The world of natural plant-derived oils is infinite and fascinating. Natural oils have been used for their powerful therapeutic and health-promoting effects for centuries. Although these oils have been around for a long time, they are popping up even more in the skincare and beauty industry. Now more than ever, skincare enthusiasts are turning to natural oils to reap their incredible health and beauty benefits. Many are using natural oils as a part of their regular skincare regimen.
While discussing natural oils, rosehip oil holds a special place in the skincare market. Rosehip oil is among the most raved-about and recommended oils for all the right reasons. To learn more about why rosehip oil is widely used, keep on reading!
What is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil is also commonly addressed as rosehip seed oil. It's derived from the Rosa Canina rose plant. Rosehip oil has been cherished since ancient times for its skin-nourishing qualities.
This powerful nourishing plant oil is obtained through the cold-pressing method by cold-pressing seeds and fruits of the rose plant. This oil is mainly procured from the specific type of rose bushes grown in Chile. The color of rosehip plants is usually red or orange. However, the resulting oil can range from rich orange to red, depending on the color of the fruits and seeds it extracts from.
What Makes Rosehip Oil Special?
Rosehip oil is a mixture of skin-savvy compounds that help reduce and prevent several skin issues. It's rich in fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene.
These natural compounds in rosehip oil protect the skin, fight oxidative damage, hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and treat skin discoloration. In addition, rosehip oil's high concentration of antioxidant compounds (beta-carotene, anthocyanin, lycopene, and polyphenols) greatly benefits the skin.¹
What are the Benefits of Rosehip Oil?
If you’re unfamiliar with how using rosehip oil can assist you in achieving a healthy and vibrant complexion, we’ve got you covered. Below are some of the amazing benefits of rosehip oil for the skin:
Hydrates and Moisturizes - We all know the importance of proper hydration and moisturization for keeping the skin supple, smooth, and glowing. Lack of moisture in the skin can pave the way to many skin problems, especially as the skin ages or during extreme climates. Rosehip oil is jam-packed with the purest forms of omega fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid, in high amounts.²
Omega fatty acids act as incredible moisturizing and antioxidant agents. It also contains vitamin E, which gives it additional protective and moisturizing properties. These compounds keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, strengthening its outer barrier. A stronger lipid barrier can help prevent moisture loss due to harsh environmental conditions and protects the skin cells from damage.
Fights the Signs of Aging - Rosehip oil contains high levels of skin-restoring, soothing, protecting, and nourishing elements, which aid in delaying and reducing fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, and saggy skin.
Besides restoring the skin’s moisture and combating oxidative damage, vitamins A, C, and E in rosehip oil also improves collagen synthesis in the skin. Collagen is a key component responsible for preserving the skin’s firmness and plumpness. Hence, you may want to try rosehip oil if you struggle to treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.
Relieves Inflammation - Rosehip oil is filled with natural soothing and repairing ingredients that can be useful in calming down skin inflammation. Anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and polyphenols aid in soothing dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It can reduce redness, discomfort, and itching caused by certain skin conditions, including rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Moreover, it’s highly effective in soothing and restoring acne-prone skin without making it appear oily and shiny. The healing abilities of rosehip oil can help treat photo-damaged skin.
Reduces Discoloration - Hyperpigmentation results from the surplus formation of melanin in the skin, leading to dark spots on the skin.³ Excess melanin synthesis can be triggered for several reasons, such as unprotected sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, and medical conditions.
Rosehip oil is naturally abundant in compounds that can regulate or reduce the production of melanin in the skin, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is shown to reduce signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation on the skin. Vitamin C is a skin-brightening compound that does its job by reducing melanin synthesis. Moreover, beta-carotene and lycopene also have skin-lightening effects, which can also lower melanin production.
Guards Against Oxidative Stress - As mentioned earlier, high concentrations of fatty acids and other antioxidant-rich compounds in rosehip oil fortify the skin’s natural lipid barrier, shielding the skin from free radicals, bacteria, UV rays, and all sorts of cell-damaging toxins in the atmosphere. As a result, oxidative stressors are the leading factor behind most skin issues, including premature signs of aging, inflammation, sunspots, and acne breakouts.
Prolonged sun exposure is also associated with a reduction in the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and accelerate collagen molecules in the skin. Vitamins A, C, and E and fatty acids in rosehip oil combat oxidative stressors and form a defensive layer against all kinds of external impurities that can damage collagen and the skin cells.
Enhances Skin Tone and Texture - Rosehip oil possesses a natural exfoliating ability that can help improve skin texture and tone. Vitamin A in this oil is a natural exfoliator that sloughs off the dull, uneven, and dry outer layer of the skin that comes from the accumulation of dead skin cells and other contaminants in the pores. Applying rosehip oil to your skin can remove these impurities from the pores, leaving your complexion looking and feeling fresher, softer, and smoother.
Additionally, Vitamin C in rosehip oil is a remarkable skin-regenerating and brightening element that also promotes radiant and even-toned skin. It works by facilitating faster cell repair and renewal, leading to healthier-looking skin.
Suitable for All Types of Skin - Since rosehip oil is lightweight, non-irritating, and non-greasy, it is suitable for people with all skin types. You can use rosehip oil even if you suffer from inflammatory skin problems. The deep hydrating and moisturizing action of rosehip oil makes it ideal for people struggling to manage itchy, inflamed, or sensitive skin. Also, the non-greasy and light consistency makes it great for oily or acne-prone skin.
How to Use Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil is not greasy and thick like most other natural oils. Instead, the light consistency of the oil allows it to seep quickly into the skin, delivering fast results. You can use this natural oil alone or with your moisturizer.
Although rosehip oil is gentle and safe, conducting a patch test before applying the oil to the face is always suggested to avoid any adverse effects. Apply the oil twice daily to enjoy its excellent skin benefits after you’ve done a patch test.
Final Thoughts
The magic of natural oils is why they are popular in the skincare and beauty world. Plant-based oils, including rosehip oil, have long been used for their matchless skincare and health-promoting properties. Rosehip oil is added to skincare products to achieve healthier skin and hair. This oil is great whether you’re struggling to manage oil or acne-prone skin or treat uneven, dull skin tone. This natural oil is considered safe for all skin types and offers countless benefits to provide you with a plump, radiant, and healthy-looking complexion.
Citations:
- Rasmus, Tara. (2013). ‘Lycopene: What It Is, And Why Your Skin Needs It!’, Refinery 29, Accessed April 28, 2023. Available at: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/lycopene
- Mestrovic, Tomislav, MD, Ph.D. (2023). ‘What is Linoleic Acid?’, News-Medical, Accessed April 28, 2023. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Linoleic-Acid.aspx
- S. Brooklyn. (2021). ‘How to Get Rid of Dark Spots’, Sundree, Accessed April 28, 2023. Available at: https://sundree.com/blogs/news/a-complete-guide-to-treating-dark-spots-or-hyperpigmentation
