The rosehip, also known as the muscat rose, grows as a shrub that produces white or pink flowers and fruits that are particularly rich in vitamin C. The oil extracted from this plant accelerates skin regeneration and helps to combat the appearance of wrinkles. This article focuses on this natural substance and its numerous benefits for the skin.
Everything you need to know about rosehip oil.
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
An overview of rosehip oil.
Of botanical name "Rosa canina", the rosehip is a species of thorny shrubs related to the wild rose, belonging to the Rosaceae family. The rose bushes (Rosa canina or R. mosqueta) are found in the wild in the Andean valleys of Chile. Rosa mosqueta oil has been used for centuries by the local populations of the Andes to treat dry skin, reduce wrinkles, and combat acne problems.
The virgin rosehip oil is extracted byfirst cold pressing of the seeds harvested from the fruits of the plant followed by afiltrationon cellulose paper. It presents itself as an oily liquid of orange-red colour with a subtle rose scent. Its texture is quite greasy and it is very sensitive to oxidation. Therefore, it is preferable to keep it away from heat and light in an amber bottle, tightly sealed.
Rosehip oil has a very interesting biochemical composition for taking care of mature skin presenting wrinkles and age spots, as well as skin prone to atopic conditions with diffuse redness. It contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, carotenoids (transretinoic acid), vitamins (E and K) and squalene.
The cosmetic properties of rosehip oil.
When applied topically, rosehip oil offers numerous benefits:
Restorative: A scientific study has demonstrated the effectiveness of this oil in reducing the marks left by scars, particularly in repairing damage caused by sun exposure. This efficacy on scars stems from its high content of essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids) which promote the reconstruction of cell membranes as they themselves are constituents of membrane phospholipids. Furthermore, it prevents the overgrowth of dermis and thus the appearance of keloid scars.
Antioxidant: Rich in vitamin E, rosehip oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment to protect the skin from free radicals. As a reminder, these are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. However, when cells are faced with a stress, they produce them excessively. Stress sources are numerous, the main ones being exposure to UVA, pollution, smoking, a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules due to their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and thus cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. This accelerates ageing and wrinkles appear on the skin's surface. Rosehip oil is therefore a valuable ally in preventing premature skin ageing.
Brightening: This plant-based oil is capable of reducing brown spots. As a reminder, hyperpigmentation is due to an excess of melanin in a localised area. This phenomenon can result from a number of factors, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, the use of certain medications (contraceptive pills, chemotherapy drugs...), and age. The presence of trans-retinoic acid in rosehip oil acts on the overproduction of melanin and diminishes the appearance of pigmented spots on the skin's surface.
In which skincare products can one find rosehip oil?
The aforementioned benefits make it a preferred ingredient in certain nourishing and repairing day or night creams, to prevent signs of ageing. It is also found in soothing post-hair removal or after-sun treatments, due to its calming and repairing properties. Well tolerated by all skin types and without any contraindications, it can also be used in its pure form, on clean, dry skin, morning and/or evening.
Our rosehip vegetable oil is certified organic. It has been cold-pressed from rosehip seeds that have been grown and harvested in Chile. It also forms part of our radiance facial scrub. This is a melting gel with micro-grains of apricot kernels that unclog the pores and promote cellular renewal, for smooth skin, an even and luminous complexion.
Sources:
WINTHER K. & al. The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging (2015).
VALERON-ALMAZAN P. & al. Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications (2015).
