Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Rosehip oil is a rich and luxurious treat that hydrates and moisturizes your skin. It helps calm inflammation and dryness, and fights against environmental damage to your skin.
What is Rosehip Seed Oil?
Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit (called rosehips) of the wild rose bush. Rosehip oil feels rich to the touch. The oil is a rich yellow-orange color, and has a light somewhat nutty or earthy scent. The color of the oil can give the skin a warm glow—though some with lighter skin feel like it can leave an orange or brown tone on the skin if they use too much.
Skin Benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil
- Moisturizes and hydrates the skin
- May help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve appearance of dark spots
- Improves scars
- Brightens skin
- Boost new collagen formation
- Reduces inflammation on the skin
- Protects against environmental pollution and skin damage
What’s in Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip seed oil is chock full of antioxidants, fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents. These properties make rosehip oil helpful for supporting a healthy, smooth and even skin tone. Rosehip seed oil is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It also contains antioxidants (which work to prevent damage to your cells!) such as vitamin E, tocopherols and carotenoids. These components of rosehip seed oil make it a wonderful agent for combating the inflammation that causes uneven and dull skin.
Rosehip powder was also found in one study to improve wrinkles, skin moisture, and the elasticity of the skin. It blocks an enzyme called MMP-1 which breaks down your collagen. Rosehip oil can also help improve scars. This study looked at applying rosehip seed oil to scars. Look at these before and after shots:
Scar before and after rosehip oil treatment
How to Use
There are hundreds of rosehip seed oils out on the market. Many of them are probably pretty good. A good one to try is Radha Rosehip Oil. A little goes a long way. It has a nice texture and gives the skin a warm glow.
Rosehip oil is not a medication, so if you have a skin problem, definitely check with a dermatologist first! Before using rosehip oil for skin, be sure to do a test spot on your skin to make sure that it isn’t irritating for you. You can then use it once or twice daily as a moisturizer or skin treatment. It’s very rich, so a little will go a long way. Be sure to store it in a cool and dark place to extend its shelf life.
Image credit: P Valerón-Almazán et al, Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications Vol.05 No.02(2015),
