Photo by Katja Schulz

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There is a plant with beautiful foliage that provides year-round food for deer, so they call it the deer nut plant. But you might know it as jojoba (pronounced huh-hoé-ba).

Just like cactus plants, jojoba is a desert plant that can tolerate high heat, long hours of sunlight and very little water. It’s botanically known as Simmondsia chinensis.

Other delightful, hilarious names include goat nut, pignut and quinine nut. Call it what you will, the plant is still an exceptional ingredient to find in your lotion, face cream and serum.

It’s so similar to your own sebum (the oily secretions of our skin cells) that your skin immediately absorbs jojoba, which can enhance the absorption of other topical treatments, nutrients or medication.

I think jojoba is one of the healthiest, most moisturizing, skin-healing and wrinkle-reducing oils one can use on the skin. Full disclosure: I’ve put it in a facial serum that I formulated for anti-aging benefits.

Here are six benefits of jojoba oil:

1. Collagen synthesis. In several studies, jojoba oil has been used to accelerate the production of both keratinocytes and fibroblasts. This could mean improved skin wound healing, reduced scar formation and hair growth.

2. Anti-inflammatory.Jojoba-based products may be useful for rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne or sensitive skin.

3. Hair growth.If you are currently dealing with some eyebrow loss due to aging, dieting or hypothyroidism, jojoba oil might be good to apply to your brows.

4. Strengthen the barrier. Our skin’s barrier is termed the stratum corneum, and it traps moisture inside, while keeping out pollutants, environmental toxins, dirt and pathogens. This barrier is important because it is what keeps your skin looking clear and moisturized. Studies have proven that jojoba oil has major skin barrier reparative powers.

5. Nourishing. Jojoba oil contains a natural source of skin-benefitting nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, iodine, copper, selenium and chromium. Zinc is known to help with acne. Vitamin E protects us from sun damage and free radicals. Copper and selenium may help with collagen formation. Iodine is a natural type of skin antibiotic.

6. Scars. Jojoba oil is known to be a wonderful scar healer, especially for acne scars. There was a study showing that after just six weeks, 154 participants using a jojoba oil-based face mask experienced a 55% perceived reduction in acne scars. The magic is from the high content of vitamin E in jojoba.

Jojoba oil is great for practically any skin type. You can simply buy a plain bottle of it to use for manicures, pedicures or even a massage. You can also add any essential oil to jojoba for fragrance and additional benefits.

One of my favorite things to do is rub jojoba oil onto my dry, itchy or cracked heels. It keeps my feet looking pretty and soft. Be well and pamper yourself with this hydrating, natural oil.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit SuzyCohen.com.