What Is Sea Buckthorn Oil?
Sea buckthorn oil is a red-orangish oil derived from the sea buckthorn plant. It is extracted through a mechanical cold-pressing technique. The oil contains antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, and more. It also is rich in other bioactive substances like unsaturated fatty acids, essential vitamins, carotenoids, fruit acids, mineral salts, and amino acids (1). Its balanced composition of fatty acids makes it highly efficient for treating multiple skin issues. We will explore the same in the next section.
Benefits Of Sea Buckthorn Oil For Skin
1. May Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Sea buckthorn oil contains a blend of omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids. This combination helps repair the skin barrier and treats inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (1).
2. May Offer Deep Hydration
Sea buckthorn oil can be recommended for deep skin hydration. It functions as a humectant, preserving moisture and preventing moisture loss. It could be particularly useful for parched and dehydrated skin types.
3. Improves Overall Skin Appearance
The unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in sea buckthorn oil may boost overall skin appearance. In addition, the berries of the sea buckthorn plant are believed to have 12 times more vitamin C than oranges and may offer skin an excellent antioxidant boost (2). It may also enhance skin texture and diminish age spots.
4. May Reduce Signs Of Premature Aging
The antioxidants in sea buckthorn oil, including vitamins C and E, may help reduce skin damage due to free radicals. Both vitamins are known to fight oxidative damage when used in conjunction. They also limit damage to cell membranes and may slow down premature aging (3). To combat aging, pair sea buckthorn oil with essential oils for wrinkles and maintain a smooth complexion. The palmitoleic acid in the oil is also believed to reduce scars and fine lines. However, limited research is available in this area.
5. May Improve Skin’s Structural Integrity
Sea buckthorn oil offers protection against bacterial infections, reduces inflammation, and promotes the generation of tissue lipids. The gamma-linolenic acid in the oil is known to improve the skin’s structural integrity (1).
6. Suits Most Skin Types
Applying sea buckthorn oil on the skin does not make it appear oilier. Its unique ingredients are easily absorbed into the skin. Hence, the oil can be used both by individuals with dry and oily skin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may also be used on sensitive skin. Now that we have established the important benefits of sea buckthorn for skin, let us understand how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
What’s The Best Way To Incorporate Sea Buckthorn Oil Into Your Skin Care Routine?
You can either use sea buckthorn oil as a standalone product or in combination with several other oils. Here are some ideas:
If you can find the oil in its pure form, you can apply it as a sealant to moisture your skin. It will go well with any serum or moisturize product. Do not apply the oil before using any water-based or gel-based creams or lotions, as you may end up sealing your skin and not allow the beneficial ingredients to penetrate your skin. If you cannot find a pure version of sea buckthorn oil, you may go for a serum containing sea buckthorn in combination with several other ingredients. Serums of such nature should go under a moisturizer to reach the deeper layers of the skin.
As with any skin care oil, some individuals may experience certain side effects while using sea buckthorn oil. Let us take a look at it.
Possible Side Effects Of Sea Buckthorn Oil
While sea buckthorn oil can work wonders for your skin, anecdotal evidence suggests that applying sea buckthorn oil on the skin might turn it red or itchy. In a few cases, it has been found to cause a spike in blood pressure levels leading to headache, dizziness, and palpitations. Also, it may interact with other medications and slow down the process of blood clotting, hence it is best for individuals with deep cuts or injuries on the face to avoid it at all costs. In addition to that, there is no concrete evidence available to know for sure whether it is safe to use for pregnant or lactating women. Once you decide the form of sea buckthorn oil you want to use, you can apply it to your skin to reap its many benefits. Here is how to use it: You may conduct a patch test to check for any allergies. Apply some oil to your elbow and wait for 24 hours. If you do not notice any allergies, you are good to go. Does sea buckthorn oil clog pores? No, sea buckthorn oil is considered non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. This makes it suitable for all skin types. Is sea buckthorn oil good for fungal acne? Yes, sea buckthorn has antifungal properties that may help in the management of acne (6), (7). Is sea buckthorn oil good for rosacea? Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that sea buckthorn oil contains vital vitamins and minerals that may help in treating rosacea. Seabuckthorn oil has found widespread used in cosmetics and skincare, because it helps rejuvenate the skin and improve its appearance. Watch the following video to learn more about this rare fruit oil’s immense skin benefits.
