What are the different modes of using safflower oil?

The safflower oil is a vegetable oil that presents itself in the form of a light orange liquid with a hazelnut scent. Non-comedogenic and safe to use, it is a friend to sensitive and dry skin that is lacking in lipids. The safflower oil indeed has nourishing and protective properties that allow it to insert itself between the cells of the horny layer to ensure their cohesion. It also acts to strengthen the skin barrier and the hydrolipidic film while reducing water loss.

Furthermore, studies in vitro have highlighted certain effects of safflower oil that could prove interesting for preventing skin ageing. In addition to being an antioxidant, this ingredient inhibits the activity of collagenase and elastase, enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin. Safflower oil thus protects these protein fibres essential to the skin's structure. Finally, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that allow it to reduce irritations and redness.

How to use safflower oil on the skin?

• Pure : Safflower oil can be applied directly to the skin. Take a few drops in the palm of your hand and gently massage the area you wish to nourish. In addition to stimulating blood circulation, these actions will allow the oil to be effectively absorbed by the skin. You can use safflower oil on both your body and your face. However, ensure to use a non-oxidised oil to fully benefit from its properties. The oxidation of the compounds in the safflower oil can compromise its quality and potentially make it comedogenic.

• Diluted in a treatment : safflower oil is also found in various cosmetic products. It is also possible to add a few drops of pure safflower oil to an already formulated cream or balm. To do this, take a small amount of cream in the palm of your hand and add one or two drop(s) of safflower oil. You can then apply the treatment by gently massaging and enjoy its nourishing and soothing virtues.

The nourishing and moisturising properties of the safflower oil can also be beneficial for hair. Although all hair types can benefit from its virtues, safflower oil is particularly recommended for dry, thin or brittle hair. Thanks to the saturated fatty acids it contains, the safflower oil can strengthen the hair fibre and prevent split ends. These compounds have a chemical structure similar to that of the lipids that make up the hair cuticle, allowing them to integrate and ensure cell cohesion. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of safflower oil allow it to protect the fibres from oxidative stress, a factor that weakens hair follicles, alters the natural colour of hair and can accelerate hair loss.

How to use safflower oil on hair?

• In an oil bath : To perform an oil bath, apply a few drops of safflower oil to each of your strands, from mid-lengths to ends, once a week and leave it on for about fifteen minutes. Then wash your hair with a suitable shampoo. It is also possible to find safflower oil in ready-to-use products (shampoos, conditioners, masks).

• As a scalp mask : If you feel that your scalp is dry or irritated, it might be the right time to use safflower oil. Apply a few drops and gently massage to promote its absorption. Safflower oil is a relatively dry oil. However, like any vegetable oil, it leaves a slightly greasy finish after application. Therefore, we recommend you to shampoo about 30 minutes after the scalp mask.

Safflower oil is not only valued for its beneficial properties for the skin and hair, but it is also widely used in cooking due to its numerous health benefits. This versatile vegetable oil has several culinary advantages, making it popular among those seeking a healthier diet. Firstly, it's worth noting that safflower oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, its main omega-6. Unsaturated fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels, thus contributing to cardiovascular health. If we look at the biological mechanism involved, we see that these compounds increase the activity of LDL receptors in the liver, which aids in its elimination.

Furthermore, safflower oil has a neutral and light taste, making it a versatile choice for a range of dishes. However, caution is advised when it comes to preparations heated at high temperatures as the unsaturated fatty acids present in this vegetable oil can oxidise when heated and become unfit for consumption. Another point of caution for people on a blood-thinning treatment : safflower oil contains a significant amount of vitamin K, a compound that affects blood circulation. Therefore, it is recommended for these individuals to limit their intake of safflower oil and replace it with another vegetable oil such as olive oil.

Derived from the safflower, safflower oil was predestined to be used in oil painting. It is appreciated for its slightly orange hue and its ability to dry quickly, making it relatively easy to use. Safflower oil can be applied as it is to a canvas or mixed with other pigments to achieve more pronounced shades. Lighter than linseed oil, it does not yellow and dries slightly faster than poppy seed oil, having a comparable colour. Safflower oil also helps to improve the fluidity of the paste, and to increase the brightness and transparency of colours. Oil painting enthusiasts generally describe it as "perfectly suited to flat areas", that is, to areas of uniform colour.

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