Rosehip oil is an oil that is extracted through wild rosehip seeds. It is rich in fatty acids, like linolenic acid, as well as vitamin A and C. This oil contains a regenerative effect that helps to maintain the skin’s integrity, and can be used to treat stretch marks, keloids, bruises, scars, wrinkles and smile lines.
Rosehip oil is also able to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the innermost layers of the skin, which can contribute to skin firmness. It also have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, which can speed-up wound healing. It is a natural hair-strengthening remedy and promotes hydration deep within the follicle.
This oil can be purchased at pharmacies, natural health stores and beauty stores. Lotions are often found in concentrations between 2% to 10%, while pure oil can be found in concentrations of 100%.
Health benefits
Rosehip oil is particularly recommended to treat dry and rough skin, as it is rich in oleic acid, linolenic acid and vitamin A. These components have a regenerative effect on the skin.
This oil can also be used for many other reasons, like:
- Burn treatments
- Post-operative and wound healing
- Fading of old scars and stretch marks
- Ulcers
- Diaper rash
- Psoriasis and skin
- Prevent signs of early aging in the skin
Rosehip oil can also be used in pregnancy and applied to the belly to prevent stretchmarks. You should follow directions as instructed by a dermatologist.
For dry and broken hair strands, this oil can be applied to hydrate, boost shine and control frizz.
How to use
Rosehip oil can be used on the skin and on the hair in the following ways:
On the skin
To use rosehip oil on the skin, you should apply drops directly on the skin and massage it in, using light, circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure full absorption. The oil can be applied once or twice a day, mainly in drier areas of the skin, or in areas with scars, stretchmarks or wrinkles.
To prevent stretch marks, your dermatologist may recommend two applications per day.
On the hair
Rosehip oil can be used on the entire hair and scalp. Apply some drops to the head and massage it into the scalp in circular movements for 5 minutes, then apply along the rest of the hair. You can complete these process once per week. If you use rosehip in lotion form, you can apply it to damp hair for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it out, making sure to use your shampoo and conditions as you normally would.
How to make
It is possible to prepare rosehip oil at home to nurture and add brightness to your skin. For this, you will need:
Ingredients
- 30 to 40 g of rosehip oil
- Almond oil
- A glass jar or container with a lid
- A dropper
How to prepare
First, cut the seeds in half and place them in the jar. Then pour the almond oil over them, enough to fully cover the seeds. Close the jar and allow the seeds to soak in the oil for about 20 days. After this time has passed, you can strain the infusion and transfer the oil to a dropper. Be sure to keep out of the heat and out of direct light.
Rosehip oil hair mask
To make a rosehip oil hair mask, add 2 to 3 drops of the oil to a hydrating hair cream and use as instructed. You can use rosehip oil purchased from the pharmacy or you can make your own at home.
Anti-wrinkle cream with rosehip oil
Another way to use rosehip oil is as an anti-wrinkle cream. This cream can help to hydrate and smooth out the skin, as well as prevent wrinkles and smile lines on the face.
Ingredients
- 5 ml os rosehip essential oil
- 20 ml of coconut oil
- 30 ml of beeswax
- 1 ampule of vitamin E
- A glass jar with a lid
How to prepare
Place the coconut oil and the beeswax in a small pot, and place this pot in a larger pot with water. Place these over heat and mix the ingredients until they melt and mix together. Once combined, add the rosehip and vitamin E ampule, mix and allow to cool. Store in the refrigerator.
This cream can be applied several times per day. It is particularly effective when applied to the face at night, before going to bed.
To make this cream more liquid, you can add 30 ml of coconut oil and just 20 ml of beeswax. If you want the cream to be thicker, add 40 ml of beeswax and just 10 to 15 ml of coconut oil.
Contraindications
Up to now, there is no evidence available about applying rosehip oil to open wounds. Therefore, you should only apply it to intact skin.
