Rose hip Oil

A few years back rosehip oil (Rosa rubignosa) became very popular when a certain member of the royal family credited her complexion to the use of rosehip carrier oil alone. It did mean us therapists struggled to get it for a season but that all seems to have settled down now and it is a beautiful oil to use particularly in skincare due to its regenerative properties. When purchasing a good quality rosehip oil you should look for deep pink/red colour to the oil.

We often overlook our choice of carrier oils within our treatments as they are seen as the carrier product that facilitates the essential oils into the body’s blood stream via the skin. There are many on the market and have a vast variety of properties that can enhance your blends.

Originating from Chile rosehip oil is obtained via cold pressing the seeds of the rose bush or commonly known as dog rose here in the UK. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy in tissue regeneration particularly for conditions such as burns, facial wrinkles and the treatment of scars following surgery.

It has been used traditionally to help counter the effects of the sun and reducing the redness of pigmentation. In terms of scar healing it has been found to reduce the formation of keloid scar tissue and loosen up fibrous cords. This is mostly put down the oils high content of linoleic acid at around 47% and also linolenic acid at around 33% as well as retinoic acid.

It makes a wonderful addition to a treatment especially as a facial oil and if you want to make the most of an anti aging blend then consider combining it with essential oils of rose, frankincense or lavender.