Is black seed oil effective against 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.