Rosehip Oil
Rosehip is the fruit of various species of the rose plant. Rose oil is from the flower’s petals, whereas the rosehip oil is the oil extracted from the nut. All roses produce fruits, but there are some varieties which are more ‘medicinal’ than others. Rosehip has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, for everything from a cold & flu remedy to gut issues. In modern times, rosehip has been getting popular for it’s topical use in skin conditions. Research has investigated rosehip and found benefit for inflammatory conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, as well as skin pigmentation, acne and scars.
What does It contain 
Rosehip oil contains many nutrients that can be beneficial both internally and externally. It contains some of the following nutrients:
- Provitamin A: Rosehip oil contains mostly beta-carotene type of plant-based vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that has multiple benefits for the skin.. The Vitamin A is known to help reduce sun damage, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and help to treat mild acne.
- Vitamin C: the Rosehip fruit is rich in vitamin C, containing approximately 700% of daily intake values. Unfortunately, the oil itself does not contain Vitamin C as it is a water-soluble vitamin. This is where tea form may be more medicinal.
- Essential fatty acids: Rosehip contains the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which helps to hydrate and keep skin cell walls strong and supple.
- Vitamin E & Carotenoids: Rosehips contain the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. These have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects that are particularly useful in in inflammatory skin conditions and protect against sun damage.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is often used topically to help with skin conditions, scars, acne, sun damage and dry skin. It is also commonly used for hair, as well as acting as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Hydration & Moisture
Due to it’s fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, is extremely hydrating for the skin. The oil absorbs very easily into skin, which allows for it’s multiple antioxidant nutrients to get to the deeper layers. Due to being so fast at absorbing, it is non-greasy so good for all skin types.
Hydration and moisture can be an issue when the weather starts to get dry and cold, as well as when skin ages. Rosehip applied topically provides great anti-aging properties, especially to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Collagen Formation
Collagen is the tri-helix amino acid protein which basically makes up our hair, skin, nails, bones, gut lining, and joints. As we age, our body stops producing collagen, which can lead to ageing skin. Rosehip oil is high in vitamins which help to produce collagen. Rosehip oil has also been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down collagen.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Rosehip is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients that help to fight inflammation topically. Rosehip may help to reduce the severity of conditions such as eczema by reducing dryness, itchiness, and irritation.
Another inflammatory skin condition, acne, can be assisted by this oil. Rosehip contains compounds like beta-carotene which reduce acne appearance, number of lesions and overall inflammation. As it is a fast-absorbing oil, it’s unlikely to clog pores and makes a good cleansing oil for those with oily and acne prone skin.
Sun Damage & Hyperpigmentation
Antioxidants contained in rosehip oil like vitamins A and E are well known to combat sun damage. Damage from UV light can lead to premature aging and impact how the body produces collagen. The oil may help to negate these effects of sun damage.
In this same regard, excess melanin formed from sun exposure or hormonal changes can also be improved by rosehip’s properties. This is due to nutrients like retinoids, lycopene and beta-carotene which reduce hyperpigmentation and potentially have melanin-reducing properties.
Rosehip Oil for Scars
Due to the essential fatty acid content and antioxidants of rosehip oil, it is great for issue and cell regeneration of the skin. Therefore it is great for using on scars and for wound healing. It not only reduces general inflammation of scars but also the colour.
Rosehip Oil for Hair
The oil of Rosehip can also be used on hair, especially for inflammatory scalp conditions. Rosehip oil can also help to strengthen scalp and root health, due to its vitamin C, fatty acid and lycopene content, which may therefore promote growth.
Our Top Rosehip Oil Product Picks 
- Acure The Essentials Rosehip Oil: This product is pure, cold pressed and 100% vegan. They use organic Rosehip from the Rosa canina Cold pressed and organic rosehip is recommended due to having highest purity and best results.
- Blessed by Nature Wild Harvested Organic Rosehip Oil: This product is a wild-harvested, organic rosehip from the Rosa eglanteria Wild-harvested rosehip is thought to have high content of nutrients.
- Every Bit Organic Raw Rosehip Seed Oil: This rosehip oil is certified organic and sourced from Chile. They bottle it at the source for maximum purity and potency.
How to use Rosehip Oil
Before using any new product on your skin, you should always spot check it to make sure it does not cause any inflammation. Some people do get skin irritation and allergies so if you have not used it before, please patch test and build up use slowly.
Skin
To use the oil, you only need 1-2 small drops. You can use it on your own, added to your moisturiser or added to another carrier oil. Use as your daily moisturiser for face and body, and when needed on scars.
Hair
To use the oil for your hair, you can either make a mask or use as a spot treatment. Massage the oil through your hair, particularly the roots and cover with a hair mask for up to 30 minutes. You can also apply rosehip oil directly to your scalp as a spot treatment for dandruff.
Final Notes
Rosehip Oil has been used for it’s incredible healing properties for centuries. Due to it’s gentle, fast absorbing nature it is great for those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne. It’s also great for reducing the signs of sun exposure and ageing.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326931#summary
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263051/
