Skin Benefits of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is native to the cold-temperate regions of Eurasia. It is widely used in traditional medicine, as well as in the food and cosmetics industries. Thanks to its high content of vitamins C and E, sea buckthorn has strong antioxidant properties which make it perfect for skincare. So what exactly are the benefits of sea buckthorn juice, extract and oil for your skin?

Nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Sea buckthorn pulp is a rich source of fatty acids, mainly monounsaturated palmitoleic acid and saturated palmitic acid. Sea buckthorn oil helps to lock in moisture and prevent dry and flaky skin. In addition to fatty acids, it provides the skin with other nutrients that we’ve already listed above.

Prevents premature skin aging. Ascorbic acid and tocopherol (vitamins C and E, respectively) contained in sea buckthorn are powerful antioxidants. They help neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals that make the skin lose its elasticity and age faster. Sea buckthorn oil slows down the aging process, maintains the skin’s firmness and elasticity, helps smooth out fine lines and reduces deeper wrinkles.

Soothes and heals the skin. Sea buckthorn oil is soothing to irritated skin. In addition, it stimulates skin regeneration and renewal. You can use sea buckthorn oil on itchy and flaky skin, bug bites, sunburn, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and some other skin conditions. Just keep in mind that carotenoids contained in sea buckthorn are natural pigments, so pure sea buckthorn oil can stain your skin yellow or orange for a while.

Helps combat acne. Sea buckthorn has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which enable it to relieve acne-related skin inflammation. In addition, it reduces acne scars, dark marks, spots and blemishes, as well as soothes the skin. Sea buckthorn oil is very light, so it doesn’t clog pores and takes good care of oily and acne-prone skin.

You can use store-bought cosmetics with sea buckthorn oil, juice or extract, or you can use sea buckthorn oil to make DIY skincare products. Here are a couple of recipes for you to try at home.

Soothing Balm for Irritated and Sunburned Skin

Pour 1 tsp sea buckthorn oil, ¼ cup aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp lavender flower water and 3 drops lavender essential oil into a high speed blender. Blend for a few seconds until all ingredients are well combined. Apply the balm on the affected area to soothe and heal the skin. You can store it in a sterilized container in the refrigerator.

Anti-Aging Serum for Mature Skin

This sea buckthorn serum helps smooth out fine lines and prevent sagging skin. Pour 1 tbsp jojoba oil and 1 tbsp rose hip oil into a small dark glass bottle. Add ½ tsp sea buckthorn oil, 3 drops sandalwood oil, 3 drops neroli oil, and 2 drops carrot seed oil. (Essential oils are optional, so you can skip any or all of them in case you are allergic or simply don’t like the smell.) Close the cap and shake the bottle gently until the oils are well combined. Before going to bed, apply a few drops of serum to the clean skin of your face and neck and massage lightly until it absorbs.

Anti-Acne Serum for Problem Skin

This homemade serum with non-comedogenic oils helps treat acne and prevent further breakouts. Pour 2 tbsp argan oil, ½ tsp sea buckthorn oil, 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops tea tree oil, and 2 drops geranium oil into a dark glass dropper bottle. Close the cap and shake the bottle until the oils are well combined. Apply a few drops of serum to your face before going to bed.