The Science Behind Ozonating Olive Oil Creams
By: Talia Londoner
Yes... We have recently heard so much about the benefits of Olive oil, the Polyphenols, the Antioxidants, and now there is something new called: OZON.
So... We decided to dig in and find out how the process of Ozonating Olive oil goes, and what are the real benefits of this process.
Overview of Ozonation Process
The process of creating ozonated creams, particularly those made with olive oil, involves several key steps that integrate ozone (activated oxygen) into the oil to enhance its therapeutic properties.
- Oxygen Generation: The first step involves generating oxygen from atmospheric air. This is typically done using an oxygen generator that separates oxygen from nitrogen in the air.
- Ozone Production: Once oxygen is generated, it is passed through an ozone generator, where it is converted into ozone (O₃). This step is critical as ozone is the active ingredient that imparts antimicrobial and healing properties to the cream.
- Cooling and Bubbling: The produced ozone is then bubbled through a cooling device to maintain a low temperature (typically between 3 to 7 degrees Celsius). This cooling is essential to prevent the degradation of ozone and to ensure it remains stable while interacting with the oil.
- Reaction with Olive Oil: The ozonated oxygen is introduced into a reaction chamber containing olive oil. The ozonation process allows the ozone to react with the unsaturated fatty acids in the olive oil, forming ozonides and other beneficial compounds. This reaction can take anywhere from 100 to 150 hours, depending on the desired concentration of ozone in the final product.
- Bubble Generation: During the reaction, a bubble discharge device is used to create fine bubbles of ozone within the olive oil. This maximizes the contact area between the ozone and the oil, enhancing the reaction efficiency.
- Separation of Residual Ozone: After the reaction, any residual ozone that has not reacted is removed to ensure the safety and stability of the final product. This is often done through a dedicated ozone treatment unit that converts any leftover ozone back into oxygen.
- Final Formulation: The ozonated olive oil can then be mixed with other ingredients, such as essential oils or stabilizers, to improve its sensory properties, enhance its effectiveness, or reduce any unpleasant odors associated with ozone.
- Packaging: Finally, the ozonated cream is packaged in airtight containers to preserve its properties and prevent the escape of ozone.
Personal Testimony
So much work for a little jar of cream, but, believe me, it does work. My Dad, an avid sailor, his hands are damaged from being in the elements, and no matter what he tried, nothing really worked, and the red spots on his hands stayed on. When I asked him to try to use oxygen-activated olive oil, he did not take me seriously, but he tried.
It did take some time, but the redness on his arms disappeared, and his hands started to look much better. Now he has to know to use more sun protection.
Benefits of Ozonated Creams
- Antimicrobial Properties: Ozonated creams are effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them ideal for treating skin infections and promoting healing.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: They can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, making them useful for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Enhanced Skin Repair: The active compounds in ozonated olive oil support skin regeneration, making these creams beneficial for wound healing and scar reduction.
Ozonated creams are used in various dermatological applications, including the treatment of acne, fungal infections, and general skin irritations. They are also popular in cosmetic formulations for their moisturizing and protective qualities.