Rosehip Oil: What’s the big deal?

Elise Phillips of Stuff That I Bought talks to us about one of the most popular natural beauty products on the market today, Rosehip Oil.

Rosehip Oil is one of those products that you may not have heard about yet, but you will. Or you may have and don’t really understand it. Or you use it and your skin loves you (clever you). Either way, rosehip oil is the natural way forward for skin care because it hydrates, nourishes and is anti-ageing. A triumvirate of targeted treatments.

First and foremost, it is excellent for hydrating. You’re putting an oil onto your skin which is something your skin produces naturally, and since rosehip oil has a similar pH to your skin it will suck it up no problems. It’s as if they were meant to go together, like chocolate and strawberries. It’s important to remember that just because it’s an oil it won’t add to the oiliness of your skin – the oil absorbs quickly and allows the skin to breathe.

It is chock full of vitamins like A and C, lycopene (antioxidants) and fatty acids. You need fatty acids like the Omegas to keep your skin healthy and prevent signs of early aging, vitamins to nourish cells and antioxidants help to fight free radicals.

Because rosehip oil hydrates, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines – when skin is plump and hydrated, the lines are filled out, as opposed to dehydrated and wrinkly (which has more wrinkles – a grape or a sultana?). This has both immediate effects and long term benefits.

Bonus: it is excellent for stretch marks. Trilogy conducted a clinical trial and had a 100% success rate in reducing stretch marks and scars.

Using an oil can take a little getting used to if you’re normally slapping on moisturiser. Pop 3 or 4 drops onto your fingertips, warm it with your fingers and then press it into your face, neck and décolletage. Use it twice a day underneath your SPF (day) and night cream (night). If you don’t feel comfortable using an oil on your skin, Trilogy do a great range of moisturisers that all contain rosehip oil.

What should you look for in a brand?

Something certified organic, cold pressed (because this method of preparation locks in the nutrients) and it should be in a glass container – chemicals from the plastic may leach into the oil and damage it.

Some of our favourites (left to right):
Trilogy ($20/20mL – available at Myer, Priceline & online),
Bloom ($25/20mL – available at Myer & online),
Kosmea ($24.95/15mL – available at health food stores & David Jones),
A’Kin ($24.95/23ml – available at David Jones & Priceline).

Top 3 tips for Rosehip Oil from A’Kin‘s Iona Yueng:

1. Rub a few drops into your cuticles to keep them from drying out after taking nail polish off.
2. It’s a great eye make up remover, especially for people with sensitive skin/eye area. Drop a few drops on to a cotton pad and wipe of your eyes as per usual.
3. Add a few drops to your body lotion before you smooth it on your skin for some extra moisture.