Back in 1716, when an English man Arthur Bunyan was granted a patent to extract sunflower oil from its seed, no one knew how popular this oil would get. After more than three centuries, the oil continues to be a favourite of many across the globe.

Today the supermarkets online and offline are lined with cans of sunflower oil. Its popularity is because of the health benefits it offers, especially for the heart. But not much is known about using sunflower oil for skin benefits. Is sunflower oil good for skin? Let’s find out.

How is Sunflower Oil Made and its Contents

The Helianthus annuus plant is used to extract oil from the sunflower seeds. The seeds are hot-pressed or cold-pressed to produce the oil that undergoes several processes like extraction, filtration, centrifuging etc. The oil produced through cold-pressing has more nutrients than the hot-pressed one as no nutrient-loss occurs because of hot pressing.

These acids and vitamins present in sunflower oil make it good for our skin and gives rise to sunflower oil for skin benefits:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid (Omega Fatty Acids)
• Sesamol

The Mind-Blowing Sunflower Oil For Skin Benefits

1. Heals the Skin

A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory benefits. This promotes the healing of wounds on the skin. If you have a scar or a blemish on your face or hands that you want to get rid of, try sunflower oil. The same study also found that a deficiency of linoleic acid can cause scaly skin. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid and aids in preventing scales.

The presence of Vitamin K also aids the wound-healing process. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology deduced that Vitamin K significantly reduces healing time.

2. Has Anti-Ageing Properties

Vitamin E in the sunflower oil makes it photoprotective, found a study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Most of the ageing on our skin is caused due to solar radiation.

Many of us don’t put on the sunscreen before we step out in the Sun. For those of us, this is the perfect remedy. Vitamin E in the oil works as an antioxidant, preventing against oxidative stress that causes those wrinkles.

3. Enhances the Skin Barrier Especially in Infants

The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition published a study that said using sunflower oil to massage newborns can help in enhancing their skin barrier. The skin barrier prevents harmful microbes from penetrating the skin and causing infections.

When you think about sunflower oil for skin benefits, consider this as one of the most important ones. You can restore the outermost barrier of the skin or stratum corneum and protect your skin from the environment.

4. Protects Against Skin Cancer

The concern for skin cancer has been increasing every day. With global warming and depletion of the ozone layer, we are exposed to harmful radiations of the sun that may cause skin cancer. Use of toxic chemicals found in some cosmetic products can also cause skin cancer.

But don’t worry, sunflower oil comes to your rescue! The sesamol content in sunflower oil was shown to have chemopreventive effects, as per a study published in the ‘Pharmacological Research’ journal.

5. Keeps the Skin Hydrated and Moisturised

A study published in the ‘Pediatric Dermatology‘ journal had participants apply sunflower oil for four weeks, twice daily. They found that it improves hydration in the skin. Lots of cosmetic companies also swear by the benefits of Vitamin E for the skin’s moisturisation. This Vitamin E is found in abundance in sunflower oil.

6. Keeps Pimples at Bay

The sunflower oil is non-comedogenic. This means it does not clog pores. This is one of the major sunflower oil for skin benefits. Clogged pores cause acne or pimples, which can then cause pain (mental pain too because we keep postponing our dinner plans). The oil is ideal for use on all skin types.

Sunflower Oil For Skin Benefits: How to Use?

Now that you know sunflower oil for skin benefits you can use it at home to reinvent your skin. It is very simple to use sunflower oil for your skin. Invest in a cold-pressed version of the oil. Take a small amount on your palms, rub it and massage on your skin.

If you have oily skin, take only a few drops of oil. You can also mix it with essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, among others. A few drops of rose water will offer an added advantage. You can also ingest sunflower oil or use it for cooking.

Say ‘Hello!’ to Radiant Skin

So is sunflower oil good for skin? The answer is yes! Sunflower oil for skin benefits are plenty. Give your skin a makeover by using sunflower oil. It is a great way to keep away from the harmful chemicals that are a part of many cosmetic products today that do more harm than good.

Go natural! Natural oils are one of the best ways to shower some love on your skin. We bet you’ll absolutely adore your skin all over again.