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Are you after something to improve the appearance of your skin which may even have the potential to reverse the effect of the ravages of time on time on your skin? Rosehip oil is a natural product that is building its reputation as a fragrant anti-ageing phenomenon.
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Rosehip oil is obtained from the ‘hip’ (or fruit) of wild roses normally by cold press extraction. Both the seeds and the outer layers of the fruit are very high in vitamin C, anti-oxidants, beta carotene and anti-oxidants. In addition, rosehip is packed with some essential fatty acids which beauticians claim can play a part in skin regeneration.
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As Rosehip oil is a fruit oil then:
There is no requirement to dilute it in a carrier oil
It is suitable for those with sensitive skin
It is suitable to be used at all ages from babies through to the elderly
It is easily absorbed by the skin
It does not clog the skin unlike many moisturisers.
It can be applied on dry and oily skin as it has balancing properties.
Rosehip oil is packed with several nutrients that are beneficial for the skin. These include:
Topical trans retinoic acid (Vitamin A) - may help with skin that has been dehydrated as well oily skin. In the synthetic form it is known as Retinol but Rosehip oil may produce all the same beneficial results as Retinol but it does not appear to have any of the side effects that the drug has.
Linoleic acid- an omega-6 fatty acid with assists in preserving a natural barrier with the environment.
Oleic acid- improves overall skin condition and suppleness and is an omega-9 fatty acid.
Linolenic acid- this softens and moisturises the skin and is an omega-3 fatty acid.
Beta carotene - a skin antioxidant that may reduce signs of premature ageing.
Lycopene - antioxidation properties.
In addition, Rosehips are claimed to have higher levels of vitamin C than many of the citrus family and traditionally were used in syrups, jams and teas. The vitamin C is mainly found in the shell of the fruit whereas the other nutrients tend to concentrate in the seed.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil on the Skin
Whilst the research into Rosehip oil by no means complete, there are indications that it may well have significant benefits to the skin in a number of conditions. For example a 1988 study (1) suggested that when rosehip oil was applied to aged skin then
Surface wrinkles started to disappear
Spots faded
At the end of the study the volunteers’ skin had a smooth and fresh appearance.
Others have studied the application of rosehip oil on scars. In one study on mastectomy patients, after three months of application via gentle massage, the researchers found that the scars were less noticeable and that the elasticity of the skin had significantly improved.
Other skin conditions for which application rosehip oil may be considered:
stretch marks
scarring from acne, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, etc
dermatitis
crow’s feet and wrinkles
burns
sun damaged skin
dry skin.
Rosehip oil can be considered to be a great moisturiser which does not clog the pores and can be used by virtually anyone of any age. Beauticians suggest that it should be used daily prior to any exposure to the sun. Daily application can assist in reversing damage and give anyone skin a younger and healthier appearance.
(1) Contributions to Identification and Application of Active Components Contained in Rosa Aff. Rubiginosa. The authors were Dr Bertha Pareja, Principal Professor, Faculty of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru and Dr Horst KehI, from the School of Pharmacology of the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
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