The abundance of products on the market means selecting the fundamental elements of a skin care routine becomes a rather arduous task. Perhaps one of the most underrated (and cheapest) products on the market today is Rosehip oil. Generally, the skincare routine we are taught is the three-step ‘cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise’, though we now know this excludes an integral element to keep our skin functionally optimally – oil. As our skin contains both oil and moisture, it is not enough to solely replenish the moisture, we must also replenish the oils we have stripped from our skin. This is important for any skin type, whether it be dry, oily or acne prone. It is important to use a rosehip oil with a solvent-free extraction process, as this process eliminates the benefits of rosehip oil almost entirely.
BENEFITS
Rosehip oil is arguably the most versatile product on the market today. It is used in most Essential oils for sleep. Although oil has been given a bad name over the years, particularly in regards to acne prone skin, it is vital to replenish oils that have been stripped from the skin in order to avoid excess production of oil (an acne catalyst).
Rosehip provides a host of solutions to various skin problems. Rosehip oil will aid in reduction of scarring, improving skin tone, fading pigmentation and improving elasticity and skin tone. It is extremely hydrating and nourishing for the skin. Founder of Kosmea Skincare, Marie Jenkins, says that the high Vitamin A content of rosehip oil is what makes it so advantageous.
“The Vitamin A content in rose hip oil is a natural form of trans-retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A found in prescription-only tretinoin creams, which leading dermatologists the world over recommend as the most effective anti-ageing agent you can use. Rose hip oil provides all the regenerative benefits of those synthetic creams without any of the chemicals, toxins or side effects. It’s an amazing, healing oil full of essential fatty acids, which regenerate skin cells and repair damaged tissue, and rich in Vitamin C.”
The high levels of Vitamin A also help to balance oily skin. Contrary to popular belief, rosehip oil is extremely beneficial for acne sufferers. Kosmea rosehip oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, meaning it heals and repairs the skin, soothing any inflammation and replenishing the oil that sufferers are usually stripping from their skin. Rosehip oil is also rich in a range of antioxidants (micronutrients that protect tissues in the body), such as lycopene and beta-carotene, that help protect and repair skin from premature ageing, and are also great for post-sun exposure. Lycopene is responsible for the oil’s amber colouring.
“Just about any type of damage to the skin can be healed from the Rose Hip Oil from third degree burns to scar tissue, to acne scarring, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nappy rash cradle cap, and it is also a powerful anti-ageing treatment for ageing, sun damaged and dehydrated skin.” says Jenkins.
APPLICATION
Proper application is key when using rosehip oil. To use, apply 2-3 drops of rosehip oil twice daily, gently massaging into the skin. If applied correctly, there should be no oily residue. It is best applied straight after cleansing and exfoliating, before moisturiser. For best results, apply on damp skin and leave to absorb for 30 seconds after applying. It is essential to exfoliate twice a week to avoid any residue or build up of the oil.
WHERE TO FIND ROSEHIP OIL
‘CERTIFIED ORGANIC ROSE HIP OIL’, KOSMEA
Kosmea Skincare was founded in 1993 by Marie Jenkins. Marie is passionate about natural skin care and relishes in the nourishing qualities of rosehips and rosehip oil. She stumbled across the oil whilst creating a natural face mask that incorporated rosehip oil. The name ‘Kosmea’ means ‘to harmonise and bring into balance’ in Ancient Greek. Kosmea rosehip oil is organic, and when extracting the oil, they use the fruit, skin and seed, meaning their rosehip oil contains up to 8 times more Vitamin A than most brands.
‘LUXURIOUS ROSEHIP FACIAL OIL’, KORA ORGANICS
Miranda Kerr’s skincare line, Kora Organics, blends their rosehip oil with Noni Extract, Jamine, Sea Buckthorn and Pomegranate oil for “the ultimate skin treatment.” All products in the Kora Organics line are vegan-friendly.
‘ROSEHIP OIL’ ENDOTA SPA
Endota Spa uses 100% rosehip oil, and their products are all certified 100% organic.
Images courtesy of Kosmea, Kora Organics and Endota.