5 Amazing Seed Oils

Seed oils represent some of the earliest cosmetic products used by humans, used for centuries by rural communities as food, medicine and as fuel. 

WHAT ARE SEED OILS?

Seed oils are highly specialised botanical oils rich in Essential Fatty Acids, Non Essential Fatty Acids, Fat Soluble Vitamins and Antioxidants. The top layer of our skin is lipophilic this means oils have a natural affinity with this outer layer of skin. Research shows that oils penetrate into the stratum corner and filter down the top two to three cellular layers. Botanical oils help to strengthen the skins barrier function - a topic we covered on last weeks blog 'Skins Acid Mantle'. 

ONE - BORGE SEED OIL - Borago officinalis 

• Pressed from the seeds of the Borage plant this oil is rich in Omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), and is has the highest concentration of gamma- linoleic acid (GLA) than any other natural source.
• GLA is required for healthy skin functioning. Research demonstraights borage oil to be effective in the reversal of many skin disorders - psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea, with significant reduction in itching, dryness and inflammation.
• Metabolites formed from GLA improve cellular membrane function and restore the skin lipid barrier, leaving it more hydrated, moisturized and protected from injury or stress.
• Borage oil has been shown to have an ability to calm and reduce inflammation. GLA is converted to powerful prostaglandins that have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant activities, protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation that lead to inflammatory skin conditions along with skin aging.

TWO - EVENING PRIMROSE SEED OIL - Oenothera Biennis 

• Evening Primrose Oil is pressed from the seeds of the Evening Primrose wildflower Oenothera biennis. Traditionally used to treat against conditions such as sore throats, hemorrhoids, and bruises.
• Rich in omega-6 fatty acids, with high levels of linoleic acid (LA) (75%) and gamma linoleic acid (GLA) (10%). The body uses LA to produce GLA, which is required for healthy skin functioning.
• Metabolites formed from GLA improve cellular membrane function and restore the skin lipid barrier, leaving it more hydrated, moisturized and protected from injury or stress.
• Because of its ability to dilute sebum production, evening primrose oil is good at calming acne flare-ups, while at the same time hydrating skin.
• Research shows Evening primrose oil has an ability to calm and reduce inflammation - treating skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus.
• GLA is converted to powerful prostaglandins that have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant activities, protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation that lead to inflammatory skin conditions as well as skin aging.

THREE - RED RASPBERRY SEED OIL - Rubus Idaeus 

Contains Elegiac Acid this compound has been shown to reduce the destruction of collagen as well as protecting against Ultraviolet damage from the sun. Phytosterols - their antioxidant activity prevents skin damage, encourages healthy skin growth and may protect against cancer. They encourage new collagen production, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin.

• High vitamin E  - a potent antioxidant, it reduces skin damage and mops up free radicals that contribute to skin-aging
• High Carotenoids (vitamin A) content - strong antioxidants that play a crucial role in the health of our skin. They inhibit UV damage and stimulate cell repair
• 83 % Essential Fatty Acids - contains a high amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids
• with Linoleic acid (omega 6) being 52-56% and Alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) at 29-33%
• Linoleic Acid - this fatty acid is anti-inflammatory, regenerates cells, brings moisture to the skin and gives the oil a light consistency
• Contains Elegiac Acid - this compound has been shown to reduce the destruction of collagen as well as protecting against ultraviolet damage from the sun.
• Phytosterols - their antioxidant activity prevents skin damage, encourages healthy skin growth and may protect against cancer. They encourage new collagen production, leading to healthier, younger-looking skin.

FOUR - CAMELLIA SEED OIL - Camellia Sinesis 

• Camellia oil possesses a unique active constituent called Squalene, also an important side product of the skin’s natural emollient system, deficiency of which leads to the formation of dry skin and premature aging, wrinkles and sagginess in the skin.
• Camellia oil is a rich source of Omega-6 fatty acids and anti-ageing polyphenol antioxidants apart from essential vitamins and minerals. 
• Camellia oil is procured from the seeds of tea trees which are full in Vitamins A, B, & E and other important minerals like Potassium, Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Manganese and Magnesium.

FIVE - HEMP SEED OIL - Cannabis Sativa