Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

With the abundance of facial oils available today, from fan favourites like coconut to argan oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil is one I feel is often overlooked. It is not only a great facial oil for skin, but its inherent benefits also play a role in maintaining optimal internal health as well. In this post I will be shining the spotlight on sea buckthorn oil benefits for both skin and health.

What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Despite what its name may lead you to believe, sea buckthorn oil derives from the sea buckthorn shrub (also known as sandthorn, sallow thorn, seaberry or Siberian pineapple).

There are a variety of medicinal purposes for the use of the leaves, seeds and fruit of the plant. Its medicinal powers have been known for centuries and have been used in formularies from ancient Greece to ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Sea buckthorn oil can be extracted from both the fruit or the seed. This is done by cold pressing the fruit or seed followed by filtration.

The odour is musky and although they share similarities in their nutritional content, their nutrient profiles differ slightly. They also differ in colour and texture. The fruit oil is darker red colour and more viscous, while the seed oil is paler orange and thinner in consistency.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Skin

Sea buckthorn oil promotes maintenance of healthy skin due to its nutrient rich composition and fatty acid profile.

Fatty Acids Keep Skin Smooth

The fatty acids in oil create an occlusive film over the skin to reduce trans epidermal water loss and maintain skin’s hydration levels. Palmitic and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil. They smooth and soften skin while forming an occlusive layer to reinforce the protective skin barrier.

Omega Fatty Acids for Visible Skin Benefits

Sea buckthorn oil has a unique fatty acid profile in comparison to other plant oils. In fact, it may be one of the only plants to contain all four omegas – omega 3,6, 7 and 9. Typically omega supplements will boast the content of omega 3, 6 and 9 that we might entirely overlook omega 7 as a nutrient at all.

Omega fatty acids are extremely important ingredients for skin. They serve as essential building material of skin’s surface and build cell membranes. They create a more youthful looking, smoother complexion and increase skin hydration. Calming signs of redness and sensitivity, they also defend skin from environmental damage.

The rare omega 7 (aka palmitoleic acid) is a relatively new fatty acid discovery. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid and component of skin lipids and facilitate the communication between fat and muscle tissue in the body. It helps to stimulate skin regenerative processes and wound healing. Therefore sea buckthorn oil has the potential to reduce the look of scars and wounds.

Suitable for Oily Skin Types

Gamma linoleic acid (omega 6) improves blood circulation, which in turn assists with the removal of toxins and delivers oxygen to cells. The GLA in sea buckthorn oil penetrates into skin’s deeper layers, stimulates cell regeneration, relieves inflammation, slows ageing and even regulates skin sebum production. Due to the presence of omega 6, it is also suitable for oily skin types.

Typically oily skin types are reluctant to use facial oils on their skin, however sea buckthorn oil may prove beneficial for oily skin. Linolic acid found in sea buckthorn oil plays a key role in skin health. It regulates skin metabolism and sebum production, thus reducing pore blockage and blackheads.

Sea buckthorn oil also contains phospholipids and glycolipids which aid in moisturising and softening the epidermis, as well as improving skin elasticity and cell renewal. They have the propensity to reduce skin inflammation and slow the ageing process. Furthermore, sterols in the oil strengthen the lipid barrier and improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Fatty Acids in Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits:

• Saturated fatty acids soften skin and prevent trans epidermal water loss.
• Sea buckthorn oil contains an abundance of omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9.
• These omega fatty acids reinforce and smooth skin’s surface.
• They increase skin hydration and visibly strengthen skin.
• They have regenerative properties and heal wounds.
• Regulate the function of skin’s sebaceous glands.
• Protects against infections, soothes inflammation and slows ageing.
• Moisturises skin, reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity.

Powerful Nutritional Profile of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are largely due to its diverse cocktail of vitamins and nutrients. It is particularly rich in a number of vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K, P and B complex vitamins as well carotenoids, antioxidants, flavonoids, fruit acids, anthocyanins, and minerals. Essentially, it is a recipe for extraordinary healing.

Packed with polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, tocopherols and flavonols, sea buckthorn oil is a cocktail of antioxidant goodness. Sea buckthorn oil’s potent antioxidant profile combats free radicals. And thus it prevents premature cell ageing and helps to regenerate cells.

The vitamin C content of sea buckthorn oil is 15 times higher than that of an orange. It will protect against UV damage and help to even out the complexion. Read this vitamin C article for more about vitamin C’s amazing effect on skin.

