Sesame oil has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis, specifically cradle cap. The oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the symptoms of the condition. However, sesame oil is rich in long-chain fatty acids that can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis.
Let’s take a deep dive:
What is sesame oil?
Sesame oil is extracted from sesame seeds. It’s a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and has a nutty flavor. It”s often used as a flavor enhancer or for finishing dishes.
In recent years, sesame oil has gained popularity as a natural beauty product due to its high vitamin E content and ability to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Sesame oil is mostly composed of long-chain fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid.
Is sesame oil antifungal?
The research on sesame oil’s antifungal activity is scant and conflicting. A small lab study showed that roasted sesame oil reduces Candida growth more than safflower oil and olive oil. Another found that sesame seed extracts had no effect on Candida albicans and glabrata at all.
A lab study suggested sesame oil may be effective against other fungi like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Aspergillus.
Sesame oil has no antifungal effect on Malassezia. In fact, researchers found sesame seed oil was a great medium for culturing Malassezia in the lab.
Skin benefits of sesame oil
Sesame oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. One of the most impressive benefits of sesame oil is its ability to improve skin health. The oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and sunburn.
Sesame oil is often used in natural beauty products and has many benefits for the skin. It’s a natural antioxidant and may help to protect the skin from damage.
Sesame oil can also help to reduce inflammation and redness. It also has antimicrobial properties. In fact, a rat study showed that sesame oil extract has the potential to heal wounds.
Sesame oil is also an excellent moisturizer and can help to keep the skin hydrated. It forms a protective layer on your skin, preventing moisture loss.
Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen and can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
Sesame oil has anti-aging properties and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The oil can also help fade dark spots and scars.
To reap the maximum benefit from sesame oil, it’s best to use a cold-pressed, refined variety as it has a comedogenic rating of one. Virgin sesame oil that has not been processed or refined in any way has a comedogenic score of three.
Is sesame oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?
Sesame oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions. More recently, sesame oil is gaining popularity as a natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, specifically cradle cap.
Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help to soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation. Sesame oil is also a natural moisturizer that can help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.
However, sesame oil is high in long-chain fatty acids that encourages Malassezia growth. It can also introduce more oil to the skin and clog your pores. It’s therefore a no-go for seborrheic dermatitis sufferers.
However, you can still use products containing refined sesame oil on unaffected body parts to reap its skin benefits.
To wrap up
Sesame oil has a multitude of skin benefits but it can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis. Avoid using products that contain sesame oil on SD rashes.
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