Benefits Of Rosehip Oil For Skin And Hair

Pressed from the seeds of wild rose bushes that grow predominantly in Chile and its surrounding regions, rosehip seed oil is poised to become the next miracle beauty oil. Pure rosehip oil is reddish amber in color and has been used since ancient times by Mayans, Egyptians, and Native Americans for its healing powers. It is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that does not leave behind any messy residue. Here’s a closer look at the numerous benefits you can derive from this oil.

What Does Rosehip Oil Contain?

A lot of stuff that’s good for you! Rosehip oil contains large quantities of omega 3 (linolenic acid) and omega 6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids that can help hydrate and moisturize dry skin, besides protecting it from environmental damage. It also contains omega 9 (oleic acid) fatty acid, which guards against tissue damage and can improve overall skin health. Rosehip oil is also rich in phytosterols which have anti-aging benefits.¹

What’s more, both rosehip oil and the seed extract are rich in vitamin C, which has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has pro-vitamin A, a beta-carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A. This helps rejuvenate skin cells and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.²

These properties are why rosehip oil is increasingly being used in hair and skin products to act as a natural shield against environmental pollution, sun damage, and wrinkles, and to improve overall skin and hair health.³

Rosehip Oil Benefits For Skin

1. Scars And Stretch Marks

Perhaps the most significant benefit of rosehip oil is its effectiveness in healing scars. Be it scarring from surgery, acne, or burns, rosehip oil can help fade and heal those scars over time. One study found that regular usage of rosehip oil among patients suffering from traumatic, burn, and surgical scarring led to remarkable improvements in appearance and skin health over a two-year period. Researchers credit these healing properties to the unsaturated essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil.⁴ Rosehip oil also helps prevent and reduce stretch marks by increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity.⁵

2. Premature Aging

Studies show that rosehip oil can reverse the appearance of premature aging signs by improving skin elasticity, tone, and texture. This effect of rosehip oil is attributed to its vitamin and fatty acid content. Fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots were all found to diminish over time with the application of rosehip oil and subjects reported smoother and fresher skin.⁶

3. Eczema And Dermatitis

Rosehip oil is an excellent hydrating and moisturizing agent and is great for treating a multitude of dry skin conditions. It is particularly effective in soothing symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.⁷ Although it’s not meant to replace medication, applying a few drops of rosehip oil on affected areas can offer excellent supplementary help.

4. Acne And HyperPigmentation

Rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so using a few drops every day on acne-prone skin can reduce the likelihood of a breakout. Its anti-microbial qualities also stave off acne-causing bacteria. But do note: it is not a good idea to use rosehip oil directly on your skin if you’re experiencing an active bout of acne because it can cause irritation.

In animal studies, rosehip oil has also been found to inhibit skin pigmentation.⁸ And although research is yet to explore how rosehip oil may help reduce hyperpigmentation in human subjects, it may be a good idea to use this oil to heal scars and blemishes after a breakout. Generally speaking, rosehip oil is an excellent oil to include in your daily skincare regimen if you’re prone to acne. The oil is lightweight and won’t clog your pores.

5. Sunburn And Sun Damage

Rosehip oil is rich in tretinoin, a retinoic acid (vitamin A derivative) that can help reverse harmful effects of sun damage on your skin. It can help shed dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin and regenerate collagen to combat sunburn and everyday sun exposure.⁹ Note that rosehip oil is not a sunscreen – rather, it helps repair sun damage. Applying rosehip oil on your face and neck after prolonged sun exposure can soothe and calm your skin.

6. Dull Complexion

Rosehip oil is great for rejuvenating and refreshing tired and dull-looking skin. Its high beta-carotene and anti-oxidant properties help rejuvenate the skin and make it look fresh.¹⁰

7. Winter Skincare

Rosehip oil is highly effective when used to counter the drying effects of winter weather. Dab a few drops on your lips, heels, elbows, and knees where skin tends to chap, crack, or become rough under dry conditions. It is also supposed to help strengthen nails that are brittle and tend to break or chip easily. Apply some on your nails as well during your moisturizing routine.

How To Use:

Most bottles of rosehip oil come with a dropper. Use the dropper to dispense 3–4 drops of the oil on your fingertips and gently press or massage the oil into your face and neck and along your jawline. You could add a few drops to your bath too.

Rosehip Oil Benefits For Hair

Thanks to its fatty acid and anti-oxidant content, rosehip oil can be an elixir for your hair as well.

8. Dull Hair

It can help moisturize your hair and bring a shine to it. It has been known to nourish damaged, brittle hair too.

9. Dandruff

You may also notice significantly less dandruff and scalp itchiness as a result of using rosehip oil regularly. Some studies show that it can protect and revive chemically treated hair.¹¹

How To Use:

You can use a little bit of rosehip oil before or after a wash to give your hair a glossy sheen. Apply slightly warmed rosehip oil to your scalp, massage for about 5 minutes, and leave on for about 1–2 hours before washing your hair. Post wash and air dry, your hair will feel softer and smoother.

For a post-wash serum, simply, take a little oil and massage along the length of your hair while it is damp. Rosehip oil can also help combat frizziness in high-humidity conditions.

Side Effects Of Rosehip Oil

Keep in mind that there is no recommended dosage of rosehip oil for skincare or haircare. Although side effects are rare, allergic reactions are possible. Some of the possible side effects include rashes, watery and itchy eyes, dizziness, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and chest discomfort. We suggest you do a patch test before adding it to your regular skin regimen.

Consumption of rosehip oil could cause gastrointestinal problems and must particularly be avoided by children, and pregnant and lactating women. The high vitamin C content may also cause problems when ingested.

Things To Keep In Mind While Using Rosehip Oil

• Make sure to buy rosehip oil that is certified 100% organic. The pesticides in the non-organic oils could have adverse effects on your skin.
• Rosehip oil is most effective when it is cold-pressed because its properties and nutrients have not been affected by heat.
• Rosehip oil has a tendency to become rancid, so make sure to store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.