Wrinkles gradually develop over time and are the result of the loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin due to the ageing of certain cellular components. Once present, it is impossible to completely erase them, but certain active ingredients can slow their appearance and reduce their visibility. Let's explore the benefits of black seed oil against wrinkles.
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Is black seed oil effective against wrinkles?
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Published February 12, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
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How are wrinkles formed?
Upon reaching a certain age, it is entirely normal and natural to have wrinkles. These form in various areas of the face, particularly on the forehead, around the eyes and around the lips. It's worth noting that we refer to them as wrinkles when the depth of the furrows exceeds 1 millimetre. If the furrows have a depth between 0.2 and 1 millimetre, they are considered as fine lines. Several factors contribute to the development of wrinkles.
Internal causes.
As we age, many biological mechanisms slow down, or even stop. This is particularly the case for cellular renewal and fibroblast activity, which gradually decrease over the years. These dermal cells are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, molecules that respectively contribute to the suppleness, elasticity and hydration of the skin. The reduction in the level of these compounds in the dermis contributes to skin sagging and the appearance of wrinkles.
External causes.
The emergence of wrinkles is also promoted by certain external factors to the body, such as pollution, UV rays and smoking, elements that generate oxidative stress in the skin cells. This particularly damages the DNA, and collagen and elastin fibres. UV rays alone are responsible for about 80% of premature skin ageing.
Black seed oil to combat wrinkles?
Theblack seed oil originates from the Mediterranean. Typically extracted by cold pressing black cumin seeds, its richness in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids gives it nourishing and protective properties. Once diluted in another vegetable oil, black seed oil (INCI: Nigella Sativa Seed Oil) can be used on both the skin and the hair. It notably possesses virtues that allow it to prevent skin ageing.
The nigella oil prevents the onset of fine dehydration lines.
Nigella oil contains unsaturated fatty acids that work in unison to ensure skin hydration. These compounds indeed form a veil on the surface of the epidermis, similar to the hydrolipidic film naturally present, in order to protect it from dehydration and external aggressions. This botanical extract thus helps to prevent the appearance of dehydration fine lines, small superficial streaks that form on the face when the skin barrier is weakened.
Nigella oil protects the skin from oxidative stress.
The antioxidant properties of black seed oil are derived from thymoquinone, its active ingredient. This molecule operates at various levels within the skin cells to prevent damage from free radicals. Due to the double bonds present in its chemical structure, thymoquinone can particularly neutralise free radicals by donating an electron, before they attack the cellular components.
This molecule also enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase, which are antioxidant enzymes playing a key role in the elimination of free radicals. SOD catalyses the dismutation of superoxide anions O2- into oxygen O2 and hydrogen peroxide H2O2. GPx, on the other hand, facilitates the transformation of organic hydroperoxides before they can damage cells. Finally, catalase catalyses the dismutation of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Nigella oil contributes to the elasticity of the skin.
Black seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that plays a role in the synthesis of acylceramides, a family of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids of the epidermis that act as intercellular cement, ensuring the cohesion of the stratum corneum. When this layer is strengthened, the skin becomes more supple and plump, but also less prone to skin sagging.
Note : Nigella oil should always be applied diluted in another vegetable oil, usually at 10%. It's also worth noting that while nigella oil can help delay skin ageing, no study to date has shown that it has an effect on already formed wrinkles.
Sources
ANWAR F. & al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine (2013).
KIM B. & al. Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients (2021).
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