Is rosehip oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

When it comes to skin care, people often turn to rosehip oil as a natural remedy. Rosehip oil is derived from the fruit of the rose tree and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions. Many people believe that rosehip oil can help treat seborrheic dermatitis (SD).

However, rosehip oil contains long-chain fatty acids like oleic acid and palmitic acid which can encourage Malassezia growth, leading to more seborrheic dermatitis outbreaks. The pure oil is not recommended for seborrheic dermatitis. However, using a skincare product containing rosehip oil should be safe. 

Let’s take a deep dive:

What is rosehip seed oil?

Rosehip oil is derived from the seeds and fruits of the rose bush. This type of oil is a fixed oil, which means it doesn’t require dilution before use. It’s also an antimicrobial agent.

If you have trouble finding an oil that agrees with your skin type, rosehip oil is perfect for you! The oil provides nutrients for depleted skin without leaving any residue behind. Plus, it can be used on any type of skin, even sensitive or acne-prone skin!

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Is rosehip oil anti-fungal?

Rosehip oil contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity. Having said that, rosehip oil’s anti-fungal properties are mild at best and applying the oil on its own as an anti-fungal agent is useless.

Is rosehip oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Rosehip oil contains Vitamin A, C, E and anti-oxidants. It’s is also rich in C11-24 fatty acids. These are long-chain fatty acids like oleic acid and palmitic acid. Unfortunately, Malassezia enzymes can break down these long-chain fatty acids for food, which leads to increased Malassezia growth, causing more outbreaks of SD!

Fungal hyper-colonization can be triggered by oleic acid, and rosehip oil is a source of this fatty acid. Rosehip oil, along with these common plant-based oils are not recommended when you have seborrheic dermatitis.

However, rose water is a great astringent and helps soothe your skin, reducing inflammation and itch.   

Benefits of rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is a natural moisturizer that helps to hydrate the skin and ease scaling. It has been shown to be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of dryness-induced itching.

It is a rich source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to heal the skin and reduce inflammation.

It’s also absorbed rapidly into the skin, making it a good emollient. People most likely to benefit from rosehip oil are those with eczema rather than seborrheic dermatitis.

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Side effects of rosehip oil

People who are already prone to acne, rosacea, or oily skin may experience breakouts after using rosehip oil.

Allergic skin reactions to rosehip oil are rare but since we tend to have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before using any product for the first time. This will help you determine if you’re likely to experience any adverse reactions.

Can I use skincare products containing rosehip oil for seborrheic dermatitis?

Rosehip oil is a great solution for both dry and acne-prone skin. Rosehip oil contains Vitamin E, which helps fade scars and smooth the texture of the skin. It also has antioxidants that keep skin healthy.

The natural sebum regulating properties make it beneficial for all skin types. I definitely don’t think you should directly apply the pure oil to your skin. However, using skincare products contaning rosehip oil should be fine. As always, test the product on a small area of your skin before applying it all  over.

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To wrap up

Rosehip oil is a natural and effective skin treatment for many skin ailments. Due to its oleic acid content, you shouldn’t apply pure oil directly on your face but it’s safe to use in seborrheic dermatitis when present in skincare products.

Looking for safe skin oils? These carrier oils are the only ones I recommend for seborrheic dermatitis.