Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn oil is truly one of nature's most remarkable skincare ingredients. What makes it special is its unique combination of nutrients that closely match what your skin naturally needs. The oil contains an exceptionally high amount of palmitoleic acid (omega-7) [1], which is the same fatty acid found in your skin's own protective barrier. This means your skin recognizes and knows exactly how to use it, making it particularly effective for dry and sensitive skin types.
If you have dry or sensitive skin (Types 1 and 2), you'll find sea buckthorn oil particularly beneficial as research shows it significantly improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation [2]. For those with balanced skin (Type 3), it provides excellent maintenance and anti-aging benefits, while people with oily or oily-sensitive skin (Types 4 and 5) might be surprised to learn that it can actually help regulate oil production rather than making skin more oily [3].
What's particularly exciting about sea buckthorn oil is its impressive antioxidant content. It contains high levels of vitamins C and E, plus carotenoids [4], which work together to protect your skin from environmental damage and signs of aging. Clinical studies have shown it can help improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and support wound healing [5]. It's also been proven effective in treating various skin conditions, including eczema and atopic dermatitis [6], making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
Research has demonstrated that sea buckthorn oil can help protect your skin from UV damage and support its natural repair mechanisms [7]. This doesn't mean it replaces sunscreen, but it does provide additional protection and helps repair any damage that's already occurred. The oil has also shown promising results in improving skin barrier function [8], which is essential for maintaining healthy, resilient skin regardless of your skin type.
References:
-
Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017;16:95. DOI:10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7
-
Hou DD, Di ZH, Qi RQ, et al. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Oil Improves Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions via Inhibition of NF-κB and STAT1 Activation. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(5):268-276. DOI:10.1159/000479528
-
Gegotek A, Jastrząb A, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, et al. The Effect of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Seed Oil on UV-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism of Human Skin Cells. Antioxidants. 2018;7(9):110. DOI:10.3390/antiox7090110
-
Ciesarová Z, Murkovic M, Cejpek K, et al. Why is sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) so exceptional? A review. Food Research International. 2020;133:109170. DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109170
-
Khan BA, Akhtar N, Mahmood T. Effects of antioxidants and flavonoids of sea buckthorn on skin whitening and skin erythema. Asian J Chem. 2011;23:903-906.
-
Solà Marsiñach M, Cuenca AP. The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health. Lipids Health Dis. 2019;18(1):145. DOI:10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9
-
Gęgotek A, et al. The effect of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed oil on UV-induced changes in lipid metabolism of human skin cells. Antioxidants. 2018;7(9):110. DOI:10.3390/antiox7090110
-
Bal LM, Meda V, Naik SN, Satya S. Sea buckthorn berries: A potential source of valuable nutrients for nutraceuticals and cosmoceuticals. Food Research International. 2011;44:1718-1727. DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2011.03.002