The beautiful orange liquid of Rosehip seed oil is becoming well-known as useful skin and beauty product around the
world, as scientific study has recently validated it's positive effects on many types of skin condtions. The pure
oil has produced miraculous results for some, useful for a great myriad of conditions from premature aging and
over-exposure to the sun, to lessening the appearance of many types of scarring. Where does this lusciuos oil come
from, how does it
work, and perhaps of greatest interest,can it work for you?
Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seed within the fruit of the wild thorny rose bush. Native to Chile, the plant is
now cultivated elsewhere in South America with many countries producing the oil. Also found under the name 'Rosa
Mosqueta', the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years, but only recently became known to the
rest of the world.
The oil can be solvent extracted or cold-pressed, though pressing is the optimal method, as there is no chance of
chemical traces being left in the final product. The cold-pressed oil is the most natural; the oil has an
exceptionally high essential fatty acid content ('essential' meaning the body cannot make it on it's own from other
oils), and is considered quite delecate. Rosehip seed oils hould be kept in a cool place, perhaps even under
refrigeration, away from light, and should be used withinone year of storage.
The oil is a fantastic source of natural vitamins and antioxidants - most notably, it contains a version of
vitamin A that is very similar to the active ingredient of Retin-A, a commonly used wrinkle-reducing pharmaceutical
preparation. Rosehip seed has been found to have the same positive effects as Retin-A without the side effects of
over-drying and peeling of the skin.
The first major study on rosehip seed oil was performed in 1983 by a team of researchers at the University of Santiago,
Chile. The study's participants included individuals with diverse forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other
premature aging, UV damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring, dermatitis, and other problems of this type.
Rosehip seed oil was shown to have significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and
scars, and helping the skin to regain its natural color andtone.
A seperate investigation was performed on women with noticable premature aging of their skin. As before, rosehip
seed oil has a major, positive impact on the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four
months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: "After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots
become imperceptible."
In addition to its skin healing effects, rosehip seed oil is also a perfect moisturizer due to it's high content of
essential fatty acids (EFAs). The oil penetrates the skin quickly and does not leave the skin feeling greasy or oily.
Rosehip seed oil may be used directly on the skin daily - It may also be blended with other oils like jojoba and sweet
almond, and will still give noticable results at one-tenth of the concentration. In addition, rosehip seed oil makes an
excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy, blending it withessential oils having skin regenerative properties will make
an exceptional natural skin care product.
To smooth scars on the skin, blend of twenty drops of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil in each ounce of rosehip
seed and applied daily to the area. Helichrysum Italicum essential oil is well known for its content of regenerative
di-ketones, and has long been used for this purpose. For a more luxurious beauty blend, experiment with this
combination in four ounces of rosehip seed: five drops Helichrysum, five drops Lavender angustifolia, 3 drops
Sandalwood (Pacific Island Sandalwood is an excellent choice), three drops Neroli (bitter orange flower oil),
three drops Carrot Seed oil (a very moisturizing essential oil), three drops Geranium (also for hydration), two drops
Roman Chamomile (for it's anti-inflammatory properties), two drops of Jasmine absolute and one drop each of Palmarosa and
Ylang Ylang essential oils. This blend is very much appreciated by those using it on a regular basis. Even a
simple blend using the Helichrysum and Lavender essential oils will go a long way.
Using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin or just giving it a little needed nourishment will almost certainly produce
positive, noticable effects. This fantastic oil, with its wonderful range of uses, will likely take an important place
in your natural beauty collection.
