Sesame oil to alleviate skin affected by eczema?

Cultivated for over 3000 years, sesame is among the most produced plants worldwide, particularly for its oil. Sesame oil is indeed known for its multiple benefits in the food and cosmetic industries. Most often, it is extracted directly from sesame seeds by cold pressing, an ancestral method that allows the preservation of its active principles. Sesame oil has a light and fluid texture, a golden colour, and a distinctive aroma.

Scientific studies on the effects of sesame oil on eczema are relatively few and have several limitations. Most of them do not evaluate the effect of sesame oil alone and are conducted on a very small number of patients. A study by BHUYAN conducted in 2016 notably discussed the clinical case of a 45-year-old person suffering from eczema on the hands and in a therapeutic failure situation. The hospital in charge of their care applied a preparation in the form of a paste made from Securinega Leucopyrus powder mixed with sesame oil. At their first consultation, the patient presented with severe hand pain, significant itching, and the skin was prone to infection. After cleaning and daily application of the paste for 7 days, the symptoms greatly diminished. They disappeared after 15 days, leaving the wound at the end of the healing process.

It appears that sesame oil has demonstrated some efficacy on this patient's eczema. However, this is the case of a single patient. Further investigations would be necessary to substantiate these results. That being said, the sesame oil has a range of properties suggesting its beneficial action on skin prone to eczema.

• Sesame oil maintains a good level of skin hydration.

  The vegetable oil of sesame boasts a composition rich in fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are known to strengthen the hydrolipidic film found on the skin's surface, which is often damaged in patients suffering from eczema. Moreover, these individuals typically experience skin dryness and intense itching, leading to significant discomfort. Sesame oil could alleviate these issues by providing hydration and protection to the skin.

• Sesame oil helps combat oxidative stress.

  Several constituents of sesame oil possess antioxidant properties. Notably, sesamin is capable of combating oxidative stress. This molecule can trap free radicals before they cause skin damage. Furthermore, sesamin can act on two enzymes responsible for the neutralisation of free radicals, catalase and superoxide dismutase, by increasing their activities. This antioxidant effect of sesame oil is beneficial in cases of eczema as oxidative stress can lead to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, involved in the pathogenesis of this skin disease.

• Sesame oil promotes the healing of the skin.

  Healing is a crucial stage in the management of skin conditions such as eczema. Skin that does not heal properly is more prone to bacterial infections and inflammation. The phytochemical composition of sesame oil allows it to promote cellular regeneration and increase vascular permeability, processes necessary to ensure good healing.

• Sesame oil reduces skin inflammation.

  Sesamin, a lignan found in sesame oil, has a strong anti-inflammatory activity. Indeed, it has the ability to reduce the expression of the mRNA of interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6) and to inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, sesamin contributes to the reduction of skin inflammation and its symptoms such as redness and itching, which are characteristic of eczema. Furthermore, other components of sesame oil such as oleic acid have an anti-inflammatory action that reinforces the effects of sesamin.

Sesame oil could be a complementary solution to the treatments prescribed by a dermatologist.

Whilst sesame oil may, to some extent, improve eczema in certain patients, it is crucial to remember that, in the context of such a skin condition, it is essential to consult a doctor to prevent the risks of skin allergies. Indeed, allergy to sesame and its oil is found in many people. Moreover, eczema is a dermatosis often accompanied by high skin sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to seek advice from a dermatologist, or even conduct an allergy test with them, before using sesame oil on eczematous skin.

An older study from 1973 specifically investigated contact hypersensitivity to sesame oil in individuals suffering from eczema. Out of 98 patients, 15 of them exhibited an allergy to sesame oil and experienced a worsening of their skin symptoms following its application. The study compared these effects with the application of other vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, in order to identify the constituents of the oil responsible for the allergy. It identified the unsaponifiable fraction of sesame oil, in which lignans are notably found, as being responsible for the allergic reaction. This study reminds us that there is no such thing as zero risk in cosmetics and that, while sesame oil may help some people suffering from eczema, it is not a universal remedy.

• VITANYI B. & al. Contact hypersensitivity to sesame oil in patients with leg ulcers and eczema. Acta Dermato-Venereologica (1973).

• BHUYAN C. & al. Management of Vicharchika (Eczema) with Securinega Leucopyrus and Sesame Oil: A Case Study. Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga (2016).

• JAVDANI A. & al. The Healing Effect of Sesame Oil, Camphor and Honey on Second Degree Burn Wounds in Rats. World Journal of Plastic Surgery (2018).

• KULMA A. & al. Utilisation of Natural Components Derived from Oil Seed Plants for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Conditions. Current Pharmaceutical Design (2019).

• DÖŞLER S. & al. A Cosmetic Nanoemulsion Against Seborrheic Dermatitis: Development, Characterisation and Effectiveness. FABAD Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022).