Derived from camelina, an oilseed plant from Europe and Central Asia, camelina vegetable oil (INCI: Camelina Sativa Seed Oil) is valued for its beneficial effects on the skin, particularly due to the fatty acids and vitamins it contains. Let's explore together how to optimally use this oil.
How to use camelina oil?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Kahina, Scientific Editor — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Camelina oil as a dietary supplement.
benefits of camelina oil for the skin by consuming it as a dietary supplement , injected into capsules. A study conducted by Anna K. SHOVELLER and her colleagues evaluated the effects of 16 days of supplementation with camelina oil ( 8.2 g of oil/100 g of total food intake) on the quality of the coat and the skin barrier in 30 dogs. It was observed that the softness of the skin, the shine, the intensity of the colour and the density of the coat follicles increased compared to the initial situation.
This can be explained by the presence ofessential fatty acids. Omega-3s, such as linolenic acid, are present at a higher rate than other vegetable oils (27.9%). They influence the production of skin lipids like ceramides, essential lipids that help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. Overall, they enable the formation of a lipid barrier on the skin which helps to maintain skin hydration, making it more supple and less prone to dryness.
Omega-6, present in small quantities (18.7%), are constituents of the cell membrane: they help to regulate its permeability and they play a role in the restructuring of the epidermis. However, the precise mechanisms with which camelina oil acts are not yet well elucidated. Moreover, no study on the impact of its consumption by humans has been conducted.
The dosages on the market are approximately 500 mg to 1 g of camelina oil per capsule, to be taken twice a day. As the concentrations are lower than those used in the study, the effects may be reduced.
The application of camelina oil on the skin.
Camelina oil is also beneficial when used in a topical application, either in its pure form with a few drops on the face in the morning or evening, or found in cosmetic products (cream, makeup...). Camelina oil is fluid, light and non-comedogenic, therefore suitable for all skin types.
In 2019, Raluca Papacocea and her team sought to demonstrate the effect of the topical application of camelina oil (0.2%) on skin renewal and healing. The camelina oil was found to stimulate both epidermal and dermal restoration. The researchers also observed a rapid regeneration of fibroblasts, and an increase in collagen synthesised by the fibroblasts treated with the camelina oil.
The fatty acids found in camelina oil are partly responsible for this outcome. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, thus facilitating healing. Moreover, camelina oil contains vitamin E and phytosterols, two antioxidants. They trap free radicals and prevent oxidative degradation, potentially helping to slow down skin ageing. In addition to their antioxidant nature, phytosterols act as humectants , capturing and retaining water. When applied topically, they support the skin's hydrolipidic film. This property is ideal for dehydrated skin.
The effect of camelina oil on hair.
Thecamelina oil can be used on the hair as a hair oil treatment. To do this, apply once a week a few drops of camelina oil on each strand, from mid-lengths to ends, and leave it on for about ten minutes. Then wash your hair with a suitable shampoo. It is also possible to find camelina oil in ready-to-use products (shampoos, conditioners, masks).
The dietary intake of camelina oil enriched in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) , which is then converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) , will help to nourish and especially improve damaged hair by repairing the hair fibre , a property demonstrated in the study on dog hair mentioned earlier. Furthermore, a study has shown that a hair application of a shampoo containing eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), will help to strengthen the hair fibre.
These studies help us understand that it is primarily the presence of EPA and DHA that allows us to observe beneficial effects for the hair. However, camelina oil does not directly contain these. Nevertheless, like all vegetable oils, applying camelina oil to the hair will form a protective film around the hair strand, shielding it from external aggressions.
Sources
BAUER J. E. & al. Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2008).
LIM S.C. & al. Development of shampoo formulated by EPA for the damaged hair. KoreaScience (2011).
PAPACOCEA R. & al. Regenerative and scare healing potential of active compounds from Camelina sativa oil and grape pomace. Romanian Biotechnological Letters (2019).
Thèse de Sonia LEPELTIER. Etude ethnobotanique de Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz (2021).
SHOVELLER A. K. & al. Effects of dietary camelina, flaxseed, and canola oil supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative markers, transepidermal water loss, and coat quality in healthy adult dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023).
