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You know oranges contain vitamin C. You know olive oil contains omega fats. But did you know that there’s one little fruit that contains more vitamin C and more omega 7 than both of those foods? It’s called sea buckthorn, and not only is it full of amazing nutrients for the body, but it can also have incredible benefits for the hair and skin.
Never heard of the benefits of sea buckthorn? Read on to find out what this small orange fruit can do—and why you might want to make sea buckthorn oil or extract a regular part of your beauty and wellness routine.
What is sea buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an evergreen shrub from Europe and Asia whose leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits are usually consumed in the form of juice or oil because of their powerful blend of nutrients. Sea buckthorn has long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and has been called a “wonder plant” for thousands of years. Sea buckthorn is thought to be good for the skin, blood sugar, heart, immune system, digestion, and liver. It may even have anti-cancer effects.
The beauty benefits of sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn oil contains contains at least 190 of bioactive substances, or as one study puts it, “an abundance of active substances which is unique in known vegetable oils” including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C; flavonoids and carotenoids; as well as healthy fats such as omega 3, omega 6, omega 9, and especially omega 7.
These special omega fats are often referred to as “beauty omegas” because they contain powerful anti-inflammatories that increase collagen production, heal the skin, improve brightness and elasticity, hydrate the mucous membranes, and moisturize the eyes. “Sea-buckthorn oil has a beneficial effect on skin because it is a strong antioxidant,” the aforementioned study notes, before listing an impressive range of benefits: “This oil fights free radicals, rebuilds cells and delays cell aging, supports wound healing, reduces scars and discolorations, treats dermatoses, eczemas, ulceration, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, improves skin elasticity and structure, provides appropriate hydration of epidermis, limits excessive water loss, protects against harmful radiation (solar or x-rays), has a regenerative and anti-aging effect.”
In other words, pretty much everything you could want in terms of keeping your skin healthy and radiant and your overall body well. “Sea buckthorn oil is very rich in fatty acids and could play an important role in several activities related to human health,” explains another study that looked at the impact of sea buckthorn fatty acids.
As if that weren’t enough, sea buckthorn also contains as much as 15 times more vitamin C than oranges—and we all know how valuable vitamin C can be for everything from fighting wrinkles to brightening the skin to erasing sun spots.
Properties of sea buckthorn
- Has moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties
- Soothes the stomach and intestines; improves digestion
- Hydrates the eyes and is beneficial for dry eye syndrome
- May relieve gastrointestinal ulcers
- Can help support balanced blood sugar levels
- Applied topically, sea buckthorn oil can aid wound healing, eczema, and acne
- Can help regulate blood pressure and bad cholesterol, benefiting the heart and cardiovascular system
- Supports the immune system
How to take sea buckthorn
Commercially available supplements made from sea buckthorn extract are often taken primarily for their vitamin C content. Sea buckthorn extracts, on the other hand, are often used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as in cosmetics, cleansers, moisturizers, serums, shampoos, and conditioners.
In the form of supplements or as juice, sea buckthorn can be consumed pure, diluted in water, or added to juices or smoothies. It is also available in powder form to be dissolved in drinks or mixed into food, and as an oil that can be consumed on its own or with food. Sea buckthorn oil can also be applied as a moisturizer or used as a compress on skin, nails, and hair.
While there aren’t risks associated with taking sea buckthorn, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine.
Sea buckthorn oil for skin and hair
As mentioned, sea buckthorn oil can be a valuable addition to your beauty cabinet—right along with beloved oils like castor, jojoba, grapeseed, and almond. When choosing sea buckthorn oil, look for the same qualities you’d seek in any other oil—it should be 100% pure, organic, and cold-pressed.
Sea buckthorn oil lends itself well to a variety of uses on skin and hair—it can be applied to the skin as is, or combined with other oils or cream to moisturize the face, body, scalp, and hair. Many people love it as an anti-stretch mark oil or as a massage oil. You can also simply apply a few drops to the skin of the face or body for extra moisture over other moisturizers or smooth it directly onto your hair for added shine.
