Ingredient Spotlight: Kalahari Melon Seed Oil
Whilst traveling through the 45 degree heat of the ever captivating Namibia this week, I hear home ground has been drenched with delightful rain. The discovery of brightly coloured fynbos flowers springing up overnight after a quenching rain storm, will have to wait until homecoming next week. For now we are turning all our attention on the Namib and the African oil we source here- Kalahari Melon Seed.
The Namib desert's dry and harsh climate with minuscule rainfall, is the ideal setting for strong, resilient and effectively nutrient rich plants. What we source from this neighboring country is our Kalahari Melon Seed oil. The family farm upholds ethics that run so parallel to Sabine G Holistics they are worthy of their own full article. Founded due to climate change and drought, this organically certified single farm in the Kalahari Basin, produces cold pressed virgin oil with a sustainability profile that is second to none.
Why Are Single Farm Suppliers Important?
"Simply put, each drop of organic certified oil is traceable. From seed to drum. We can visit the farm and inspect the fields, the harvest, the entire process and quality of the oil. Each order I place comes with a scientific analysis. In other words, if I tell you that it contains 70% linoleic acid, then it does. This does hike up the cost but we don't compromise quality. Quality and high standards are the reasons we fall under a luxury brand. It is an extremely difficult procedure to find and trace the exact origin of natural cosmetic and beauty ingredients. We pride ourselves in sourcing only the best ingredients and having a relationship with our suppliers where possible. When purchasing litres of a specific oil or hydrosol, I expect to know the exact origin, age, fatty acid profile and nutritional value my ingredients have before I dare allow them to touch your skin and represent Sabine G Holistics." says Sabine.
Ecologically Sustainable
The wild melon has evolved resilience to the desert's extreme ecosystem and thrive in the now, climate change induced norms of drought. Locking in water by shooting its roots deep into the ground means no irrigation and a production process in sync with local ecology. By harvesting a native plant this farm causes minimal disruption to the natural environment and slow desertification.
Socially Sustainable
Due to direct climate change impact on this remote part of the world, farmers and their employees have been forced to shut down and leave homes to find work elsewhere. This farm has improvised and harnessed the drought resistant biology of the Kalahari Melon, which has secured the livelihoods of its immediate community. Each purchase assures us that a community remains in its home land and families do not get separated or displaced.
Why do we use Kalahari Melon Seed?
We include it in our Waymaker and Silver Lining Serums for its high Vitamin E content and its high fatty acid profile. If you know anything about fatty acids you will know that they are super foods for skin care but can be unstable. Kalahari melon seed oil has a whopping 70% fatty acids WITH a very high amount of Vitamin E and its the vitamin E that is the anti-oxidant which holds it stable and keeps this oil from deteriorating for up to 2 years. The Vit E also helps skin to age slower.
It is fast-absorbing, sinks immediately into the skin and rebalances your skin's natural oil production, having the ability to hydrate dry skin and combat acne. Studies have shown that topical linoleic acid can help control acne. The high omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids known as Alpha-linoleic acid and linoleic acid (called Vitamin F[1]), are key building blocks that repair, rebuild and replenish your skin barrier. Making this golden oil very compatible with many skin concerns.
Kalahari Melon Seed acts as a ceramide, strengthening the skin barrier to help it retain moisture. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin F may be particularly helpful for those with skin conditions characterized by an impaired skin barrier function, such as rosacea and eczema because it supports the skin barrier, hydrates and retains moisture and decreases inflammation. So while it works broadly on many a dehydrated face, it’s especially powerful if you’re in one of these sensitized categories with a compromised skin barrier.
Vitamin E
This incredibly high vitamin E content means that our facial serums possess naturally powerful antioxidant properties, which protect your skin against oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals (unstable molecules in the environment that damage your skin’s cellular DNA). This protective function slows down the signs of premature skin aging, such as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E benefits your skin barrier directly too, by locking in moisture and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) - a process where moisture escapes from your skin’s surface.
What most people don’t know is that when vitamin E is present in such high levels it functions as a natural preservative. This is an important quality for an oil to possess as most natural oils contain other active components, which are generally unstable by themselves and require the addition of preservatives. Our Serums are completely free of artificial preservatives owing to its rich vitamin E content, which naturally stabilizes and preserves the essential fatty acids within the oil for longer, ensuring sustained activity on your skin. This unique combination of vitamin E and essential fatty acids crowns our Pure Kalahari Melon Oil as a hero ingredient in Silver Lining and Waymaker Serums.
So what does this oil do for my skin?
In a nut shell:
Maintains Moisture Balance
Fights Against Acne
Heals The Skin Barrier
Manages Inflammation
Blocks UV Rays & Pollution
Balances Oil Production
Add a Glow By Hydrating Skin
Diminishes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
We take pride in our suppliers/partners. Without superior ingredients we would not have choice luxurious skincare to offer you. Ethical Quality Skincare that really works.
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