Both rose hip and rosemary oils are used externally to reduce symptoms of certain skin and muscular conditions. Unlike rosemary essential oil, rose hip oil is generally extracted from the seeds of the rose plant, making it similar in consistency to flax or other types of seed oils. For best results, ask your doctor about which topical oil treatment is most beneficial for your condition.
Rose Hip Oil
Rose hip seed oil has been used as a traditional herbal medicine by native Chilean tribes for centuries. According to the Mountain Rose Herbs website, rose hip oil is rich in the essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids, along with vitamins A and E. As a result, rose hip oil may be effective in promoting collagen and improving elastin levels, preventing skin aging along with a variety of negative skin conditions, such as scarring, wrinkling and sun spots. Unlike rosemary oil, which is used topically as well as for aromatherapy, rose hip oil is generally used for skin conditions.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary has been linked to a variety of antifungal and antibacterial effects, according to the University of Maryland medical Center. Although more evidence is needed to make a definitive claim about rosemary’s antimicrobial effects in humans, the herb has been used medicinally to stimulate hair growth, improve circulation, increase menstrual flow and treat indigestion. Unlike the rose hip seed oil, rosemary oil evaporates when brought in contact with air, resulting in a strong aromatic odor.
Comparison
The primary difference between rose hip and rosemary oil is that rose hip oil is a fatty oil, making it more effective as a facial or massage oil. Comparatively, rosemary oils are essential oils that can be used in aromatherapy to improve memory and concentration. Rosemary oil is also applied topically to treat muscle pain and arthritis in some patients. Both rose hip and rosemary oils are applied to the hair, albeit for different reasons. The vitamins and fatty acids found in rose hip oil can be used to nourish dry and damaged hair. Alternatively, rosemary oil is used to stimulate hair growth for individuals who have lost hair as a result of a condition called alopecia areata. Neither rose hip nor rosemary oils are recommended for internal use.
Safety Concerns
Depending on your product, your oil may need to be diluted before applying it directly to the skin. If water is not listed among the ingredients used in your product, you may need to add two to three parts water for each portion of oil you wish to apply. Talk to your doctor before using topical oil treatments if you currently suffer from eczema, melanoma or other serious skin conditions.
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