Hollywood stars, such as Gwyneth Paltrow know a couple of things about having glowing skin. Their secret? Other than having access to the best facialists in the world, Gwyneth and some other actresses also credit their gorgeous skin to a single skincare ingredient: rosehip oil.
So, what is rosehip oil? It’s an oil extracted from the seeds of different rose bushes. In ancient times, it was used by the Mayans, Egyptians and Native Americans for its healing and nourishing properties. Nowadays, it is used by dermatologists to treat a number of inflammatory diseases including common skin concerns.
Research has shown that rosehip oil is packed with fatty acids, like linoleic and oleic acid. These acids have moisturising, antioxidant, and skin protective properties. Studies have shown that these acids allow for faster wound healing, improved appearance of post-surgical scars, and improvement in inflammatory conditions such as eczema and dry skin. Rosehip oil is also rich in Vitamin A, E, C and D, which provides not only hydration to the skin but also help reduce redness in rosacea-prone skin. These are also the vitamins necessary for a radiant and tough skin. Vitamin A, for example, targets fine lines while vitamin C brightens dark spots and stimulates collagen production. Vitamin E provides protection against sun damage and environmental pollution.
Like most beauty treatment available on the market, rosehip oil may not work for everyone, but it certainly has some benefits for the skin. Here are the potential skin ailments you can treating with this oil.
Treating Wrinkles
The anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and C present in rosehip oil allow it to treat signs of aging and pigmentation, hydrate skin and repair damaged skin – all this without the oily feel of traditional oil.
Brightening Skin
Rosehip oils have astringent properties, which help tighten the pores and brighten the skin. This means, adding rosehip oils to the skincare routine can benefit cheeks that need a little brightening up. Start with a small quantity in your daily routine, like patting a few drops on cleansed skin at bedtime.
Evening Out Skin Tone
If you have red blotches you’re desperate to fade or you’re having a hard time evening out your skin tone, rosehip oil tends to be much easier on sensitive skin than lemon juice. Rub the oil on clean, damp skin twice a day, morning and night.
Boosting Collagen Formation
We can say that collagen is the building block of the skin. It is vital for skin elasticity and firmness. As you age, your body starts to make less collagen. Rosehip oil is packed with vitamins A and C, which are both necessary for the production of collagen. Furthermore, rosehip has been shown to inhibit the creation of the enzyme that breaks down collagen in the body.
Is Rosehip Oil Good for Pimples?
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory nature, rosehip oil may have the most explicit effect on inflammatory acne including pustules, papules, nodules and cysts. But improvements can also be noticed with noninflammatory acne or clogged pores. The oil’s vitamin A and linoleic acid content help regulate sebum production, which can help prevent whiteheads and blackhead from forming.
Rosehip oil can also help reduce the appearance of scarring caused by acne. A study has shown that linoleic acid can help reduce hyperpigmentation in certain scars. So, if you have flat, dark-coloured scars leftover from acne breakouts, then rosehip could help.
How to Use Rosehip Oil?
Experts suggest using the oil no more than twice a day. The most common way to use the oil is by applying it directly to the skin or adding it to your favourite moisturiser. You can also use the rosehip as a carrier when using another essential oil of choice. Rosehip oil should be stored in a cool, dark place to ensure that it doesn’t go rancid.
How Long to See Results from Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil can be used as a remedy to help address a variety of skin conditions. The time it will take to start seeing the results will depend on different factors, for example, the size and age of the scar, how often you use the oil, your age, and of course, the quality of the product. Always make sure you buy your oil from a reputable supplier.
Does Rosehip Oil Has Any Side Effects?
Topical use of rosehip oil is considered safe for most users. Contrary to popular belief, one shouldn’t avoid face oils just because they have oily skin. Many oils, like rosehip, act as an astringent, drying up natural oils and minimizing the appearance of pores. Still, if you have sensitive skin, you may be at a higher risk for reaction. So, perform a patch test prior to use to determine your individual reaction.
