Solvblem Foot Mousse formulas contain Avocado Oil and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) in addition to the hero ingredient, Urea. If you are wondering why and what makes it different, this article helps you understand the synergistic effect of an emollient and a keratolytic as well as the benefits of the individual oils for skin care.
Urea is known as a keratolytic. It breaks down the outer layer of the skin and helps it to bind moisture. And lightweight oils like Evening Primrose Oil and Avocado Oil serve as emollients that form a protective film limiting the evaporation of water from deeper parts of the skin and allowing the skin's top layer, the stratum corneum, to rehydrate itself. Both our formulas utilize the delicate balance between an emollient and a keratolytic. Therefore, the combination of Urea and Evening Primrose Oil & Avocado Oil works together to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly skin like calloused or cracked feet.
Benefits of Avocado Oil in Skin Care
Avocado oil is the natural oil pressed from the pulp of an avocado - native to Mexico and Central America. This nourishing fruit oil has a long history of skincare use. As per history, the ancient Americans applied avocado oil as a natural, soothing moisturizer to cover their skin from the hot sun and dry wind. Its nutritional profile includes omega-3, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, & E.
When applied to the skin, avocado oil has the following skincare benefits:
- Moisturizing Effect: Avocado oil contains about 62% lipids, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It penetrates deeper layers than other plant oils, like olive oil or almond oil. As a result, avocado oil is an effective moisturizer, particularly for those with dry, cracked, or flaky skin.
- Accelerates Wound Healing: Linoleic acid, oleic acid, and other mono-saturated fatty acids in avocado oil help speed up wound healing. It is believed that avocado oil can boost collagen synthesis and reduce the number of inflammatory cells during the wound-healing process.
Avocado oil also helps prevent skin damage, enhances elasticity, and minimizes breakout.
Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil in Skin Care
Evening primrose is a biennial plant native to North America. The oil extracted from the seeds of the flowering plant is referred to as Evening Primrose Oil (EPO). It is an excellent source of linoleic (70–74%) and gamma-linolenic (8–10%) acids; gamma-linolenic acid being an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is needed for healthy skin structure and function, as the skin cannot produce GLA on its own; researchers believe applying GLA-rich EPO helps keep skin healthy overall.
When applied to the skin, evening primrose oil has the following skincare benefits:
- Emollient Effect: EPO has emollient properties that help soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the skin's overall texture. The oil also helps lock in moisture to minimize water loss.
- Skin-Soothing Effect: GLA is an omega-6 essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
References:
- Keratolytics and Emollients: a Systematic Review (2015)
- Urea in Dermatology: A Review of its Emollient, Moisturizing, Keratolytic, Skin Barrier Enhancing and Antimicrobial Properties (2021)
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils (2018)
- Avocado Oil: Characteristics, Properties, and Applications (2019)
- Effect of Semisolid Formulation of Persea Americana Mill (Avocado) Oil on Wound Healing in Rats (2013)
