Sesame oil: what are the different ways to use it?

The sesame oil is a golden-coloured vegetable oil with good oxidative stability. Being very low in comedogenicity and leaving a dry finish, it can be used by all skin types. The sesame oil is highly valued in cosmetics due to the various benefits it brings to the skin. Rich in fatty acids, it is particularly recognised for its moisturising and nourishing virtues, allowing it to limit insensible water loss and maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. It also exerts an antioxidant activity that protects cells and skin tissues from oxidative stress. Moreover, the ability of sesame oil to inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines allows it to soothe the skin. Finally, this ingredient increases vascular permeability, thus promoting the healing process.

Advice for using sesame oil on the skin.

• Sesame oil can be applied directly to the skin in its pure form.

  Whether it's for massage, preventing stretch marks, or overall skin care, sesame oil can be used alone on the face or body. To do this, start by taking a few drops of oil and warm the substance between the palms of your hands. You can then gently apply it to your skin, using circular motions to aid absorption.

• Sesame oil can be diluted.

  Sesame oil can also be used within a blend of vegetable oils, such as safflower, plum, hibiscus or moringa oils. Depending on the proportions used, you can adjust the sensoriality and properties of your blend. It is also possible to add a few drops of sesame oil into a dollop of your regular moisturising cream. You can then apply the treatment by gently massaging it in and enjoy its nourishing benefits.

The sesame oil can also be used to moisturise and strengthen hair, thanks to its fatty acids capable of inserting themselves between hair cuticles. Suitable for all hair types, it can give them a shiny appearance while helping to prevent split ends. Its antioxidant properties also allow it to protect the fibres and hair follicles, the anchoring points of hair. Moreover, some sources suggest that the sesame oil could accelerate hair growth by inhibiting 5α-reductase, thus preventing the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone, a molecule that accelerates hair loss. Finally, its soothing virtues make it appreciated by dry and irritated scalps.

Advice for using sesame oil on hair.

• Sesame oil can be applied to the scalp.

  If your scalp is irritated or you're experiencing mild itching, it may be beneficial to apply a sesame oil mask. Thanks to its dry texture, it can be used on the scalp without making it overly greasy. To do this, place a few drops of sesame oil on your scalp and gently massage with your fingertips, lifting your roots. Even though sesame oil is a dry oil, we recommend shampooing within the hour or the following morning.

• Sesame oil can help in taking care of hair lengths.

  Popular alternatives to commercial hair masks, vegetable oil baths can help to strengthen and nourish the hair. Thus, once or twice a week, you can apply a few drops of sesame oil to each of your strands. Then leave it on for about fifteen minutes or overnight. You can then shampoo your hair.

It is likely that the hair benefits of sesame oil could be translated to eyelashes. Indeed, eyelashes have a structure and needs similar to those of hair. To strengthen them, enhance their aesthetics, or even lengthen them, it may be beneficial to use sesame oil. For this, we recommend using a clean and disinfected mascara wand. Depositing microorganisms or dust on the eyelashes could indeed weaken them, and these impurities could end up in the eyes, potentially causing an infection. Using the mascara wand, apply the sesame oil like a mascara, repeating the movements. As cell regeneration occurs at night, it is recommended to apply the treatment in the evening, like a mask.

It is also possible to use the sesame oil on the nails. Indeed, its richness in fatty acids can be a source of real benefits for the health of the nails and allow tohydrate and nourish the cuticles. Sesame oil is also ideal for strengthening and repairing nails when they are brittle or starting to split. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it can also protect the nails from certain infections. Sesame oil can thus be used daily on the nails, applying a drop on each finger. To make them benefit longer from the virtues of this vegetable oil, you can also let them soak once a week in a bowl filled with oil, for about fifteen minutes.

Indispensable in Asian cuisine, sesame and its oil are edible. In cooking, the oil can be used in various ways to enhance dishes while providing several benefits to the body, making it popular among those seeking flavours and a healthier diet. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, an omega-6, sesame oil increases the activity of LDL receptors in the liver, thus leading to a decrease in cholesterol levels. Through this action, sesame oil contributes to the cardiovascular health.

Furthermore, this vegetable oil has a high resistance to cooking, which comes from the numerous antioxidants it contains: vitamin E, sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol, sesamolin... These compounds fight against lipid peroxidation, preventing the oil from degrading when it is heated. Therefore, sesame oil can be used in pan-fried preparations without its quality being compromised.

• SONG J. & al. Protective properties of sesamin against fluoride-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in carp kidney (Cyprinus carpio) via the JNK signalling pathway. Aquatic Toxicology (2015).

• MENG Q. & al. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): An Exhaustive Review of Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition, Health Advantages, Food Development, and Industrial Applications. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (2022).

• WEN-NEE T. & al. Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Ghee Hiang Sesame Oil Extract. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (2023).