questions asked.
Emu Oil on the Face: Before and After
Good things take time, so if you’re going to be using emu oil on your facial skin, stick with it! There are many before and after testimonials online where you can read about the experiences of those who’ve walked before you, and see their progress firsthand.
Here are a series of before and after imagery from individuals who worked with emu oil with facial skin concerns in mind:
How to Use Emu Oil on Face and Skin
Emu oil, as mentioned, can be taken orally, or applied topically. Concentrated forms of this oil can be applied directly onto the skin or hair, but there are brands offering more diluted formulas in the form of ointments or lotions.
Always apply emu oil to clean, freshly cleansed skin, no matter where on the body you are targeting treatment. Emu oil works best when there is nothing blocking it from penetrating deep into the pores, and this includes sweat or dirt built up.
Emu oil is safe to use both morning and night, if accelerated results are desired.
Emu Oil for Pain and Healing
The aboriginal people of Australia have long known of the healing properties of this particular oil. It’s been used for centuries by them, for the purpose of healing and wound treatment, in addition to the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and even shingles.
It’s the fatty acid compound that works to aid the healing process in the human body, though there is speculation that emu oil may work better for sudden inflammation, and not as potently for chronic forms of inflammation.
If inflammation is occurring on the outside of the body, apply emu oil topically. If you suspect inflammation inside of the body, swallow emu oil capsules or drops.
Emu Oil for Arthritis
Pure emu oil has the ability to penetrate right through the skin and into the layers of tissue thereunder. There are many individuals suffering with arthritis who have found great relief in using topical emu oil lotions on their hands and arms.
The oil seeps deep within the skin layers, and eventually comes into contact with the inflammation of the affected joints. From here, it’s only a matter of time before the fatty acids offer their anti-inflammatory properties for short or long term relief.
Emu Oil for Burns
The aboriginal people were the first to make use of the emu oil as a topical treatment for open wounds. Emu oil has a natural painkilling effect, as well as high levels of antioxidants; applying it directly only burns, cuts or wounds may offer instant relief and accelerated healing.
Furthermore, the anti scarring properties will also kick in, meaning your burns are unlikely to result in permanent scarring or a change in normal skin texture.
Emu Oil for Piercings
Emu oil can be used as a suitable aftercare treatment for not only piercings, but also tattoos. Technically, these are both wounds, so they get great benefit out of the acids and compounds present in the oil.
More than this, the oil can help with the immediate discomfort and inflammation that the skin exhibits immediately following the procedure. Some still see this oil as a natural alternative to other ointments that can do the same job, despite the oil being harvested from the flesh of dead birds.
Emu Oil Side Effects
There are very few documented side effects deriving from both topical and oral use of emu oil. Emu oil is considered to be a natural product, similar to that of any other kind of animal byproduct found on the market.
Ingesting emu oil is no different to the fatty acids we get from eating other bird meats or byproducts, and applying the oil to skin is equally as harmless. That being said, no skincare product is exempt from some adverse reactions, and there have been a few cases of individuals reporting physical irritation to the applied areas.
Though rare, irritation is always possible, and thus we reiterate the need for a patch test prior to the use of this oil anywhere on the body.
Emu Oil Reviews
The internet is a never-ending pit of experiences and opinions. There exists a plethora of reviews surrounding the many different forms of emu oil currently on the market, and scoring through them all would take a speed-reader a number of months.
Sifting through them, one can’t help but notice that there seems to be a universal consensus toward the approval and praise of this product. There are very few naysayers, as are there individuals who appear to be unfazed by their encounter with emu oil.
Most are bewildered, impressed and singing the praises of this tissue oil that is forcefully taken from a bird that few have given prior consideration to, until now. There are messages of encouragement from individuals who have found their personal pinnacle of healing in emu oil, as well as testimonials of return customers who feel they will be involved with said oils for the foreseeable future.
Best Emu Oil Brands
Blue-Emu Oil
Blue Emu Oil is a brand based in the United States. This is Montana emu oil, sold in the form of blue emu lotion. Many regard it to be one of the best emu oils for all-over body, topical use.
This emu cream is sold exclusively through Ebay and Amazon. It’s odorless and non greasy, which makes it highly suited to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Despite technically being odorless, not all who purchase this product are partial to the natural scent of the lotion itself. It’s got a strongly refined smell, and may take some time to get used to if you are not already accustomed to it.
Desert Palms Emu Oil
Desert Palms Emu Ranch is situated in Arizona, USA. They don’t offer organic emu oil, but their product is up there in terms of quality and consistency.
They supply a large amount of oil to the American tattoo and piercing industries, and are forthcoming with the fact that emu oil is by no means a vegan skincare product, albeit natural.
Desert Palms emu oil is affordable, and a little tends to go a long way. Purchase from them directly for the best deals.
Longview Farms Emu Oil
Longview Farms were the first brand on US soil to give us 100% pure emu oil AEA certified. At the time of their first harvest, emu oil was merely being shipped in from Australia, where emu farms exist in abundance.
Longview Farms offer approximately 40 products containing their AEA certified emu oil, and they ship worldwide. We are particularly impressed with their pet capsules, making emu oil accessible to the furry friends with whom you share your humble abode.
Where to Buy Emu Oil
Emu Oil Amazon
E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Ebay remain some of the most accessible means of purchasing emu oils around the world. Most emu oil products are manufactured in Australia or the USA, so logistics come into play for anyone living in alternate locations.
Shopping for emu oil on Amazon is great, because you have a transparent customer base through which you can assess the integrity of the retailer. There are thousands of reviews available for all products on the site, which will help you in deciding what form of emu oil is best suited to your needs.
Online
In addition to Amazon and Ebay, most emu oil retailers simply sell their product from their own online platforms. Generally, this includes regional or worldwide shipping, depending on the brand, and you’ll get a better deal than if you were to purchase the same product from a third party retailer.
Buying bulk emu oil is always better to do directly through a brand’s website, as you can liaise directly with the retailer and often work out a best possible price range. This is also great if you are looking to become a small seller in your own region, and need a reliable supplier to facilitate your stock flow.
In Store
Emu oil is not yet one of those things that you can quickly pop down to the store for, when you run out. It’s going to be a few more years before these oils are on the shelves of supermarkets and drugstores.
For now, buying emu oil in store is best left to more artisanal wellness stores or speciality self-care retailers.
Other Emu Products
Emu Oil Shampoo
It was only a matter of time before someone realized that they could include emu oil in shampoo, as a targeted means of hair growth treatment. These shampoos are still fairly new to the market, and you may need to contact a brand directly in order to purchase some.
Emu oil shampoos are rich in this tissue byproduct, and will work slowly over time to rectify hair loss, and the overall condition of the scalp and follicles.
Emu Soap
Emu oil soap is a great alternative to lotions, as you get daily, repetitive contact with the oil in a very gentle, full-body contact sort of way.
The benefits of the oil will seep deep into your wide open pores. If you suffer from subtle stretch marks, or highly sensitive skin, this is a great way to reap the rewards without making drastic changes to your self care regime.
Emu oil soap is also one of the most affordable ways of enjoying the benefits of emu oil.
Did You Enjoy This Article?
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