Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is extracted from the wild rose which can be found in various parts of the world, including South Africa and Europe.
The oil is extracted from the small fruits that grow behind the flowers. Rosehip oil has a natural woody-smell. It lacks the rosy fragrance since it is not acquired from the flower. The color of the rose hip seed oil ranges from a dark golden hue to light yellow.
Since the ancient times, rosehip oil has been widely used due to its exceptional benefits to the skin and hair.
Today, most cosmetic industries are using rose hip seed oil to produce cosmetic products such as moisturizers and lotions.
Rosehip oil is popular in the cosmetic industry because of its skin and hair rejuvenating properties. It is also capable of healing various skin conditions.
Rosehip seed oil is made of various chemical substances that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
The oil contains a bounty of nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E. It is also rich in essential fatty acids, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.
Other therapeutic substances that can be traced in the oil include flavonoids, carotenoids, and trans-retinoic acid.
Health Benefits Of Rosehip Oil
1. Anti-Aging
Rosehip oil provides the skin with anti-aging benefits. The oil is rich in antioxidants that help to prevent the skin from aging.
It is also capable of penetrating the deeper layers of the skin to give the skin a super light and non-greasy appearance.
The deeper penetration is facilitated by vitamin A, which exists in small molecules. Vitamin C and A enhance the production of collagen in the skin.
Rose hip seed oil is the safest option for individuals who want to avoid the use of chemicals in their skin.
The skin rejuvenating properties of vitamin C and lycopene makes it exceptional when it comes to repairing the skin surface and restoring its elasticity.
2. Protection of the Skin From Age Spots
The UV rays of the sun can damage the skin resulting, in age spots and skin discoloration. Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants that are capable of protecting the skin against damage by the sun’s UV rays.
The vitamins that are found in the oil have been shown to improve the skin's tone and pigmentation.
Vitamin C counteracts the reduction in collagen that results when the skin is exposed to direct UV rays.
Rosehip oil can also get rid of the irritation and redness that occurs on the skin upon exposure to the sun for an extended period.
3. Rosehip Oil Helps Manage Eczema and Acne
Rose hip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that are known to promote skin regeneration.
The process helps in getting rid of scars and minimize the effects that are caused by eczema.
The essential fatty acids that are found in rosehip oil act as emollients to enhance the flexibility of the skin and help the process of self-repair.
Vitamin A that is present in rosehip oil plays a role in the management of eczema due to its ability to improve the skin texture and tone.
The essential fatty acids are also known to minimize the occurrence of dry scalp and itchiness that may be caused by the use of chemicals.
4. Source of Lycopene
A study that was conducted in 2003 revealed that rosehip oil is an excellent source of lycopene.
Lycopene has antioxidant properties that help in protecting the skin from damage caused by harmful free radicals. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
How To Use RoseHip Seed Oil
It is advisable to add vitamin E to rosehip oil to increase its shelf life. It should be kept in a refrigerator or in a cool, dry place to prevent it from degrading.
Cold-pressed rosehip oil is the best option because its nutrient content is not altered by the heating process.
Rose hip oil is classified as dry oil, and it can be applied directly to the face with gentle massaging motions. It can also be used in various skin care recipes.
It is advisable to apply the oil twice a day for maximum skin care benefits. However, it should be noted that rose hip seed oil does not protect the skin against sunburns.
Rosehip oil should not be applied directly to the active acne for a maximum healing of the skin condition.
Risks And Side Effects
Adverse effects of rosehip oil are rare. However, there have been cases of allergic reactions in individuals using rose hip seed oil for their skin conditions.
The allergic reaction may be mild or severe, and they include the occurrence of hives or rashes, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The patient may also complain of chest discomfort and wheezing.
Top Products Containing Rosehip Oil For Skincare
1. InstaNatural Organic Rosehip Seed Oil
InstaNatural is a pure and natural product that is formulated with cold-pressed rose hip seed oil. It is free from unnecessary fillers and dilutions that may be unfriendly to the final user. The oil helps in reducing wrinkles and dark spots that are commonly seen in the skin.
The product is capable of reversing the effects caused by the sun on the skin by nourishing and moisturizing the skin.
It is indicated for various skin conditions including dry, flaky, and rough skin. InstaNatural Organic Rosehip Seed Oil has an overall rating of 4.4 stars out of a possible five stars on Amazon. It is sold at $20.87.
2. Organic Rosehip Oil Cold-pressed
The product has only one primary ingredient. It has pure organic rosehip oil with no fillers added.
The product has been produced using the highest industrial manufacturing standards. The oil should be applied topically to get rid of wrinkles, stretch marks, and rashes, among other skin conditions that are common.
The Organic Rosehip Oil Cold-pressed has a rating of 4.5 stars out of a possible five on Amazon. It is sold at $13.29.
3. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil
Radha Rosehip oil is 100 percent cold-pressed, making it the perfect choice. It is indicated for various skin conditions including eczema, dry skin, stretch marks, and psoriasis.
Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil has a rating of 4.4 stars out of a possible five stars on Amazon. It is sold at $13.95.
Rosehip Oil Skincare Review Summary
As discussed above, rose hip seed oil is a nourishing natural oil that helps to keep the skin healthy. However, before applying rosehip oil in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, it is advisable to speak to a medical doctor.
The doctor will help in deciding whether the oil will assist in the treatment of the particular skin condition.