In a nutshell, sea buckthorn oil fights free radicals, protects against harmful UV rays, regenerates cells and slows skin ageing. It supports wound healing, treats scars and reduces pigmentation. What’s more, it may also have a role in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Health

Due to its abundance in nutrients and essential fats, sea buckthorn oil has a significant positive effect on human health. Because of this, it has been used for centuries in ancient medicine and is now gaining popularity as a functional food and nutraceutical.

Antioxidants in sea buckthorn support the immune system and help to fight infection. Taken internally they will also help to promote healthy skin and hair.

Omega fatty acids encourage healthy cardiovascular function and support the brain and nervous system.

Omega 7 contained in sea buckthorn oil fights inflammation, lowers blood glucose and insulin resistance, as well as suppresses fat accumulation.

Flavonoids promote healthy immune system function and cell rejuvenation, as well as slow premature ageing.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sea buckthorn can provide pain relief and aid in lessening inflammatory conditions such as GI tract issues, liver inflammation and sore joints.

Products for Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

There are a number of skincare products and supplements containing sea buckthorn oil that will provide you with a myriad of sea buckthorn oil benefits. 

Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

The Ordinary Sea Buckthorn Oil

100% Sea Buckthorn Oil

Oribe Golden Face Oil

Leahlani Siren Serum

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are nothing short of extraordinary. And as more research emerges on the benefits of this wonderful plant and omega 7, I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about it over time.

Are you going to try incorporating sea buckthorn oil into your beauty routine? How about trying an omega 7 or sea buckthorn supplement?

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

The advice in this article is not a substitute for advice from your medical or healthcare provider. Unauthorised use and/or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited.

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The Rosehip Oil Skin Benefits

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, facial oils can be intimidating or a no-go altogether. I certainly have had my share of breakouts and have not always used the correct oils or emollients for my skin type. However, it has not deterred me from trying facial oils. After much searching and testing and trial, I have assembled my own carefully curated list of facial oils that I must always include in my skincare rotation. Rosehip Seed Oil is one such oil. This article is dedicated to the many rosehip oil skin benefits, so that you too have reason to try out this facial oil.

Where does rosehip oil come from?

Before diving into all the rosehip oil skin benefits, it is worth explaining what exactly rosehip seed oil is. Contrary to what you may think, rosehip seed oil is not extracted from roses. Rosehip seed oil, as the name would suggest is instead extracted from the seeds of rose hips. These are berry-like seeds that are small and red (they look a little like goji berries) and remain after a rose has lost its petals.

Extracting oil from these small seeds can be a laborious process. They can be cold pressed or extracted a number of alternative ways in order to preserve the delicate nutritional content of the oil. Due to the arduous extraction process, rosehip oil can be rather high in price. In the case of this oil, a lower price point may mean cutting corners to diminish some of the rosehip oil benefits for skin.

I would not usually advocate more expensive skincare choices, but it may be worthwhile forgoing the cheapest option in this case. To ensure quality and that you are getting all the rosehip oil skin benefits possible, it is a good idea to search for a sustainably sourced, carefully extracted variety.

Moisturising rosehip oil skin benefits

One of the most obvious rosehip oil skin benefits is its ability to act as an emollient. Like other plant oils, the emollient nature of rosehip oil allows it to soothe and moisturise skin on application. Oils can also act as a protective barrier or occlusive so that the skin retains moisture. While some ingredients like humectants keep skin hydrated by attracting water from the environment, emollients protect and condition skin. Take a look at this must-read article about humectant hyaluronic acid.

Essential fatty acid content

Another of the primary rosehip oil skin benefits is its impressive nutritional profile. Rosehip seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids. Our own bodies cannot synthesise these fatty acids. They play a critical role in normal skin function and are a huge component of cell membranes. Essential fatty acids support the formation of ceramides in the skin, which in turn help to reinforce skin barrier function.

Everyday damage to collagen in the skin’s dermis lead to skin ageing. Both dietary consumption and topical application of EFAs will help to reduce photodamage from UV rays and skin inflammation. Thus, EFAs have the ability to minimise skin ageing. Read this article all about what can be done to attenuate UV-induced sun damage.

Vitamin A

The high vitamin A content via carotenoids is perhaps one of the most valuable rosehip oil skin benefits. Vitamin A in rosehip oil will protect skin from environmental damage and inflammation. It is, after all, a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidants aid in the prevention of hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. For an explanation as to why this is one of the most important rosehip oil skin benefits, read this article about antioxidants.

The use of retinoids and vitamin A derivatives is becoming increasingly prevalent for the prevention of wrinkles. Prescription retinoids or retinols used in skincare contain retinoic acid for its potent wrinkle-fighting, skin firming properties. Retinol is pre-formed vitamin A, while beta carotene is a precursor that must be converted into vitamin A by the body.

