Spring has nearly sprung and it’s time to step your beauty regime to prepare your skin for the changing seasons. Among our new products launched at the start of 2017, Amazonian Cacay Facial Oil has been selling fast. With the acai berry being one of the key ingredients, it’s high time for our latest Oilixia Origins installment and a closer look at this darling berry.

THE SOURCE OF ACAI OIL

We source our product from the acai palm trees in the Brazilian rainforest, where the small purple berries grow in bunches. One tree can produce up to 900 berries! While the acai palm is native to Brazil, it also grows on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and in parts of South America. We use the cold pressing technique to extract our oil from the seeds.

THE HISTORY OF ACAI

Legend has it that the acai tree is named after Iaca, the daughter of an Amazonian tribal chief. When the chief commanded all newborn babies to be killed in order for there to be enough food to go around, Iaca was so distraught at the death of her child that she wandered off deep into the jungle.

In her grieving state, she followed what she believed to be the cries of a child. Instead, she found the acai tree and its many berries. In despair at her discovery of a food source that could have saved her child and many others, Iaca lay down and died in the shadows of the tree. The tribal chief named the tree after his daughter – Acai or Iaca backwards. This loosely translates as ‘the fruit that cries.’

Thanks to their exceptionally high antioxidant levels, tribesmen have used the acai berries for many centuries for their medicinal qualities. It’s been successfully used to combat infection and boost energy and it is still used today as a superfood, skin booster and an ingredient in healthy desserts and drinks.

THE SCENT OF ACAI

You may have noticed acai berry featuring in soap, candles and beauty products like ours. That’s because its refreshing top notes, sweet mid notes and woody, earthy base blend to create a beautiful, soothing fragrance and berry scent like no other.

THE BEAUTY BENEFITS OF ACAI

Acai’s powerful antioxidant properties help to regulate skin lipids and promote skin repair to fight the signs of ageing. The oil is high in essential fatty acids, omega-6, omega-9, vitamin C, polyphenols and phytosterols, which boost the skin’s structure and elasticity, restore moisture levels and protect against environmental damage. When they are ingested, the berries are known to give skin a healthy glow and soothe irritation.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ACAI

Again thanks to the high level of antioxidants, the acai berry is a powerful little fruit. It aids healthy digestion, helps cleanse the digestive system and strengthens the body’s immunity. It has also been suggested that it can strengthen cells in their fight against free radicals. Acai berries are high in anthocyanins, which have great cardiovascular benefits working to lower cholesterol, improve circulation and protect against heart disease.

THE WELLBEING BENEFITS OF ACAI

Acai’s vitamin and antioxidant content aid healthy sleep. It is also great for a natural energy boost and to combat fatigue. The acai berry is a wonderful source of vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium and fibre for overall mental and physical wellbeing.