Rosehip Oil: How Does Rosehip Oil Benefits To The Body?

Rosehips are the fruit of a rosebush – they’re what’s left on the branch when roses die and are said to have been used since ancient times by the Egyptians and Mayans. The oil is harvested from the seeds which are jam-packed with vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that offer all sorts of benefits to the skin. In fact, some say rosehip oil is the ultimate anti-aging oil – here’s a more in-depth look at that and some of its other benefits.

Anti-Aging Benefits

One of the most popular uses of rosehip oil is to reduce the appearance of aging. Its high level of antioxidants combined with the ability to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers makes it especially effective for reducing visible signs of aging and improving moisture levels.

Rosehip oil contains a significant amount of vitamin C, which is believed to be the reason it can stimulate collagen production in the skin. One study, published in 2015, found that a topical vitamin C treatment, applied for 60 days, was highly effective for inducing significant collagen synthesis. Using rosehip oil is a much safer and less expensive alternative to treatments like Botox and other chemicals for rejuvenating the skin, helping to restore elasticity and repair damage.

Preventing Stretch Marks and Lessening the Appearance of Scars

Due to its high level of vitamin C and essential fatty acid content, rosehip oil is one of the best for expectant mothers to use as it’s known to help the skin maintain elasticity. It may prevent, or even eradicate stretch marks that appear. It may also help reduce the appearance of scars.

Reduce Rosacea and Eczema Symptoms

Rosehip oil is rich in both polyphenols and anthocyanin, which can help reduce inflammation, in turn, calming irritation from conditions like rosacea, which can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing. Those that suffer from it may experience bumps, pimples, a swollen nose, and eye irritation. Rosacea can’t be cured, but rosehip oil may help improve symptoms. 

Like rosacea, eczema, which can cause dry, rough or scaly skin which may become red, inflamed and swollen, has no cure but using rosehip oil may help. When it’s applied to the skin, the oil helps it to retain moisture by acting as a layer of protection that prevents water and other oils from escaping. While many oils can do this, most stay only on the skin’s surface, and cannot penetrate other layers, whereas rosehip oil can. 

For either condition, it can be used as a moisturizer and applied directly to the skin as it’s a carrier oil rather than essential oil. However, it can be mixed with another carrier oil to provide further benefits for improvement such as jojoba or almond oil. Adding a few drops of sandalwood or chamomile essential oil may further aid in its effectiveness for rosacea.