What are the skin benefits of sesame oil?

A recent study by PIOTROWSKA assessed the impact of the topical application of several vegetable oils, including sesame oil, on the skin of young women. In total, 35 volunteers with an average age of 20 participated in the study. The results of this research indicate that the applied vegetable oils tended to positively influence the skin's hydration level, increasing it by nearly 30 % for sesame oil.

The significant improvement in skin hydration after a single application of sesame oil can be attributed to its phytochemical composition rich in fatty acids, compounds capable of strengthening the skin's hydrolipidic balance. Oleic acid in particular forms a film on the surface of the epidermis that helps to limit water loss. Therefore, sesame oil can protect the skin from dehydration by acting as a shield.

A 2015 study demonstrated that sesamin, a lignan found in sesame oil, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Indeed, it was observed that it significantly reduced the mRNA expression of interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and IL-6) in human fibroblast cell lines, indicating that sesamin inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, sesame oil contains other compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as phytosterols (β-sitosterol and campesterol) and phenolic compounds (sesamol and sesamolinol).

A recent study has also shown that certain fatty acids in sesame oil possess anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, oleic acid and linoleic acid are capable ofaccelerating and enhancing the inflammatory response by mobilising inflammation cells. The sesame oil thus presents significant benefits in reducing skin inflammation, thereby promoting skin regeneration. Its application could help to somewhat alleviate irritations, redness, and itching.

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.

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

• 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).

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

• PIOTROWSKA A. & al. The Effect of Raspberry Seed Oil, Sesame Oil, and Coconut Oil on the Skin in Young Women. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Journal (2023).

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