Rosehip Seed and Essential Oils - Nature's Combination for Natural Beauty

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Rosehip Seed and Essential Oils - Nature's Combination for Natural Beauty - By: Nancy Wellington, Posted on: 2007-10-17

Rosehip seed oil has become widely recognized as an effective skin and beauty care agent in the last decade, with great interest surrounding its scientifically-validated beauty-enhancing effects. The oil has been heralded as a miracle cure for skin, useful for a great myriad of conditions, from premature aging and sun damage to scarring and other damage. What is this wonderful red liquid, where does it come from, how does it work, and most importantly, can it work for you?

Rosehip seed oil is made from the seeds of the fruit of wild thorny rose bushes native to mountainous regions of South America. Also known as 'Rosa Mosqueta', the oil has been used by native people for hundreds of years.

Rosehip seed oil is produced via solvent extraction or pressing of the seed. The cold-pressed oil is the closest to nature and likely the healthiest variety - it has a high essential fatty acid content, and is considered more delicate than other common seed and nut oils. Because of it's delicate nature, Rosehip seed oil should be refrigerated, or at least kept in a dark, cool place, and used within one year of purchase.

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 included individuals with diverse forms of skin damage: deep wrinkles and other premature aging, sun damage, radiation damage, acne scarring, burn scarring, dermatitis, and more. The oil had significant, noticeable effects in regenerating the skin, reducing wrinkles and scars, and helping the skin to regain its natural color and tone. In all ways, the oil returned skin to it's original, natural healthy state for many of the study's participants.

Another later study was conducted on women ages 25-35 with extensive premature aging of their skin. Again, rosehip seed oil significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots after daily application for four months. Research has continued on the oil, with one study noting: "On some skin troubles like superficial wrinkles, chestnut spots and ephelides, good results have been obtained. After 16 weeks of treatment, wrinkles and spots become imperceptible." The oil has been used to successfully treat a long list of skin related conditions, including: age spots, wrinkles and premature aging, sun damage, scars from acne, burns, and surgery, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, brittle nails, and even dry and damaged hair.

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 is very gentle - it can be used daily undiluted; because of it's relative high cost, it may also be diluted in other oils like Jojoba, Shae Nut or Hazelnut, and will produce it's regenerative effects in dilutions as low as 1 tenth of the total concentration.

To further enhance the effects of Rosehip seed, essential oils can be added. Helichrysum Italicum, Lavender, and Carrot Seed oils are highly effective additions. Helichrysum is the premier essential oil for regenerating the skin, Lavender does the same with a very soothing and anti-inflammatory action, and Carrot Seed oil will bring hydration to dry and prematurely aging skin. Add essential oils to Rosehip seed at concentrations anywhere between 1% and 5%.

So, whether using rosehip seed oil for healing your skin, or simply giving it a little nourishment, you will almost certainly be happy with the results. This luscious oil, with its broad range of positive effects, is sure to take a prominent place in your natural beauty botanical collection.

Article Source: http://www.girlarticles.com

More information is available on aromatherapy essential oils at The Ananda Apothecary.