By Hannah Wardle
Rosehip oil is a cold-pressed virgin oil which is extracted from the fruit of rose plants. It is lauded by skincare experts for being rich in nourishing vitamins and highly moisturising for the skin. So how exactly does rosehip oil help the skin? And how can you use it for maximum skincare benefits?
Where Does Rosehip Oil Come From?
‘Rosehip’ is a generic name which refers to over 70 various species of the rose plant, such as Rosa moschata and Rosa canina. The wild plants are found most commonly in Chile, South America, where most rosehip oil is sourced from. Rosehip oil is not the same as Rose oil, which is extracted from the petals of the rose plant; instead, rosehip oil is produced by cold-pressing the wild rose plant’s fruit and seeds.
Skincare Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil has been used medically for many years to treat scarred or wounded skin. Its high concentration of essential fatty and unsaturated acids, which allow it to assist the skin’s natural repair systems. These properties give rosehip oil a wide range of benefits when used on the face for cosmetic purposes too, such as:
Moisturising
Using oils such as Rosehip Oil on the skin as moisturisers can be a great way to balance the skin’s natural oil production levels and hydrate the skin. Rosehip Oil, in particular, can boost skin hydration, because it contains fatty linoleic and linolenic acids which help the skin the retain moisture. Studies have shown ingestion of rosehip powder to increase moisture levels in the skin of the face.
Rosehip oil can also help the skin retain moisture by boosting collagen production. Collagen is a protein produced naturally by your skin which helps it to retain moisture; rosehip oil contains Vitamins A and C which are essential for collagen production, so it can allow for an increase in collagen which helps keep the skin hydrated.
Anti-Ageing
Avoiding signs of ageing in the skin involves protecting the skin cell membranes from damage and deterioration. Rosehip oil can be effective at preventing signs of ageing by protecting the skin cells from damage, thanks to its antioxidant capabilities.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction which naturally occurs in the body which can cause damage to skin cells. While some levels of oxidation in the body are healthy, by preventing oxidation reactions in the skin, antioxidants can help protect skin cells and prevent their deterioration. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and various flavonoids, all of which are known for their antioxidant activity.
This study conducted in 2015 found that the use of rosehip oil over eight weeks was highly effective at reducing the depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, known as ‘crow’s feet’.
Reduces Scars and Hyperpigmentation
Rosehip oil can be effective at smoothing skin tone/texture through its ability to fade scarring and hyperpigmentation. This 2015 study which used Rosehip Oil to treat post-surgical scarring found the oil to have ‘a beneficial effect on clinical appearance of scars’, reducing redness and accelerating the healing process.
Hyperpigmentation refers to the localised increase in pigmentation in sections of the skin, which can give the skin an uneven and discoloured appearance. The most effective known treatment for hyperpigmentation conditions is retinol, a nutritional compound which has many skincare benefits and can be found in Vitamin A. Rosehip Oil is rich in Vitamin A, meaning it contains these retinoids which can help to treat hyperpigmentation.
Is Rosehip Oil Safe To Use On Skin?
Though rosehip oil is generally safe for use on all skin types, it is possible to experience allergic reactions when used topically. If you’re using rosehip oil on your skin for the first time, make sure to patch test first by applying the oil to a small area of skin and waiting 24 hours to observe any reactions in the skin. Only continue with use if your skin shows no signs of reaction to the oil after testing.
How To Use Rosehip Oil For The Skin
Rosehip oil can be applied to the skin at night after moisturising for maximum benefits. It can be used alone or as a carrier oil for essential oils which are not safe to apply directly to the skin by themselves. Rosehip oil is used as a carrier oil in our 100% Natural Night Oil, which combines Rosehip Oil with sweet orange and lavender essential oils to soften and rejuvenate the skin overnight.
Conclusion
Rosehip oil has a multitude of benefits due to its moisturising, anti-ageing and healing properties. Generally safe for all skin types, you can find Rosehip oil in our Night Oil!
Have you ever tried Rosehip oil?