When I read that celebs like Miranda Kerr, Gwyneth Paltrow and even royal sweetheart, the Duchess of Cambridge, were devotees of rosehip oil I said to myself: “Ok, this must be another marketing move to create a craze among us women. Whatever…”. But when I heard that Mr. Sex God himself, male model David Gandy (any fans?), is using the oil himself, rosehip suddenly became interesting and more appealing, so I just had to look into it. And good thing I did! Thanks, Dave!
What Is Rosehip Oil and Where Does It Come From?
Rosehips are actually the dark red fruits of roses, not their hips. You know, that anonymous-looking seed pod left after the rose petals fall off. Apparently rosehips have been used since ancient times. Mayans, Egyptians and Native-Americans discovered that besides the pleasant-smelling fragrance of the roses, these plants came with extra benefits.
The precious oil is extracted from the dried seeds of rosehips and cold-pressed, with a shelf life of 18 months. One of the purest organic rosehip oils is extracted from the rose variety growing high in the Chilean Andes, Rosa Mosqueta. Due to the pollutant-free environment and the very high altitude, these specific roses produce the highest quality rosehip oil.
But what is it that makes this oil a superstar? Rosehip oil is chalk-full of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. So far, so good. But, if I told you it boasts a huge percentage of plant-derived vitamin A, the “skin vitamin” that helps promote collagen production, your eyes will probably start glowing and you will keep reading. Also rich in Vitamin B-carotene and Vitamins E and C (it is said to contain 50% more than oranges), rosehip oil bursts with important Omega 3,6 and 9 acids and lycopene, as well. Added to creams and lotions, this oil instantly becomes skin’s best friend so, if you want to find more about its specific benefits, read on and fall in love.
The Super-Benefits of Rosehip Oil on Skin
While rosehips are famous for their outstanding health benefits (they treat arthritis, prevent asthma, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, reduce cholesterol levels, regulate sugar levels for diabetics, have laxative properties, treat stomach disorders and are great for boosting the immune system), rosehip oil is known to be absolutely fantabulous when applied topically. And if I say fantabulous, it’s just because I just can’t find a more suitable word.
Rosehip oil is the ultimate skin-rejuvenator that works as a natural anti-aging due to its high content of Vitamin A. This makes it a real blessing for any skin type (yes, even the most sensible and difficult ones), having the power to regenerate and restructure skin cells. It stimulates collagen production, which helps plump the skin up, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Women love how rosehip oil fights sun spots and eventually makes them fade (and by the way, darlings, I will never get tired of telling you to stay away from the sun when your skin is not protected with an SPF cream – this is the number one cause of skin damage!). Ladies who are camouflaging their acne scars on a daily basis will be amazed at how this lightweight oil repairs scar tissue and evens skin out. In case this was not enough, you might want to know that rosehip oil heals wounds, fights redness (the much loathed rosacea) by shrinking the capillaries beneath the skin’s surface, makes skin supple and firm, and helps skin cells regenerate. This oil is absorbed by skin extremely quickly, penetrating its deepest layers. Do you know any cosmetic product that does all this at the same time?
If the word “oil” makes you think of greasy streaks on the skin, relax. The beauty of this astringent rosehip oil is how dry it really is without drying out skin for one second; instead, it moisturizes and hydrates it, leaving it soft and elastic.
I am, once again, overwhelmed by nature’s treasures. I am planning to start using rosehip oil to fight anything from rosacea to fine lines (no deep wrinkles, YET!), and I can’t wait to see the results on myself.
Have you ever used rosehip oil on your skin, ladies? I would love to know how it worked. Keep me posted!
Just browsing through some old articles.. A very interesting read =D