Sesame oil, a treatment to enhance the beauty of nails?

The sesame oil originating from India is widely used in the culinary and cosmetic industries. Also known as Sesamum Indicum, it has several beneficial properties for the skin and hair. This vegetable oil indeed has hydrating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing actions that can particularly benefit the nails. These have a major protective role. Nails are primarily made up of keratin, an insoluble fibrous protein ensuring their structural maintenance and impermeability. In response to their daily use and exposure to environmental factors, it can happen that the keratin is damaged. The rich phytochemical composition of the sesame oil allows it to protect the nails and reduce the risk of breakage.

Sesame oil hydrates and nourishes the nails.

Sesame oil is a rich source of fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. These compounds possess moisturising properties that help prevent nail splitting and promote the maintenance of cuticle structure. Furthermore, sesame oil nourishes the skin around the nails, making them appear more radiant.

Sesame oil ensures the protection of nails against oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, characterised by an excess of free radicals in cells, can have detrimental effects on the skin as well as the nails. It can notably weaken them and cause them to break quickly. Moreover, the free radicals damage the skin around the nail and the cuticle, which can harm their aesthetics. Sesame oil can counteract oxidative stress due to the antioxidants present in its composition. Vitamin E, sesamin, or even the flavonoids in sesame oil can neutralise free radicals and prevent them from damaging the nails.

Sesame oil exhibits anti-bacterial activity.

Sesame oil can also protect nails against certain bacteria. A study has indeed shown that it has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, enabling it to act on both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These properties are believed to come from its content of sesamin and sesamol. Therefore, sesame oil could be beneficial in preventing bacterial infections on the nails, and even the development of fungal infections. It is worth noting that the use of our nails in various daily tasks exposes them to bacteria and other microorganisms in the environment.

There are several ways to use the sesame oil. For nails, it is recommended to regularly apply this vegetable oil to prevent breakages and observe results. Consistency is indeed very important in cosmetics.

• Sesame oil can be used for massage.

  To take full advantage of all the properties of sesame oil on the nails, you can apply a few drops daily. Once the oil is poured, gently massage each nail until it is fully absorbed. It's worth noting that the application of sesame oil can be done either with your finger or with the help of an applicator brush.

• Sesame oil can be used as an oil bath.

  It may also be beneficial to perform a sesame oil bath for your nails once a week. To do this, fill a small basin or bowl with sesame oil and immerse your nails in it for 10 to 15 minutes. This duration is sufficient to allow the sesame oil time to work and strengthen your nails.

• BERKER D. Nail Anatomy. Clinics in Dermatology (2013).

• MENG Q. & al. Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.): An Exhaustive Review of Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition, Health Advantages, Food Development, and Industrial Applications. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Journal (2022).

• WEN-NEE T. & al. Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Ghee Hiang Sesame Oil Extract. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (2023).