Rose is a popular type of flower because of its timeless beauty, but many are not aware of rosehip that comes from its rosebuds. Even after the rose had died, it will leave a spherical fruit with pigment color reddish-orange. This small edible fruit is known as a rich source of powerful nutrients and antioxidants. All type of roses produces rose hip oil, but there are some such as the Rosa canina and Rosa rugose with higher concentration compare to other types.
Today, there are myriad choices when it comes to this oil. However, consumers must be very careful and only opt for a manufacturer that is certified and reputable in the market.
If you luckily have roses in your garden, then you leave some behind unpruned. You can harvest the fruit and open it to get your rosehip. Aside from getting the rose hip oil, you may also want to roast some to make a delicious and nutritious coffee.
The following are important facts that you need to know about organic rosehip oil to know how it can help your overall health.
1. How does rosehip work?
The oil that comes from the rosehip is very rich in vitamins A and C and loaded with essential fatty acids like oleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. Maybe you are not familiar with the vitamin F, but it exists in rosehip which is a combination of fatty acids linoleic and alpha-linoleic acid.
Although it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, there are not enough studies that have been done to prove this claim. There is anecdotal evidence showing that rosehip extract is very effective in treating skin diseases. This is the reason why it has been used as an essential ingredient for many skincare and hair care products.
2. Vitamin C Content
Rose has been a vital part of traditional medicine even during the time of Hippocrates. Its long history of medicinal purposes lies with its high concentration of vitamin C that is even higher than lemon and orange. As you all know, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant especially for the skin as it can block ultraviolet light from the sun that causes free radicals. Rose hip oil vitamin C content can promote the production of collagen that can reduce premature aging. Also, it aids in faster wound healing as well as prevent skin dryness.
During World War II, Great Britain has ordered to collect a lot of organic rosehip oil as an alternative to citrus fruits. These rosehips were made into an extract added in syrup, and distributed to all citizens as a good source of vitamin C as well as other essential nutrients.
As you look for the best skincare product made out of rosehip extract, you need to carefully look at the vitamin C content. Most of this vitamin is lost during the extraction process because it is water-soluble. Other manufacturers add vitamin C to their formulation, this is not illegal. You will still get your daily dose of vitamin C for your skin but not all to come from rosehip.
3. Good Source of Lycopene
According to a study done in 2003, rosehip has been found to contain lots of lycopene. Lycopene is another powerful antioxidant that can aid the skin from the damaging effect of free radicals. A review study in 2018 proved that lycopene can shield the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
4. Some Side Effects
Harmful side effects of rose hip oil are very rare, but there are cases of allergic reactions. An allergic reaction may vary from one person to another and it can be mild or severe. Some of the symptoms of allergy in rosehip are rashes, itchiness, dizziness, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing, chest pain, increased heart rate, and anaphylaxis.
People are advised to do a skin test first before trying any product with organic rosehip oil for the first time. You can do it by putting a small amount of the product on your wrist, jawline, or elbow, then cover skin and allow it to sit on your skin for 24 hours. If you do not experience any rashes or other symptoms like itchiness, then you are not allergic to it. Once you experience any irritation, you need to rinse thoroughly with water and avoid using the product again. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, it is vital to seek immediate medical help.
