The benefits of coconut and olive oils for the skin are well known. Because of this, many of us have started using these oils in our daily regimes to reap the benefits. But have you ever thought about using sunflower oil for your skin?
Sunflowers are beautiful plants that do more than provide pollen for bees and decorate your kitchen table. Sunflower oil also offers numerous benefits for skin due to the properties of the plant. But what are those benefits? In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of sunflower oil for skin.
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How is Sunflower Oil Processed?
There are various types of sunflowers, but sunflower oil mainly comes from the Helianthus annuss plant. The oil is processed through a cold-press extraction that presses the oil out of the seeds.
Chemical solvents can also be used to remove oil and other debris from sunflower oil during extraction. However, for those who want to use sunflower oil for skincare, it’s best to choose cold-pressed oil. This is because this process keeps the nutrients intact.
What's In Sunflower Oil?
There are several compounds found in sunflower oil which benefit skin.
Linoleic acid provides a plumping effect and moisturizes the skin.
Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help repair damaged skin.
Vitamin E and sesamol oil work together to protect the skin from UV rays, environmental toxins, and air pollutants.
Collectively, these compounds found in sunflower oil protect the skin and help strengthen its natural barrier from outside elements.
Properties of Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil has many beneficial properties that benefit skin. Below, we will share what these properties are and how they help skin.
Non-Comedogenic
Many people who avoid using coconut oil choose to do so in order to avoid clogging their pores and causing future breakouts. Thus, one of the best things about sunflower oil is that it's non-comedogenic and highly absorbent. This means even those with oily skin can use sunflower oil for its many benefits without worrying about blackheads and pimples randomly popping up.
Related: 10 Acne-Causing Ingredients to Avoid for Acne Prone Skin
Gentle
Sunflower oil has calming properties. Those with mature or sensitive skin will reap the benefits of these properties when using sunflower oil as part of their skincare routine.
Protective
Many beneficial compounds in sunflower oil work to strengthen the skin barrier. Using sunflower oil regularly help make your skin more resistant to irritation.
Soothing
Sunflower oil is a natural way to soothe itchy, irritated skin. Short term application of sunflower oil provides immediate relief and moisture. Long-term application bolsters the skin barrier to help skin better retain moisture and prevents dryness before it starts.
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The Benefits of Using Sunflower Oil
You now know more about sunflower oil's compounds and properties, and all of this sounds good, but what are the core benefits of this oil?
Creates Skin-Protecting Barrier
In studies where sunflower was tested on skin instead of olive oil, researchers found that the skin barrier became stronger compared to when the olive oil was used. 19 participants tested the theory, and validated that sunflower is better for skin. This is due to the high linoleic acid levels in sunflower oil, which help maintain skin's natural barrier and retain moisture.
Rich in Antioxidants
Sunflower oil contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant with many skincare benefits, including protection from UV rays and the reduction of sun damage.
Additionally, vitamin E helps prevent wrinkles and slows the effects of aging skin. Thus, those who skin that is extra-sensitive to the sun, or those who are trying to reduce skin aging may appreciate sunflower oil for its high concentrations of vitamin E.
Heals Wounds
Research demonstrates that sunflower oil can help treat and heal wounds faster. In wound care, oleic acid is beneficial because of its healing properties. Also, the sesamol oil component of sunflower oil has chemopreventive properties.
It Hydrates
Sunflower oil is emollient, which means it helps soothe and hydrate the skin. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of sunflower oil help retain water in the skin and keep it from drying out.
It's Anti-Aging
Because it locks in moisture, sunflower oil plumps the skin and helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, the vitamins in sunflower oil slow the signs of aging.
How to Use Sunflower Oil
You can buy sunflower oil from the food aisle in your grocery store and use it on your skin. However, the best way to use sunflower oil is by finding skincare products that contain this ingredient.
This is because well-formulated products that contain sunflower oil will provide all the benefits of sunflower oil, along with other beneficial ingredients. It's usually better to have an all-in-one product instead of five different redundant products.
In addition to using sunflower oil in moisturizers, you can also use it as a pre-cleanser. In its pure form, sunflower oil can help remove dirt, makeup, and other buildup from skin.
Best Skin Types for Sunflower
Every skin type can benefit from sunflower oil. Below, we have listed the benefits for each skin type:
- Oily skin: Since sunflower oil is non-comedogenic, it's a safe way to moisturize acne-prone skin.
- Sensitive skin: Along with its many other benefits, sunflower oil can sooth red, irritated, and inflamed skin.
- Dry skin: Those with dry skin can find both immediate and long term relief through moisture by using sunflower oil
- Combination skin: Sunflower oil can help regulate oil production and balance combination skin.
- Mature skin: Sunflower oil can smooth existing wrinkles and protect skin from further damage.
So, if you're worried about using sunflower oil for your face, don't be! It's great on all skin types.
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Sunflower Oil Provides Many Skin Care Benefits
Sunflower oil is a highly versatile, natural ingredient that provides numerous benefits for skin. It nourishes and protects skin from damage, smooths out wrinkles and scars, and keeps skin moisturized for a more balanced complexion.