The oil extracted from the seeds of the wild rose that the Spanish brought to Chile is excellent for preventing wrinkles and has healing properties. We explain its properties, uses and contraindications.
Rosehip oil is one of the natural ingredients that has aroused the most interest in recent years in the fields of cosmetics and dermatology.
This translucent reddish oil comes from the seeds of a variety of rose that grows wild in Chile, the rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa). It should not be confused with the essential oil of rose petals, which is obtained by a process of evaporation of the flowers of the rosa centifolia or rosa damascena.
Valued for its hydrating and regenerating capacity for the skin, rosehip oil is used alone or as an ingredient in formulations of all kinds.
Numerous studies have indicated that rosehip seed oil helps skin regeneration due to its high concentrations of essential fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins, such as C and E.
This chemical composition makes it highly suitable for dry, damaged or scarred skin.
PROPERTIES OF ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip oil has a high amount of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids: 30% omega-3 and 45% omega-6.
This fat content promotes skin regeneration, which helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles and damaged tissues: acne marks, stretch marks, burns and sun spots, psoriasis, eczema.
In particular, dermatology studies show that its continued use significantly improves the appearance of scars, even those that remain after severe burns.
Due to its emollient, moisturizing, nourishing, epithelializing and healing action, rosehip oil has multiple uses in the field of cosmetics and dermatology.
IS PURE ROSEHIP OIL BETTER?
Currently all kinds of products with rosehip oil are marketed, from hydrating and regenerating creams to cleansing milks.
It is also possible to buy pure oil, which can be used as a blending oil to create homemade cosmetics. Pure rosehip oil has a high price but it is a great cosmetic that improves the appearance of the skin and offers a natural solution to heal wounds.
The best rosehip oil is the one that comes from organic agriculture, grown without pesticides, 100% pure and extracted by cold pressing. All oils are sensitive to high temperatures but cold extraction prevents accelerated oxidation of the oil.
Like all pure oils, it is recommended to store it in dark colored bottles, away from light and heat, and tightly closed. The best thing to do is keep them in the fridge.
In the case of cosmetics that contain rosehip oil, it is not so necessary to store it cold since they usually include stabilizing ingredients that prevent the oxidation of the oil.
HOW IS ROSEHIP OIL USED?
It is so gentle that it can be applied directly to the skin.
With clean hands and face, a few drops are poured on the fingers and gently applied to the face and neck, in an upward motion.
Rosehip oil is very easily absorbed by the skin, which sometimes makes it known as a dry oil.
Minutes after applying it, the skin appears soft and hydrated, radiant but without greasy shine.
USES AND CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ROSEHIP
Its continuous application helps effectively to reduce scars and wrinkles, and to prevent aging. It is indicated for:
- Regenerated amaged tissues.
- Promote the healing of wounds and ulcers on the skin.
- Treat skin affected by burns or exposed to radiation therapy.
- Treat skin with psoriasis, eczema and contact dermatitis.
- Delay the appearance of aging lines.
- Prevent stretch marks in pregnancy.
- Treat dry hair: shampoos that include it as an ingredient are ideal for dry and split ends.
Due to its high content of fatty acids, rosehip oil is not recommended for oily skin, with excess seborrhea or acne, as it can promote the appearance of blackheads. Yes, it can help repair recent acne scars.
People with sensitive skin are better off doing a forearm test first to make sure they don’t elicit an allergic reaction.
