It seems as though every week there is a new oil that looks like it promises the world, however there's a reason that rosehip oil has stood the test of time and is loved by so many. A favourite product amongst the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Middleton, rosehip oil promises countless benefits such as anti-ageing effects and brightening skin tone.
What is rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil, sometimes also known as rosehip seed oil, is harvested from the rosa canina rose bush, which is predominantly grown in Chile.
Rosehip oil differs from rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals, as it is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. As well as being full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it also contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Rosehip oil benefits
Rosehip oil boasts lots of benefits for the skin and face, and is also known to have healing properties for a number of physical issues too.
Reduces acne
By increasing cell turnover (thanks to being packed full of vitamin A,C and E), rosehip oil helps to reduce acne. It is also anti-inflammatory which helps to combat against inflammatory acne such as papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.
You might still also see the benefits on noninflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads, as vitamin A helps to regulate sebum production which can prevent this type of acne from forming in the first place.
Moisturises skin
“Used for centuries as a skin conditioner, Rosehip oil helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, repair damaged skin tissue, and nourish the skin; - it has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
"This golden oil is packed with vitamins A and C, trans-retinoic acid that promotes skin rejuvenation and repair as well as essential fatty acids such as Linoleic Acid or Omega 3 which hydrate, soften and restore your complexion," says Faye Purcell, Product Development & Skincare Chemist at Q+A.
Brightens skin
"Rosehip oil is naturally rich in vitamins E, A and some people might even be impressed to know it has more vitamin C than an orange or lemon.
"The combination of vitamins and essential fatty acids such as E linoec, a-linolenic and oleic acids keep skin nourished and plump, encouraging cell turnover time and boosting skin radiance," says SBCSkincare Educator, Lyndsey Flannery.
Boosts collagen
As we get older our bodies stop producing as much collagen - the protein that keeps skin elasticity to lessen wrinkles. This means that in order to keep our skin as wrinkle-free for as long as possible, we need to boost collagen. Rosehip oil does just that as it is rich in vitamin A which is necessary for the production of collagen.
Reduces inflammation
If you struggle with inflammation, redness and sensitivity, rosehip oil has lots of calming and healing properties to help reduce this.
"It is also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that keep your skin protected, calm and bright," says Faye.
Protects against sun damage
Whilst it shouldn't be used in place of sunscreen, incorporating rosehip oil into your skincare routine can help to combat visible sun damage as it is high in antioxidants vitamin A and E.
Reduces scars and fine lines
A 2015 study found that after 12 weeks of use, a group using rosehip oil experienced significant improvements in scar colour and inflammation in comparison to the group who received no topical treatment.
This is because rosehip oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants, which are integral for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. Not only is this great for acne scarring or marks on the face, but it also works effectively on stretch marks on the body too.
Boosts immunity
Packed full of antioxidants, rosehip oil helps to strengthen the skins barrier, preventing bacteria from getting into the skin, which can result in outbreaks and infections. Linoleic acid is a key ingredient for preventing the breakdown of cell membranes in the skin which is prominent in rosehip oil.
Arthritis and joint pain
Not only is rosehip great for your skin, it's also been proven to help with physical pain relief, particularly arthritis.
While rosehip cannot completely cure arthritis, rosehip has been found to be effective at improving the condition of affected joints and reducing inflammation. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties and it can be taken in a variety of forms to help arthritis.
Rosehip supplements, which come in a variety of options such as powders, oils and capsules have been found to significantly reduce pain, stiffness, disability and painkiller use after 15 weeks of use.
Rosehip oil side effects
Whenever you incorporate a new product or treatment into your skincare routine, there's always a chance of an allergic reaction. Speaking about Rosehip oil side effects, Lyndsey says, "Rosehip oil is suitable for all skin types and is easy to intertwine into your skincare routine. Applied topically, it's generally seen as a low risk/rare cause of irritation or for causing any serious side effects."
If you typically have sensitive skin and worry about adding rosehip oil to your routine - start by using it twice a week and the build up to more regular usage. This gives your skin the chance to get used to the product and not over do it.
However if you are prone to allergic reactions, make sure to check the full ingredients list of any new product you try and do a patch test to see how your skin copes.
If any sort of irritation occurs such as rashes, burning, redness, itching or blisters, stop using the oil immediately and seek medical attention if needed.
In some severe cases of allergic reaction, anaphylaxis is possible, so seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid heartbeat or stomach pain.
How to use rosehip oil
To be used after cleansing, rosehip oil is best used in your evening skincare routine.
"This decadent oil is best used at night, giving time for its benefits to get to work. It can be used on the skin and body, making it an excellent multi-functional ingredient," says Faye.
When using rosehip oil it's important to store it correctly in order to fully reap the benefits of the oil.
"As it's a form of oil, and just like with vitamin C, oxidation can occur the more it's exposed to air so if you want to avoid this, buy pure rosehip oil in a smaller size at a time so that you'll be able to use it entirely before it expires. You should also keep it out of direct sunlight/heat, and if possible, keep pure rosehip oil refrigerated to help sustain longer use," adds Lyndsey.