Because of sea buckthorn berry oil’s powerful nutrient content and fabulous skin restoring properties, it's our Oil of the Week!

Whats is Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil?

Sea buckthorn berry oil is a bright orange coloured carrier oil exceptionally rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids and fatty acids. In fact it is one of the few carrier oils with a high nutritional value outside of the essential fatty acids; sea buckthorn berry oil contains vitamins A, C, E and B as well as 60 major and minor antioxidants. All in all, it is one oil you will want to incorporate in your skincare routine for its exceptional abilities to heal, repair and protect the skin from premature ageing.

Contrary to its name, sea buckthorn berry does not come from a sea plant, but rather the fruit of the  Hippophae Rhamnoides  shrub, which is native to the high altitudes in China, the Himalayas and Asia. The berries are orange in colour, which, like carrots, is indicative of a high carotenoid content.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil for Skin Health

Sea buckthorn berry oil is anti-inflammatory, anti aging and antibacterial, and can transform rough, damaged skin. It is good for stressed out skin, dermatitis, rosacea, acne, sun damaged skin and even wounds and damaged tissue. It can also help improve micro-circulation (essentially, the skin’s metabolism) and retard skin maturation, thereby slowing down the signs of aging.

Because it contains Omega-7 which is a fabulous skin healer and regenerator, sea buckthorn berry oil is one of the best healing and anti aging oils around. Keep in mind that it may stain skin if applied undiluted, so do a spot test first and blend a few drops with another carrier oil if necessary.

Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil as a Sunblock?

Sea buckthorn is often referenced to have sun protection capabilities due to its rich antioxidant, fatty acid, quercetin and carotenoid content, and is a common ingredient found in natural sunscreen formulations. While it certainly has all the properties to shield from UV rays, it unfortunately hasn’t been tested alone for SPF verification so we don’t know exactly to what degree it can protect us from the sun. But we do know that it helps bring down inflammation following sun damage, and can assist with the healing and restorative process. So it can be added to your conventional sunscreen or a DIY preparation, and definitely add it to your after sun cream (find a soothing after sun cream recipe here).

Medicinal Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

Sea buckthorn berry oil is an anti-asthmatic and rich in quercetin, and is said to naturally lower cholesterol levels. Studies have also found daily intake of the oil to contribute to heart health and reducing high blood pressure. It may also improve liver functioning in those with a damaged liver. Other studies in laboratories have found that the oil may be effective at preventing the spread of cancer cells.

Please note however that the oil has not yet been tested on human subjects for cancer impedance and more research is needed.