Rosehip Oil
The term “miracle product” gets thrown around enough to make us a little uncomfortable, but if ever there were a candidate to earn the moniker, it might be rosehip oil. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant that remain once the flowers have fallen, and are full of vitamins, antioxidants[1] [2]and essential fatty acids.[3] The cold-pressed oil has been known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry and itchy skin, and reduce scars and fine lines. Rosehips are one of the richest sources of vitamin C available, and topical vitamin C has been shown to significantly boost collagen production and repair sundamaged skin.[4] [5]
Rosehips are also full of provitamin-A, or beta-Carotene, which is responsible for its deep orange color. It also contains lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene, and tretinoin, another vitamin-A acid that helps skin produce retinol. It’s high in omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (linolenic) fatty acids, too. The combination of the oil’s vitamin A and fatty acid content means it helps skin flexibility and permeability, and helps heal itself from things like eczema and acne scars. It’s also a relatively “dry” oil, meaning it absorbs in the skin quite quickly.
The only down side: it’s not the most shelf-stable of oils, and can go rancid quickly. We counterbalance that by blending it with other oils that help improve stability, but you can help too by keeping your oils out of the sun.
Find it in:
[1] Gao, Xiangqun, et al. "Evaluation of antioxidant activities of rosehip ethanol extracts in different test systems." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 80.14 (2000): 2021-2027.
[2] Su, Lan, et al. "Total phenolic contents, chelating capacities, and radical-scavenging properties of black peppercorn, nutmeg, rosehip, cinnamon and oregano leaf." Food chemistry 100.3 (2007): 990-997.
[3] Chrubasik, Cosima, et al. "A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles." Phytotherapy research 22.6 (2008): 725-733.
[4] Fitzpatrick, Richard E., and Elizabeth F. Rostan. "Double‐Blind, Half‐Face Study Comparing Topical Vitamin C and Vehicle for Rejuvenation of Photodamage." Dermatologic surgery 28.3 (2002): 231-236. [Link]
[5] Humbert, Philippe G., et al. "Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: Double‐blind study vs. placebo." Experimental dermatology 12.3 (2003): 237-244. [Link]