It’s like every year comes with a beauty product or ingredient that changes your entire skincare game.
You know, the kind that makes your admirers more drawn to you, your frenemies more envious, and your Instagram followers asking what filter you’ve been using.
Well, hold on to your seat as we’re about to decipher one of those. In fact, this might be the over-achiever of all skincare products – rosehip oil.
Rosehip oil or rosehip seed oil is one of those multifaceted skincare must-haves that flawlessly tackle acne and inflammation and has Kate Middleton (yes, an actual duchess) and other A-list celebrities swooning over it.
An ancient Egyptian times favorite, rosehip oil is loaded with just about every nourishing and anti-aging ingredient you can imagine.
It’s one of those skincare products that’s been right under your nose, and once you check out all its perks and uses, you’ll be losing it for not trying it sooner!
What is Rosehip Oil?
Not to be confused for rose water (which is derived from rose petals), rosehip oil comes from the seeds of rose bushes and is purported to be rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that work wonders on your skin.
Its reputation dates back to ancient times when Egyptians, Mayans, and Native Americans used it to treat everything from colds, muscle cramps, and stomach issues.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that rosehip oil was shown to be a skincare gem when extensive research revealed its healing properties for all forms of skin conditions.
Today, the complexion-boosting ingredient has become a beauty enthusiasts-favorite, with many saying it’s a magical elixir for dull, hyperpigmentation-prone skin.
It is also purported to be ideal for uneven skin tones, cringy cuticles, and chapped lips.
It is easily absorbed and grease-free, too.
So yeah, the advantages of using rosehip oil are unending. Here’s more on that:
The Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Even though there’s a laundry list of rosehip benefits (we can’t exhaust them in one article), here are the top ten benefits:
World-Class Moisturizer
Relax. Your mind isn’t playing tricks on you. Weeks of rosehip oil use make your skin as soft as a cloud.
Why?
It’s because the oil is chock full of essential fatty acids like omega-3 (linoleic acid) and omega-6, which seal in moisture, enhance skin barrier function, and effortlessly soften your skin.
Pro Acne-Fighter
The powerhouse ingredient contains high concentrations of retinoid (vitamin A) and omega-6 fatty acids, known for combatting acne.
Studies show that acne-prone skin is usually deficient in essential fatty acids like omega-6 (linoleic acid), and its topical application can help minimize blemishes.
Anti-Aging Virtuoso
Not only is this oil packed with fatty acids, but it also contains potent antioxidants such as beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene plays a significant role in rejuvenating the skin.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhances the skin’s natural glow, and diminishes the look of dark spots.
Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots Blaster
Listen, we’re suckers for some skin-hugging sunshine. However, sun damage ultimately takes a toll on the skin.
Again, due to its antioxidant properties, rosehip oil is the perfect ingredient to pair with your SPF 50.
It not only kicks hyperpigmentation to the curb but also allows you to soak up the sunshine without looking like an overripe tomato.
A 2015 study on patients with hyperpigmentation found that those who treated their skincare woes by using this oil twice a day, morning and evening, saw significant improvements compared to those who didn’t.
Evens Out Skin Tones
Yes, there is a cluster of beautiful unicorns who have perfectly toned and unblemished skin.
But, for those of us who constantly require a heavy foundation to nix the imperfections, rosehip oil is our gift from the heavens.
It contains the holy grail of vitamins – Vitamin C.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C quickly heals wounds, works wonders on hyperpigmentation, and evens out skin tones.
Calms Your Skin
Loaded with vitamin E and anthocyanin, rosehip oil helps quell irritation and helps address skincare woes like eczema, rosacea, acne scars, and dullness.
Nourishes Cuticles
If your cuticles and even nails have been looking cringy lately, rosehip oil is your knight on a white charger.
It not only nourishes your cuticles but also helps improve nail growth.
Therefore, next time you treat yourself to a mani-pedi, make sure to rub some rosehip oil on your cuticles and nail bed.
And, don’t worry, unlike essential oils, rosehip oil can be used directly on the skin – it works as a carrier oil—more on that below.
Acts As the Perfect Carrier Oil
If you’re an essential oil devotee, you know applying them directly to the skin triggers unwanted breakouts and irritation.
So, rather than slathering drops of lavender oil on your hair, mix it with some rosehip oil to balance out its strength before application.
Great Lip Gloss Alternative
If you love the idea of glossy lips, but frown on the gooey, greasy feel of most lip-glosses, rosehip oil is the ideal alternative.
You can dab some over your matte lipstick to liven up your look.
Fades Stretch Marks
Recent studies show that when a group of patients struggling with stretch marks applied rosehip oil twice a day for a month, their marks appeared faded compared to those who didn’t.
Another showed that when pregnant women used stretch mark cream infused with rosehip oil, they didn’t develop stretch marks. Worth a shot, right?
How to Use Rosehip Oil in Skincare
While it’s primarily sold in its pure form for direct application, you can find rosehip oil in a plethora of beauty products – from moisturizers, serums, and leave-in conditioners.
The best way to take advantage of its benefits is by figuring out your skin needs first, then making your choice accordingly.
Top Tip: Like with other skincare products, ensure to perform a patch test first before using it in your skincare routine.
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