This humble fruit, pronounced "BEY-oh-bab," grows in Africa and Australia, and has long been a trusted aid in healthy skin, hair, and overall wellness for the locals in these regions.

Baobab oil is very rich in nutrients – contains all three omega fatty acids: omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as containing some rare fatty acids and a host of vitamins. It includes vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as dihydrosterculic acid, malvalic acid, arachidic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.

Whether your skin is showing signs of aging, has been damaged by the sun or the use of harsh skin products, baobab oil can help, thanks to its many nourishing ingredients that have to ability to heal the skin from deep within. As the oil is rich in many different vitamins, it does an incredible job at combating the early signs of aging, and due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce redness and inflammation. As it’s easily absorbed into the skin, without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue, it’s great for all skin types and will leave your skin nice and smooth.

Cleansing with baobab oil is an excellent method for getting clearer skin. Because oil dissolves oil, cleaning with a nutrient-rich oil like baobab oil won’t leave your skin greasy. You may want to use it as part of a recipe – one popular natural cleanser includes one part baobab oil, one part jojoba oil and five drops of sea buckhorn oil. Combine the oils together and then gently massage it onto your face and neck and then rinse with water.

As baobab doesn’t leave the skin with a greasy residue, absorbs well and has a silky, smooth texture, it’s great to use as your regular moisturizer too. It’s ideal to use all over the body. You can apply a small amount onto your skin after getting out of the shower to help lock in moisture for wonderfully smooth, soft, hydrated skin.

Baobab oil can also be used to eliminate those unsightly under-eye bags that can be caused by late nights, stress and genetics. It also helps moisturize around the eyes to combat dryness.

As baobab oil is jam-packed with lots of vitamin C, it’s especially good for fighting signs of aging as it helps to stimulate collagen production in the skin while also promoting the restoration of mature skin.

Thanks to baobab oil’s strong anti-inflammatory properties, it can help treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It will help hydrate dry areas, reduce redness and eliminate the incessant itch that can occur with eczema. Apply it onto affected areas as soon as you notice the condition start to flare up, whenever it starts to feel dry and itchy, as well as after you get out of the shower or a bath on areas prone to problems.

Also due to baobab’s oil ability to stimulate collagen and preserve skin elasticity, along with its high level of vitamins, it can not only help prevent stretch marks but it can reduce their appearance. Use it liberally on the abdomen and breasts when pregnant as well as on any area that stretch marks have already begun to appear.