Rosehips for rosehip seed oil for cosmetic purposes are generally grown in South America, and cold pressed in order to keep more of the active ingredients intact after processing. Where the plant grows wild, it has been honored for its high content of vitamin C and its luxurious, rich oil makes a wonderful additive for skin creams or used alone. There are good reasons for its popularity outside of the Andes where this plant is native and that is because it is so rich essential nutrients for skin.
Rose Hip Seed oil is also called Rosa moschata or Rosa rubiginosa. The oil, once processed, is a great source of antioxidants. Of even more interest in today’s skin care are its fatty acids the skin needs for repair, as well as trans-retinoic acids (vitamin-A compounds) which the body must have to maintain healthy skin but can’t manufacture on its own.
The oil is traditionally used to help reduce scarring and to help refine pores and fine lines in the skin. It has this action because the vitamin A it contains is bio-available and can be absorbed topically. Scars are marks that can affect how people feel about themselves and can serve as a constant reminder of a trauma or major life event. This natural plant oil can aid in healing scars without many of the undesirable side effects of some synthetic topical applications.
There is a well known type of retinoic acid called Retin-A, which is very strong and requires a prescription. Rosehip seed oil on the other hand, is a natural way to provide the precursors the skin needs to repair itself and allow the body to metabolize what it needs leaving the rest harmless. It also does not have the side effect of making the skin more sensitive to UV rays from the sun, so it can be used any time, day or night.
Natural products generally rely upon empirical evidence collected over hundreds of years and the proof is in the use so to speak. Synthetics generally spend millions in research and much more in double blind studies. Natural rose hip oil generally is less expensive has stood the test of time for many users over the centuries, and at the same time, has been the subject of university studies in Chile. These studies confirmed the efficacy of the oil in reducing signs of aging, and generally smoothing skin texture.
More complex natural skin care formulas are easily made with rosehip oil as the base. One can blend rosehip with other “carrier” oils such as jojoba, pomegranate seed and argan nut, for example. Then small amounts of steam or CO2 extracted essential oils can be added depending on the desired effect. You might investigate the actions of lavender, chamomile, rose and neroli for soothing the skin. Other essential oils such as myrrh and carrot can have anti-aging properties. Researching this further can be a wonderful way to create your own high-end skin care formula at a fraction of the typical costs.
The extraction method of rosehip seed is crucial to maintain integrity of the fragile essential fatty acids and antioxidants it contains. When processed, the seed oil should have a light rose color, with a somewhat “earthy” aroma. Cold pressing is not as efficient for processing but leaves more of the essential skin nutrients intact and therefore is a standard for cosmetic use of this oil. Rosehip seed oil is a natural way to help skin heal, keep it flexible and is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema as well as to help reduce scarring and signs of aging. While synthetic skin care products may have their uses, this natural plant oil has stood the test of time, and is a valuable ingredient alone or in recipes for therapeutic skin care.
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