What are the skin benefits of sesame oil?

The production and elimination of free radicals are maintained by redox mechanisms that help to maintain homeostasis in skin cells. When produced in excess, free radicals tend to cause damage to cells, DNA, and proteins in the body. Antioxidant actives can act to restore balance. A study has shown that sesamin from sesame oil has antioxidant activity and is capable of trapping free radicals, inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increasing the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), antioxidant enzymes.

In addition to sesamin, the sesame oil contains other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and phenolic compounds, which help to counteract oxidative stress and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals by neutralising them through a donation of an electron. This overall antioxidant activity of sesame oil makes it interesting in the fight against oxidative stress and the early onset of skin ageing signs.

A study has focused on the evaluation of the anti-bacterial action of sesame oil. In total, 8 microorganisms were tested, including Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium. Of the 8 microorganisms tested, 4 Gram-positive bacteria and 2 Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to sesame oil. The scientists concluded that sesame oil possesses a broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity. Mass chromatography analysis showed that this effect was due to sesamin and sesamol, lignans present in the oil.

The findings of this study show us that sesame oil can act against certain bacteria, allowing us to hypothesise that it could potentially be useful in combating Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. However, more in-depth investigations should be carried out to gain further information on the mechanisms of action involved and the extent of its antibacterial activity.

According to research conducted in 2018, sesame oil could potentially be beneficial in accelerating wound healing. Indeed, this study evaluated the effectiveness of an ointment containing this oil, camphor, and honey on second-degree burn wounds in rats, compared to a daily dressing of vaseline. In total, 40 rats were divided into two groups for each treatment. The response to the treatments was assessed at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

The study results demonstrated a significant re-epithelialisation in the group that received the ointment containing sesame oil. The healing percentage was evaluated at 70% after 14 days in the "sesame oil" group, compared to 35% in the "vaseline" group. After 28 days, healing was at 100% for the rats in the first group. Sesame oil therefore has good healing potential. The fatty acids it contains play a crucial role in cell regeneration and in increasing vascular permeability in the wound area, which promotes better blood supply and facilitates the healing process.