Sea Buck thorn Oil for Dry Aging Skin
What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?
The most commonly used sea buckthorn oil is derived from the seeds and the pulp and peel of the berries of an Asian shrub called Hippophae rhamnoides. This odd name means “makes horses shine;” it was conferred on the sea buckthorn plant when ancient peoples noticed that whenever horses fed on its berries, their coats, manes, and tails took on an amazingly glossy sheen. Sea buckthorn has high concentrations of important nutrients that may help alleviate fine wrinkles and hydrate the skin, producing a healthier, younger-looking appearance. It is particularly rich in fatty acids, including the omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 variations; and contains large amounts of antioxidants, including Vitamins A and E.
Thus sea buckthorn oil acts as an emollient, restoring moisture to parched skin by replacing the depleted sebum. It also effectively kills free radicals, preventing their skin-destroying action from proceeding unchecked; and has been shown in one study to assist in wound-healing. Natural skincare lines have included sea buckthorn products for some time, but its use is gradually spreading to more mainstream cosmetics.
Drawbacks to Sea Buck-thorn Oil
Beta-carotene is a yellow-orange pigment found in carrots, butter, and egg yolks. It is broken down during digestion to form antioxidant Vitamin A, but over-consumption can actually turn the top layers of the skin orange, a condition known as carotenemia (there was a famous medical case called “the Orange Man,” who baffled dermatologists until they discovered he’d decided to eat nothing but carrots for some strange reason; when he went back to a normal diet, his skin color returned to normal as well).
Because it is super-rich in beta-carotene, sea buckthorn oil is strongly colored; and causes unattractive staining on fair skin. To avoid this problem, pale individuals usually prefer to consume the oil in measured dosages contained in capsules or beverages rather than using a topical method of application. Extremely high consumption of beta-carotene has been linked to a increased development of certain types of cancer, however; always check with a physician before adding any supplement to the diet.
Note that some products with sea buckthorn oil may stain clothing or pillowcases, and often have a slightly unpleasant fragrance which is quickly dispelled after application.
Topical Products Containing Sea Buckthorn Oil
The natural skincare line by Aubrey Hampton has a whole section devoted to sea buckthorn oil; its Sea Buckthorn & Cucumber Moisturizing Cream and Rejuvenating Serum are marketed for dry or combination skin, and claim to prevent signs of premature aging. The serum should not be used on very light skin tones, due to the problem described above. The cleanser and toner contain some ingredients that increase drying, and are best avoided.
Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil may be applied at night, when it will be better absorbed by the skin. Dry patches should be rehydrated by morning, and anecdotal stories of improvement of eczema, rosacea, acne, and dark spots abound (most of these effects have yet to be scientifically proven, but one study has shown sea buckthorn oil to improve atopic eczema by increasing).
Weleda also sells a widely available, relatively inexpensive body oil containing sea buckthorn.
Make sure that sea buckthorn products come in a dark container and are stored properly, as their beneficial ingredients are inactivated by heat, light and air.
Oral Sea Buck-thorn Supplements
Sibu produces sea buckthorn softgels that are said to make the hair shiny, strengthen nails, lessen inflammation, and yield healthy skin when consumed regularly. A liquid supplement with sea buckthorn is also available; Sibu Revitalize & Renew contains an abundance of fatty acids, including the rare omega-7, which is found only in sea buckthorn and macadamia nuts. Again, this is supposed to be beneficial for the overall health of the skin, nails, and hair.
