Have you heard about the "holy fruit of the Himalayas" that's taking the wellness world by storm? Sea buckthorn oil has been quietly influencing natural health and skincare routines, and for good reason. With over 190 bioactive compounds packed into its vibrant orange essence, sea buckthorn oil delivers remarkable benefits for both skin rejuvenation and overall health.
Here's what you need to know about sea buckthorn oil skin benefits and why health-conscious individuals make it their go-to natural wellness solution.
Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil
It contains over 190 bioactive compounds, including rare omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, and B6, with vitamin C content exceeding most citrus fruits.
- Provides essential minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.
- Contains powerful antioxidants like quercetin, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols that fight free radical damage.
- Features phospholipids and glycolipids that moisturise skin.
- Includes plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol) that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce water loss.
- Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that accelerates skin regeneration.
- Provides linoleic acid that regulates sebum production and prevents acne formation.
- Rich in lecithin that removes excess oil from hair.
- Contains sitosterol, which promotes collagen production.
- Features carotenoids and sterols that help reduce inflammation.
- Includes phytosterols that can block cholesterol absorption and support heart health.
Suggested read - Complete Guide to Omega-3-6-7-9 Benefits
What Makes Sea Buckthorn Oil Special?
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) comes from a hardy shrub that thrives in harsh coastal and mountainous regions across Europe and Asia. Despite its name, the plant doesn't grow underwater but on sandy dunes and plains where few other plants can survive.
Sea Buckthorn Oil Skin Benefits
Sea Buckthorn oil provides essential skincare that every individual seeks, thanks to its nutrient profile.
Deep Moisturisation and Barrier Protection
Sea buckthorn oil for face care excels at hydration because it contains fatty acids that naturally match your skin's own composition. The palmitoleic acid in sea buckthorn oil is also found in human skin fat, creating seamless integration and superior moisturising results.
The oil's phospholipids and glycolipids work together to soften your skin's outermost layer while improving elasticity. Meanwhile, plant sterols strengthen your skin's natural barrier and maintain optimal hydration levels.
Powerful Anti-Ageing Properties
When it comes to sea buckthorn benefits for skin, the anti-ageing effects stand out prominently. The oil's rich antioxidant content fights free radicals that cause premature ageing, including damage from UV exposure and environmental stressors.
Studies have shown that omega-7 from sea buckthorn shows promise for improving overall skin health and fighting the effects of ageing by supporting collagen regeneration in skin cells. The sitosterol present in sea buckthorn oil has been shown to promote collagen production.
Advanced Skin Regeneration
Sea buckthorn oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that accelerates skin repair and regeneration. Bioactive compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids further support skin cell renewal, making it particularly beneficial for people with acne, eczema, or rosacea.
The oil's anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritated skin while promoting faster healing of blemishes and reducing the appearance of scars and marks.
Improved Skin Tone and Texture
Regular use of sea buckthorn oil skincare products helps create a more even complexion. The unsaturated fatty acids work to improve skin tone and texture while the antioxidant effects boost elasticity and promote a brighter appearance.
For those with oily skin, sea buckthorn oil contains linoleic acid, which regulates sebum production and may reduce the formation of blackheads and acne.
Health Benefits Beyond Skincare
Heart Health Support
Sea buckthorn oil may benefit cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms. It contains phytosterols that help protect your body from damage and disease, including heart disease. They also help block cholesterol absorption from your diet.
The oil contains quercetin, an antioxidant directly linked to lower heart disease risk, and studies suggest it may help reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.
Enhanced Brain Function
Due to the high levels of antioxidants like carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols, sea buckthorn oil may help reduce plaque deposition in the neural pathways and reverse the effects of dementia. The omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil show promise for supporting brain health.
Women's Health Benefits
Sea buckthorn benefits for women include specific support during menopause. A 2014 study of 116 females in postmenopause found that taking sea buckthorn oil orally significantly improved vaginal health, suggesting it may serve as an alternative for women who cannot take estrogen therapy.
The oil also helps with dry eyes, dry mouth, and skin dryness associated with hormonal changes.
Hair Health and Growth
Sea buckthorn oil for hair provides multiple benefits through its unique fatty acid profile. The lecithin content helps remove excess oil from hair and scalp while the omega-7 fatty acids support hair structure and may accelerate growth.
The oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help with scalp conditions like dermatitis and dandruff while maintaining optimal moisture levels for healthy follicle development.
Immune System Strengthening
The high concentration of vitamins C, A, and E, combined with flavonoids and other antioxidants, helps strengthen your natural defences against viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms. Some studies have shown activity against the influenza virus and various bacterial strains.
Liver Protection and Digestive Support
Sea buckthorn oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene that protect liver cells from damage. Traditional medicine has long used sea buckthorn for digestive system support, and modern research suggests it may help with gastric ulcers and other digestive issues.
How to Use Sea Buckthorn Oil
You can apply Sea buckthorn oil directly to skin and hair or take it as a supplement. For topical use, apply a few drops to clean skin as part of your morning or evening routine. The oil can also be mixed with other skincare products or used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment.
Sea buckthorn serum products provide a concentrated dose of benefits in a lightweight formula that absorbs easily into skin. Always look for cold-pressed oils.
Conclusion
The benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil for health are undisputed. However, it is important to purchase quality sea buckthorn products. Prioritise brands that support sustainable harvesting practices. Wild-harvested varieties from Mongolia and Tibet maintain higher nutrient concentrations compared to commercial farms.
Apart from oil, the berries can be processed into Sea Buckthorn juice and powder, ensuring zero waste. By choosing responsibly sourced sea buckthorn oil, you can also support environmental conservation efforts.
Also check - Top Sea Buckthorn Berry Benefits and Sea Buckthorn Juice Benefits
FAQs
How to take sea buckthorn oil orally?
To take sea buckthorn oil orally, begin with a low-dose capsule— 350-1,000 mg—alongside meals for better absorption. Always consult your doctor for personalised dosage. Especially if managing specific health conditions or taking medications.
Is Sea Buckthorn oil costly?
Yes, sea buckthorn oil can be relatively costly due to its labour-intensive extraction process and high nutritional value. Prices vary by brand, purity, and form, but quality supplements often come at a premium compared to other oils.
What is sea buckthorn serum?
Sea buckthorn serum is a skincare product containing concentrated extract from sea buckthorn berries. It has vitamins E and C, omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
How to use sea buckthorn oil on the face overnight?
For overnight sea buckthorn oil application,
- Cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Apply 2-3 drops to the clean, slightly damp skin using upward circular motions.
- Allow the oil to absorb completely overnight.
- Rinse with gentle cleanser in the morning.
Start with small amounts. It is also better to do a patch test first. Mix with moisturiser if you have sensitive skin.
