Grown in the Sonoran Desert and surrounding areas of the U.S., jojoba is a shrub that is popular for the rich yellow-gold oil that is extracted from its seed. Jojoba oil, used for centuries by Native Americans who inhabited Northwest Mexico, has been used for a number of purposes, including a medicine for cancer and kidney disorders, a dietary supplement, and healthy beverages. Its most popular use was as a moisturizer for the hair, scalp, and skin because its unique chemical makeup actually mimics the sebum the skin produces. In addition to its ideal chemical makeup, jojoba oil is odorless, colorless, and oxidatively stable. It is also a natural carrier of vitamin E, as well as an antioxidant, making it the ideal ingredient to be incorporated into spa treatments.
At Red Mountain Spa, jojoba plays a role in many treatment options, including Pure Performance ($110, 50 minutes), which is a purifying treatment using jojoba-rich Comfort Zone products designed to help restore the skin’s oil and water ratio to create a healthy glow. According to spa director Myrna Beardshear, all skin types can benefit from the oil. “Jojoba is rich in vitamin E, so it promotes a glowing complexion,” she says. “It is also an excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy, because it does not overpower the essential oils, and it forms a barrier on the skin that aids in hydration.”
According to Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements’s education materials and communications manager, the company incorporates jojoba into several of its products because of its multiple benefits. “Jojoba oil helps lock in moisture while smoothing and softening the skin,” says Stenzel. “It is also known for its ability to penetrate rapidly into the top layer. It benefits the skin by combining with the intercellular lipids already present to reduce trans-epidermal water loss.”
Many spas also incorporate the oil into scalp treatments to relieve dryness, itchiness, and
flakiness and return natural moisture to the scalp. At Serenity Day Spa (Augusta, GA), guests can enjoy the Hair & Scalp Treatment ($35, 30 minutes), which uses hot jojoba oil and 100 percent pure essential oils specifically customized for the client’s hair type. Ho’oilo House Spa (Maui, HI), offers spa-goers its Signature Spa Treatment ($120, 90 minutes), which includes a 60-minute massage, a foot scrub, and a scalp treatment using coconut, kukui nut, and jojoba oils.
Another great use for this oil is during nailcare treatments, as it is ideal for keeping nailbeds and cuticles soft. Spa-goers looking for a treat for tired hands at Boudoir Nail Spa (St. Charles, IL) can opt for the Almond Spa Treatment ($50, 45 minutes), which incorporates products from CND that contain sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to soften the hands. Effleurage Day Spa (New Hartford, CT) incorporates jojoba in its Mango Hand Peel ($35, 60 minutes), which gently exfoliates and smoothes the skin by using Star Nail International’s product by the same name. The treatment incorporates micro-beads made of natural jojoba. “Jojoba is vital for any hand treatment to reveal softer, healthier hands,” says Star Nail International’s Arica Carpenter.
In addition to its moisturizing benefits, jojoba also acts as a good exfoliant. Aquum Spa (Kurumba, Maldives) incorporates jojoba granules in its Pure Silk Body Polish ($90, 45 minutes) to smooth and refine the skin before concluding with a silk wrap. The Therapeutic Aromatherapy Back Treatment ($70, 60 minutes) at Zen Glow Skincare and Day Spa (Wolfeboro, NH) is a custom facial for the back that includes an aromatic steam, a deep cleansing, an exfoliation using jojoba beads, and extractions to help clients achieve clear skin.
Whet
her incorporating jojoba into your hair and scalp treatments, aromatherapy, body treatments, or nailcare services, there most definitely should be an opening on your spa menu for this versatile ingredient. Says Beardshear, “It really is an amazing oil that can easily be incorporated into many spa treatments, allowing clients to experience the fullest benefits possible.”
Oil Options
Help clients moisturize more effectively with these products containing jojoba.
Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Creme: This antioxidant moisturizer features jojoba to help smooth and soften the skin. (877) 550-4050; www.bioelements.com
Botanical Science AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: This translucent lotion contains jojoba beans to moisturize the skin while it exfoliates dead cells. (800) 668-7546; www.botanicalscience.net
Clear My Head 2Go: A natural sinus relief, this product boasts a blend of seven essential oils, including jojoba, to help clients breathe easier. (937) 847-2222; www.clearmyhead.com
Darphin Aromatic Bath and Body Oil: This oil nourishes and softens the skin with a blend of jojoba, lemon, pepper, and rosemary essential oils. (866) 880-4559; www.darphin.com
Decléor Aroma Night Ylang Ylang Balm: Ideal for purifying the skin by reducing excess sebum, this balm contains ingredients such as jojoba, ylang ylang, and hazelnut oil. (888) 414-4471; www.decleordirect.com
Deluxe Salon Supply Rosemary Mint Conditioner: This hair treatment is made up of 100 percent pure extracts, including jojoba oil, to help moisturize the scalp and hair. (800) 311-3501; www.deluxesalonsupply.com
Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow: This exfoliator features jojoba oils to exfoliate and moisturize the skin, as well as lime and ginger to stimulate metabolism. (866) ELEMIS-SPA; www.elemis.com
Epicuren Apricot Facial Scrub: This scrub helps revitalize skin with natural exfoliating ingredients, including a blend of apricot seeds, apricot and jojoba oils, and walnut shells. (800) 235-1217; www.epicuren.com
Institut’ DERMed Enhancing Mineral Micro Polish: This exfoliator has jojoba beads and bamboo powder to polish away dead skin cells and improve overall skin texture. (866) I-DERMED; www.idermed.com
Kaia House Organics Body Collection: This line of creams, lotions, and body scrubs is infused with ingredients such as jojoba oil to keep skin smooth and moisturized. www.kaiahouse.com
Kaplan MD Cell Renewing Microfoliant: This skin polish, which has ingredients such as jojoba esters and oatmeal, gently cleanses. (800) SKIN-HELP; www.kaplanmd.com
Lush Cosmetics Lip Scrub: This scrub contains jojoba oil to soften and smooth rough and dry lips. (888) 733-5874; www.lush.com
Plantogen Gentle Facial Scrub: Containing jojoba, apricot, and green tea, this scrub gently exfoliates the skin and reduces surface oil. (888) 851-6533; www.plantogen.com
Pino Natural Spa Therapy Pure Jojoba Massage Oil: Containing natural wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba bush, this oil protects and smoothes as it is absorbed into the skin. (866) 446-5930; www.pinospa.com