By Mera Tabarruk
Rosehip oil is undeniably popular thanks to its moisturising, calming, and anti-aging properties. This cult-oil relaxes the skin, reduces blemishes, and improves the appearance of scars.
Cosmetic Chemist and founder of Biologi, Ross Macdougald breaks down exactly why Rosehip Oil is having a moment.
“Rosehip Oil delivers a potent synergy of oil soluble actives required for skin health. It’s gentle enough to use on sensitised skin types, but powerful enough to achieve maximum results. It harnesses the pure power of Rosa canina, which is rich in natural vitamins and essential fatty acids that promote the skins internal hydration and protective processes to support healthy cellular turnover. Rosa canina seed has regenerative botanical activity which most closely resembles the skin’s fatty acid profile. The potent combination of fatty acids in Rosehip oil provides undiluted and unaltered goodness for your skin, straight from the seed of the plant.”
“The key thing to remember when it comes to Rosehip Oil is that not all types are equal. Most people would assume that Rosehip Oil is just Rosehip Oil, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Depending on production processes, there are several different types of Rosehip Oil available on the market. Look out for unrefined Rosehip oil that should appear in a rich dark yellow/orange colour and have an earthy smell to it. If there’s no smell or is heavily fragranced and appears clear in colour it usually means it has been refined. Refining an ingredient happens for a number of reasons but means the oil lacks potent nutrients because it has been through mechanical processes.”
IT’S A MULTI-TASKER
The fatty acids found in Rosehip Oil act as excellent moisturisers for the skin, by offering hydration that soaks into the skin and also playing a role in ceramide formation—a substance that keeps the walls of skin cells strong so they can better retain moisture. Rich in vitamin A, it can also help reduce the signs of ageing by smoothing fine lines and thickening the dermis (deeper skin layers), making the skin feel firmer and tighter. This multi-talented oil will also improve the texture and appearance of scars due to the role that fatty acids play in how skin cells rebuild post-injury.
IT SUPPORTS HEALTHY CELL TURNOVER
Essential fatty acids naturally occurring in rosehip oil mimic the fatty acids produced in the skin. Applying the unaltered nutrients topically supports healthy cell turnover and promotes natural regeneration processes to leave skin smooth, plump and hydrated.
IT’S AN ANTI-OXIDANT POWERHOUSE
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant produced naturally in the oil glands. Supporting cell function and overall health of the skin, direct application of active vitamin E enhances the skin’s natural processes leaving cells strong, moist and supple.
IT’S GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Rosehip oil contains anti-inflammatory fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, and oleic acid. Because skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis are inflammatory disorders, rosehip oil may help to reduce the subsequent inflammation and redness, resulting in a decrease in symptoms.
IT’S RICH IN VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient which works to reduce the visible signs of ageing and promote the integrity of delicate skin cells. Also known as retinol, vitamin A naturally occurring in rosehip oil contains beta carotene making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
IT REDUCES BLEMISHES
Applying an oil to oily or acne prone skin can sound counter intuitive however the anti-inflammatory powers of Rosehip Oil helps to calm redness and irritation associated with breakouts.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
“Look for a completely natural version of Rosehip Oil for the best benefits to the skin. Biologi’s Rosehip Oil is completely natural so does not contain any synthetics. The key difference in Biologi’s Rosehip Oil compared to most others on the market is that it is 100% completely pure, unrefined and untouched Rosehip Oil. It is a dark yellow colour and a slightly earthy smell to it, but that’s because it’s been untouched! Pure, natural Rosehip Oil should be a rich dark yellow/orange colour. If you find a Rosehip Oil that is clear, or lighter in colour, it usually means it has been refined.”
Biologi Br Organic Rosehip Oil RRP NZD $30 Available at www.biologi.com.au