Sesame Seed Oil

Sesame seed oil is a highly prized and nutritious oil that has been used since ancient times to treat and nourish skin. It is especially valuable for tanning, being packed full of bioactive compounds that are tan-enhancing, tan-stimulating, and skin-protective.

Sesamin, a compound found in sesame oil, has been found to strongly stimulate tanning. Sesamin is also a bioprotective molecule that absorb in the UV region, and can reduce UV-induced redness or inflammation, and protect from UV damage and wrinkle formation.

Sesame oil contains copper which is essential for the functioning of tyrosinase, and hence melanin production.

Sesame oil is rich in zinc, an essential mineral which is stored in melanosomes (the cells that produce the tanning pigment called melanin). This mineral regulates the formation of melanin and plays an essential role in its production. Zinc also protects melanosomes from free radicals and oxidative damage that may result from sun exposure, and boosts collagen production, hence improving skin elasticity.

Sesame seed oil has also been found to increase circulation, which is important for all kinds of skin functions including tanning, whereby the delivery of nutrients and elements to the skin is required in order for the skin to produce melanin.

And if all that wasn't enough, sesame oil also happens to be rich in vitamins B, D, and mainly E, which is highly protective against oxidative damage that may result from sun exposure.