Sacha inchi goes by the scientific name Plukenetia volubilis. It may also go by other familiar names such as sacha peanut, Inca nut or Inca-peanut. The sacha inchi originates from South America and the Caribbean. The raw leaves and seeds are toxic but they are safe to eat once they are roasted.
In recent times, sacha inchi has been categorized as a superfood because it is highly nutritious. Sacha inchi seeds can be eaten like peanuts and added to salad and pastry and cookie recipes. The oil can be added to cereal or salads.
Sacha inchi oil is extracted from the seeds. The oil is very beneficial for your skin. Let’s go through its nutritional profile:
- High in Omega-3, Omega-6 essential fatty acids
- Omega-3 is also known as alpha-linolenic acid. It is a strong anti-inflammatory compound.
- Omega-6 is also known as linoleic acid.
- Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 assist in preserving and assisting the skin barrier as well as prevent moisture loss
- High in Omega-9 fatty acids
- Omega-9 is also known as oleic acid. It is very helpful in moisturising the skin.
- High in anti-oxidants
- Sacha inchi oil contains vitamin E and other carotenoids. These anti-oxidative elements bind to free radicals and neutralize them thus preventing further oxidative damage which can cause signs of aging and skin damage.
- High in proteins and amino acids
- Proteins and amino acids in the oil can nourish the skin and assist it in regeneration and repair.
- High in vitamins and minerals
- The oil contains vitamins A, vitamin C and zinc which are important in maintaining skin health.
- High in phytosterols
- Phytosterols are found in plants and have a structure similar to cholesterol which can help to lower overall cholesterol levels.
- Your body cannot produce phytosterols and they can only be obtained from your diet of plant-based foods such as seeds, nuts and oils.
- Phytosterols help in skin hydration, strengthening the skin barrier and give anti-oxidative properties.
Sacha inchi is a powerful and versatile skincare super-ingredient that can be added in any serum, moisturizer, lotion or mask. It can even be added in hair serum as it helps hair and scalp health. With the combination of sacha inchi’s various nutrients, it offers the following benefits when used in skincare :
- Deep hydration and improved skin barrier : The omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids present in sacha inchi oil are important in preserving the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (water loss through skin) and providing deep hydration. The fatty acids also strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. A strong moisture and lipid barrier equates to a stronger skin barrier. Your skin will be softer, more robust, resilient, healthy and less susceptible to irritation.
- Soothing irritation and reducing inflammation : The omega-3 oils in sacha inchi oil reduce inflammation and prevent dryness itchiness and scratching which are common in eczema and psoriasis cases. This gives your skin a chance to heal naturally without further injury.
- Anti-oxidant protection : The anti-oxidants, vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols neutralize free radicals that are produced when your skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays, extreme heat and cold and so on.
- Improved skin elasticity : Sacha inchi oil helps support collagen which is important in maintaining skin elasticity and prevent sagging.
- Brighter and evened skin tone with a natural glow : The anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant properties of sacha inchi oil can help lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Skin will have a more even tone. The various vitamins, minerals and amino acids also nourish skin and give it a healthy glow.
- Non-comedogenic : A comedogenic compound can cause pores to become clogged. Clogged pores eventually develop into acne or pimples. Sacha inchi oil is non-comedogenic so it exceptionally suitable to be used by people with oily or acne-prone skin.