Alternative to retinol?

Some natural skincare advocates claim that the carotenoids found in rosehip oil are a viable alternative to retinol. However, the amount of vitamin A in rosehip oil simply isn’t enough to rival clinically proven retinoids. Beta carotene found in rosehip oil does not have the extensive backing that conventional retinol does for anti-ageing and wrinkle reduction. It can however be a useful substitute in those with skin that is simply intolerant to retinols, or women who are pregnant. If you are a more “natural” beauty advocate, you are going to want to take a look at this article about the best botanical extract alternative to retinol.

(Tangent: I use the word anti-ageing as a blanket term to describe the process of ageing “gracefully” with intention, using health and skincare methods. As I have mentioned before, I am not at all against ageing. Ageing is a privilege. I am not advocating the complete prevention of ageing or doing everything in your power to freeze your face in time. The term in this case describes the process of embracing getting older, while taking steps to care for yourself along the way. I know it doesn’t need clarification, but I would not want anyone to misunderstand my use of the word.)

Vitamin C

Rosehip seeds are packed with the powerful antioxidant vitamin C. I wrote an entire article going in depth about all the rest of vitamin C’s skin care benefits. This vitamin is great at brightening the skin and fading dark marks. In fact, rosehips are one of the best sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In spite of this, much of the vitamin C content is degraded during the pressing and extraction process. Not to mention, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and so this may mean that the vitamin C from rosehips is not actually bioavailable.

Anti-inflammatory

The potential to combat inflammation is one of my favourite rosehip oil skin benefits. Rosehips are a source of natural lycopene, also found in fruits like tomatoes. Lycopene promotes healthy skin due to its UV-protecting abilities and anti-inflammatory properties. As a child I was encouraged to eat toast with olive oil and tomatoes for this reason and tomatoes are now one of my favourite fruits!

Along with flavonoids and antioxidants, rosehip oil’s high composition of unsaturated fatty acids provides additional protection from inflammation. The anti-inflammatory factor is such a key aspect of rosehip oil benefits for skin in those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Wound healing

The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil also help to promote skin regeneration. At the same time, rosehip oil contains vitamin E, yet another robust antioxidant. Vitamin E has impressive wound-healing, nourishing qualities. Vitamin E can also help boost protection when paired with other antioxidants like vitamin C.

A non-greasy oil

Rosehip oil is a dry oil – that is, it absorbs into skin quickly. This is one of the many rosehip oil benefits for skin especially for acne-prone, oily skin individuals. It does not leave a greasy film over the skin, but sinks in with ease while still infusing your skin with moisture. For oily or acne-prone individuals who are apprehensive about adding a facial oil to their routine, I would definitely recommend trying rosehip oil.

What to look for in a rosehip oil

Rosehip oil should be a rich amber colour. A pale hue may be an indication that the oil has been more refined or obtained from an inferior source.

Because of the delicate composition of the oil, rosehip oil is light sensitive and can easily go rancid. One should therefore store rosehip oil in a dark container away from direct sunlight or heat exposure.

Choosing an organic cold-pressed variety will ensure you are preserving the nutritional content and integrity of the oil.

In order to retain the rosehip oil skin benefits, the method of extraction should be taken into consideration. A less highly processed means of extracting the oil will often result in a higher price point. This is due to the preservation of the oil’s nutritional content and overall quality. Because of how delicate rosehip oil is, I would be careful about trying to cut corners and expenses when choosing your rosehip oil.

To find out exactly where a facial oil should go in your routine, check out this guide to layering skincare.

Rosehip Oil Recommendations

Here are a few fantastic, tried and true organic rosehip oil options:

Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil – This is a high quality, certified organic, pure rosehip oil sourced from South America. The bottle comes with a hefty 45ml of product but is also available in a smaller bottle. I would suggest purchasing the rosehip oil from here if you are in the USA.

Pai Rosehip Oil – This rosehip oil is sourced by supercritical extraction, rather than cold pressing. The process promises a purer, less refined product than other extraction methods. It contains added rosemary extract and vitamin E for increased stability. If you’re in the US, you need to check out this oil at this amazing clean beauty store.

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – For a relatively affordable rosehip oil, check out this one from The Ordinary. They aren’t the best at keeping up stock – which is frustrating – but can easily be found on Amazon.

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Let me know, have you tried rosehip oil? What is your favourite oil to use on your skin? If you would like to read about another of my favourite oils, take a look at this article about avocado oil for skin.

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are my own.

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