If you’re an avid skincare fanatic, chances are, you’ve probably heard of sea buckthorn oil. Rich in fatty acids, sea buckthorn is said to assist in triggering the regeneration of skin cells as well as encouraging the skin’s self-repair mechanisms and boosting blood circulation.
Sea buckthorn oil is proclaimed to be great for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. As such, this oil’s been claimed to help target and treat various skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea and eczema, all of which are linked to inflammation. Many have reported to have found relief from these conditions thanks to this magical oil.
Containing vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, sea buckthorn has been professed to be both rejuvenating and hydrating. No wonder it’s such a treasured anti-aging ingredient. With 15x more vitamin C than an orange (yes, you heard us right) it’s also highly nourishing. Bursting with an array of good stuff, sea buckthorn oil contains plant sterols, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals that all aid in promoting skin health. Its texture is non-greasy which, in conjunction with it being an antibacterial oil, can make it rewarding for most skin types from oily to mature, although it is most effective for mature skin.
When it comes to sea buckthorn oil, you should be aware of the two different types. Sea buckthorn oil that is extracted from the fruit of this plant is the most popular form, easily identifiable by its bright orangey-red hue. It’s known for being topically applied to the skin (albeit in small amounts as it’s very rich) to help calm inflammation and increase dermal elasticity when used as an anti-aging treatment. It can be taken orally in its various forms, which most commonly come in either capsule or supplement form and can be added to food. Just make sure not to heat the oil as this can inhibit its effects.
On to sea buckthorn seed oil. Unlike sea buckthorn fruit oil, this variation is bright yellow in color and has a distinct nutty flavor. It’s predominantly used to bolster the health of your immune system, liver and heart with the help of the antioxidants it contains. Also used in skincare products, it’s loaded with omega-3, 6 and 9. It can be used topically and is said to penetrate deeply into the skin for an extra nutrient-rich kick.
As you saw above, these two oils share a few similarities with each other, with the main one being their nutritional profiles. They both contain tocopherols, carotenoids, omega fatty acids and tocotrienols which are beneficial to various parts of the body from the heart to the skin and liver. The main difference between the fruit oil and seed oil, aside from their color, is their fatty acid profiles. Sea buckthorn fruit oil provides omega 6 and 7 fatty acid whereas the seed oil boasts omega 3, 6 and 9. Interestingly, the omega 3 and 6 the seed oil contains are very close to a 1:1 ratio, and are vital to maintaining body and skin health. They are categorized as essential fatty acids since the body is incapable of generating them naturally, which is why it’s important to seek them out.