Face Oils That Work: Rosehip Oil

Amongst the Holy Grail oils that people swear by, coconut oil may be the most touted one. But, did you know that there’s another miraculous oil that’s endorsed by both Royalty and celebrities alike for its amazing benefits?

That’s right! Prominent figures like Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Miranda Kerr love rosehip oil, a wonderful face oil that brings with it a host of benefits worth celebrating. Curious if you should also consider it in your routine? Let’s find out!

What is rosehip oil?

Also known as rosehip seed oil, it’s derived from the fruits left behind by dead roses when you leave them on the bush. The best variants that yield the most amount of oil are Rosa canina and Rosa rugose. This oil is known for its miraculous skin benefits and healing properties, making it especially good for people with sensitive skin.

If you’ve been suffering from acne and have been doing your own research, you may have come across rosehip seed oil and its benefits for blemish-prone skin. This is due to the high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid) and vitamins, which are great for treating acne and a range of other skin conditions.

How does it work?

Rosehip oil is rich in:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin F
• Gamma-linolenic acid
• Oleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Linoleic acid

These are all beneficial ingredients for your skin and even though there’s not enough scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s extremely beneficial for your skin - especially if you have damaged, sensitive skin.

What are the benefits of rosehip oil for your face?

From back in the days of Hippocrates, rosehip oil has been used for centuries to achieve amazing skin. Here are the golden benefits that people (and some research) swear by:

• Hydrates your skin - Moisturising your skin is a must no matter your skin type and rosehip oil is a master at this job. Rich in essential fatty acids, it keeps your skin cells strong so they don’t lose hydration.

• Reduces inflammation - Inflammation can cause skin issues like acne, eczema, dermatitis, etc and rosehip oil can help combat these conditions thanks to potent components like anthocyanin, vitamin E and polyphenols which calm your skin and soothe irritation and redness.

• Helps with hyperpigmentation - Vitamin A and C in rosehip oil, along with other ingredients like beta carotene and lycopene help lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots by reducing the melanin content in those areas.

• Treats acne scars - Rosehip oil can reduce the appearance of acne scars by combating it with skin lightening agents and by keeping the skin hydrated, which is believed to help reduce the signs of scarring and discolouration.

• Anti-ageing benefits - Both vitamins A and C are known to boost collagen production in your skin, which is essential for maintaining firmness and elasticity. Consuming it orally can also help in reducing fine lines around the eyes.

• Exfoliates and brightens skin - Retinol (vitamin A) in rosehip oil helps boost cell turnover, thereby aiding in skin exfoliation, leaving your skin brighter and younger-looking.

• Protects against sun damage - Vitamins A, E and C work together to combat sun damage and sun-related ageing symptoms. Rosehip oil also helps to reduce the damaging effects brought about by UV rays, but you should never replace your sunscreen with this oil.

What’s the best way to incorporate rosehip oil into your skincare regime?

Before going ahead with any skincare product, especially natural ones, you should always do a patch test first. If your skin doesn’t react negatively to it, go ahead and add it to your skincare regime for its amazing benefits.

• Cleanse - Wash your face with a mild cleanser like the Carmesi Foaming Face Wash to gently remove the dirt buildup from your face.

• Moisturize - After you’ve cleansed your face, use a gentle moisturizer like the Carmesi Soothing Moisturizer to hydrate your face without feeling greasy.

• Apply rosehip oil - You can use this twice a day with the same routine and apply 2-3 drops on your face and neck. Gently massage it and let your face absorb the oil. If it’s daytime, make sure to follow it up with sunscreen.

Are there any side effects you should be worried about?

Usually, this oil is safe for all skin types, even the ones that are very sensitive. But, you may still be allergic to rosehip oil and see a doctor if you start noticing any of the following signs and symptoms.

Moderate allergy

• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin that gets red and starts to itch
• Watering eyes
• The feeling of scratchiness in your throat

Severe allergy

Some people are severely allergic to rosehip oil and develop a case of anaphylaxis which requires immediate medical attention, and, its symptoms include:

• Aching stomach
• The feeling of choking or difficulty in breathing
• Swelling on your face, mouth or throat
• Rising heart rate
• Wheezing