We live in a culture that considers drinking raw milk to be strange and dangerous, but injecting the botulism toxin into our skin (Botox) seems to be a perfectly acceptable way to fight wrinkles. Interesting…
Luckily, there are natural ways to fight the signs of aging that don’t involve risky procedures.
This rosehip seed oil facial moisturizer is a wrinkle-fighting powerhouse… and is better for you than Botox. (Though to be fair, it isn’t too tough to be “better” than botulism!)
Benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil
If you’re trying to prevent wrinkles, or even if they’ve already take hold, rosehip seed oil has many unique properties that make it a great choice for aging or damaged skin.
Penetrates Skin
Unlike other oils for mature skin, rosehip seed oil is astringent and considered a “dry oil,” which means it sinks into skin quickly. This allows its essential fatty acids to really penetrate and soothe dry skin.
Boosts Collagen Production
Rosehip seed oil actually encourages skin to form its own collagen due to its naturally occurring vitamin A. Other facial moisturizers with added collagen might claim to be anti-aging, but there’s a problem: collagen molecules are too large for our skin to absorb when they’re applied topically.
Nourishes and Regenerates
Rosehip seed oil keeps skin supple and strong by nourishing skin with vitamins A, C, and E. It’s also very high in linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids, which promote cellular regeneration and keep skin looking youthful.
Soothes Skin and Scars
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetics shows rosehip seed benefits in wound healing and reduction in scarring after surgical procedures. This same study suggests rosehip seed oil might also reduce the effects of photo-aging from sun exposure due to its vitamin A (retinol) content.
How to Make Rosehip Seed Oil Facial Moisturizer
This rosehip seed oil facial moisturizer recipe contains seven skin-boosting ingredients and absolutely no junk! A little goes a long way so one batch can last months (and still cost much less than expensive anti-aging products).
Choosing Rosehip Seed Oil
When it comes to rosehip seed oil, color matters. In general, conventionally grown rosehip seed oil is usually pale yellow and lacking in beneficial lycopene, minerals, and vitamins A and C. Organic rosehip seed oil tends to have a more vibrant orange-yellow color due to its higher level of beneficial carotenoids and vitamin A. So the source does matter.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a great ingredient to include in any face moisturizer for its ability to extend the shelf life of homemade products. It is not a preservative, but it slows the oxidizing of carrier oils. It has a similar effect on skin and helps to fight aging and prevent free radical damage.
Mango Butter
Mango butter is also high in potent antioxidants and contains polyphenols to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate skin. This butter helps to thicken the facial moisturizer, but doesn’t feel greasy on the skin.
Essential Oils
Several essential oils fight the signs of aging particularly well. Frankincense and patchouli have potent skin rejuvenating and wrinkle-fighting properties and lend an earthy scent. For a lighter fragrance, opt for carrot seed and geranium instead. (All of these oils have anti-aging properties, so it just depends on your scent preferences.)
Rosehip Seed Oil Facial Moisturizer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP beeswax pellets
- 1 TBSP mango butter
- ¼ cup sweet almond oil
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
- 2 TBSP rosehip seed oil
- 7 drops frankincense essential oil (or carrot seed oil)
- 7 drops patchouli essential oil (or geranium oil)
Instructions
- In a heat-safe glass bowl, combine the beeswax, mango butter, and sweet almond oil.
- Put the glass bowl on top of a smaller pan filled halfway with water to create a double boiler (the bottom of the glass bowl should not touch the water in the pan).
- Put the pan on the stove and turn on the heat to medium high.
- Stir gently just until everything is melted, then turn off the heat and carefully remove the bowl from the pot.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then stir in the rosehip seed oil, vitamin E, and essential oils. Since these oils are more heat sensitive, you don’t want to get them too hot.
- Place the glass bowl in the refrigerator for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and cooled, but isn’t so hard that you can’t easily push a finger into it.
- Use a mixer with the whisk attachment, or a hand whisk to mix the facial moisturizer until creamy and smooth. Stop when it looks like lotion.
- Store the moisturizer in a glass jar or metal tin.
How to Use
- Cleanse skin using a cleanser of choice and pat dry.
- Use finger tips to gently massage a small amount of this moisturizer into the skin in a circular motion.
Notes
Ever used rosehip seed oil in a moisturizer? How did it work for you?
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