Though they are most commonly associated with their fragrant and colorful flowers, rose plants also produce fruits. These fruits are known as rose hips. Small, spherical, and ranging in color from orange to deep purple, they are used as nutritional supplements because of their vitamin content. Rose hips are also used for cosmetic purposes; they produce an oil that's used to treat and prevent wrinkles on the skin.
Definition of Rose Hip Oil
Rose hip oil is a light, amber-colored, natural oil derived from the small, interior seeds of rose hips, which are the fruits of rose plants. To produce rose hip oil, rose hip seeds are pressed and their oil extracted.
Ingredients in Rose Hip Oil
Rose hip oil contains four key ingredients that, according to "Organic Body Care Recipes," make it especially beneficial to the skin. It's rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, also known as retinol, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
Using Rose Hip Oil for Wrinkles
According to "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Recipes," the vitamin C in rose hip oil has antioxidant properties. This means it may prevent the oxidation of cells and work to lessen the aging effects of free radicals on the skin, helping it to maintain a youthful, fresh, unwrinkled appearance. Rose hip oil’s vitamin A, or retinol, can help refine the skin’s texture, smoothing out irregularities and lines, and helping existing wrinkles become less prominent. The essential fatty acids in rose hip oil are nourishing and moisturizing to the skin. Keeping the skin moist may help prevent the development of wrinkles.
Using Rose Hip Oil for Other Skin Conditions
Rose hip oil may also benefit numerous other skin conditions. For example, according to "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Recipes," it can help fade scars, including acne scars, work to hydrate chronically dry skin, improve and prevent acne, relieve dermatitis and eczema, and soothe and heal burns.
Shopping for Rose Hip Oil
Rose hip oil is sold at some supermarkets, health food stores, natural beauty supply stores and online retailers. It comes in many forms. Although it's common to see pure rose hip oil for sale by itself, many skin care products contain rose hip oil among their ingredients. These products include face creams, lotions, toners and masks.
References
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homeade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self"; Stephanie L. Tourles, 2007.
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close, 2005.
- Rose Hip Oil: Wonders for the Skin
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