Rosehip oil (rosehip seed oil) is derived from the rosa canina rose bush (which grows mostly in mountainous regions like Chile).
This oil has been used for centuries and is known for being very effective emollient and moisturiser. Rosehips are also known to have more vitamin C than a lemon or an orange. During World War II, when Great Britain couldn’t import citrus to the country, the government encouraged its people to collect and consume rosehips.
Rosehip oil contains:
Vitamins:
vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin F (a fatty acid made of linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid)
Fatty Acids :
Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Linoleic Acid (omega-6), Gamma Linolenic Acid (omega-3)
**Keep in mind that a percentage of vitamins can be lost during the oil extracting process.
1) Hydrating properties
Rosehip oil contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3) that can help skin cells retain water thus keeping your skin hydrated.
This oil is rich in vitamin C which is a natural antioxidant and can help adding hydration to skin.
About oral intake:
According to this study, participants who took rosehip powder orally noticed anti-aging benefits while a noticeable improvement on their skin’s overall moisture.
2) Anti-inflammatory benefits
Rosehip oil is rich in polyphenols, anthocyanin and also contains vitamin E which can all help reduce inflammation (and improve inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis).
3) Helps with acne
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, C and E which can all help to improve acne condition. It has anti-microbial benefits, anti-inflammatory benefits and has low comedogenicity. All of these benefits can help with acne conditions.
4) Anti-aging benefits
– Collagen production:
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A, which can help with collagen (Collagen being an essential protein providing skin elasticity and firmness) production.
This study demonstrates that rosehip oil inhibits the production of MMP-1 (an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen in the body)
– Fights free radicals:
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C which can help fight free radicals (Free radicals being one of the main cause of premature aging, they are atoms that can damage skin cells by disrupting their DNA and can lead to premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles). Thus, consistent topical application of rosehip oil can help preventing early signs of aging.
This study demonstrates that lyocopene present in rosehips can help protect your skin from free radicals.
About oral intake:
According to this study, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4655903/ participants who took rosehip powder orally noticed anti-aging benefits while a noticeable improvement on their skin’s overall moisture.
5) Sun protection
According to these studies, lyocopene present in rosehip oil can help protect your skin from the sun.
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, which can help reduce ultraviolet light damage caused by free radicals.
6) Can help with hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is when there is an excess of melanin that forms dark spots on the skin. It can be due to sun exposure, some medication (such as birth control pills), hormonal changes (such as pregnancy).
Rosehip oil is rich in retinoids (one of the nutritional compounds of vitamin A), and can help with hyperpigmentation fade away on a regular use.
It also does contain lyocopene and beta carotene that are also known to have skin-lightening properties.
7) Can help fading scars
Rosehip oil contains vitamin A, vitamin C and fatty acids that can help in the process of fading scars.
This study demonstrates that the use of rosehip oil on post-surgical patients improved their overall scar appearance on their skin.
8) Even out skin tone
Rosehip oil contains vitamin A, vitamin C and fatty acids that can help even out your skin tone.
Storage
Store your rosehip oil in a dark glass bottle (a glass because it is healthier than plastic, and a dark one to prevent light exposure).
You can store it in the refrigerator.
Possible side effects and risks
Do not use this oil internally, only for topical use.
Stay away from rosehip oil if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Rosehip oil can rarely cause allergic reactions. However, you should always take your precautions. SO always patch test before use of product.
Some of the allergic reactions can be; irritation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain…
Immediately stop using it if you face any allergic reactions.
Always ask your doctor before use!
If you have diabetes (vitamin C can impact diabetes), anemia (vitamin C can impact your blood’s iron absorption) or kidney stones (overconsumption of vitamin C can increase kidney stones) or if you are taking blood clotting medications (rosehips in any form can increase your bleeding risks) stay away from rosehip oil unless you have your doctor’s consent.
Patch test
Always patch test before deciding to use it or not. Apply rosehip oil on your wrist, elbow or jawline then cover the area.
If you don’t have any negative reaction following 24hours after application, then you can apply it on your skin.
Legal Disclaimer
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
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