Rosehip Oil: The actual benefits and how to use them

The skin is the largest organ in our body. It is composed of water, fats, proteins and minerals. Being the outer layer of the body, it is prone to dryness, sun damage, collagen loss due to aging, overexposure to dry weather, ultraviolet rays, pollution and dust. To revitalize our skin we need more vitamins that our skin loss. Oil such as rosehip oil is a good natural source of vitamins that our skin needs. It's lightweight  and easy to find in grocery stores.

Table of contents 

What are rose hips?

Rose hips are a type of pseudo-fruit from plants in the Rosa genus, which is part of the Rosaceae family. The Rosa genus has around 100 species, which are found all over Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. 

In Europe, the most common and most researched is the Rosa canina species, which is a native shrub. Pseudo-fruits from the Rosa species have been used for both food and medicine because of their high level of bioactive compounds. 

Composition

Rose hips are packed with vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids that have strong antioxidant properties.

The seeds in rose hips are full of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. 

How Rosehip oil is made ?

Cold pressing. This is the most common method of preparing carrier oil. The oil is extracted from the fatty part of the botanical plant using a pressing machine and the natural heat generated by the friction of the machine.

Cold Expeller Pressed. This method is similar to cold pressing, but the additional heat is kept to a minimum. The cool condition is necessary to preserve the natural nutrients in the oil.

Solvent extraction. This process uses a solvent to extract the oil. This process destroys the natural nutrients and fatty acids of the oil, leaving only remnants of the solvent mixed with your oil.

Rosehip oil benefits 

• Moisturises and Hydrates: This oil helps to moisturise and hydrate skin by protecting layers of the skin and acts as a barrier to prevent water from escaping too much through skin. It improves skin texture and prevents dryness, making skin supple and softer.

• Soothes inflammation: Rosehip has an anti-inflammatory agent, polyphenols, that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. 

• Anti-ageing: The antioxidant properties in rosehip stimulate the synthesis and restoration of collagen, improving skin elasticity and firmness. This makes it effective to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, leaving skin looking youthful.

• Brighten Complexion: the vitamin C helps brighten skin and even out skin tone. If you have dark spots, this oil may help to reduce them, leaving skin looking more radiant. 

• Non-comedogenic: Rosehip oil is non-comedogenic,which means it won't clog pores. This makes it a great choice for acne-prone or oily skin, as it hydrates without causing breakouts.

• Heals sun damage: The vitamins and antioxidants help reverse sun damage, reduce UV-induced wrinkles, and restore the skin’s natural glow. It’s often used in formulations aimed at repairing the skin post-sun exposure.

How to use rosehip oil on the face

• As a moisturizer: Apply 2-3 drops of rosehip oil directly to your face after cleansing. Gently massage it into damp skin for better absorption. It can be used alone or layered under your regular moisturiser to boost hydration.

• As a Serum: Use rosehip oil as a treatment serum, especially in your evening routine. After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops to target areas such as fine lines, wrinkles, or scars. This allows the antioxidants and vitamins to work overnight to regenerate skin cells.

• Mix with Your Cream: If you prefer lighter coverage, add a few drops of rosehip oil to your daily moisturiser and mix before applying it to your skin. This will still deliver the benefits without the feel of extra oil.

• For hyperpigmentation or scars: Apply rosehip oil to areas with dark spots, acne scars, or stretch marks. Its content helps fade pigmentation over time. Use it daily for best results.

Tips:

• Patch Test First: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, perform a patch test before using rosehip oil regularly.

• Trials and Observations: Different skin types may need different amounts of oil. Be mindful of how much oil you take before applying it to the skin. Always start with small amounts and add more if necessary.

• Store Properly: Keep the oil in a dark, cool place, as exposure to light and heat can degrade its efficacy.

Conclusion 

Rosehip oil is good for skin. It is rich in fatty acids, which is essential for our skin, and can work wonders on our skin. It can help our skin regenerate faster, which means that it helps reduce aging,  minimise the appearance of scars.