Like all other natural skincare products, Borage seed oil is a beauty-boosting wonder oil now making waves in the skincare sphere.
Often found in face oils and serums, this oil doubles as both an antioxidant and hydration.
As an added advantage, this golden elixir is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a well-known skin-soothing agent.
So, if you suffer from dry skin or inflammatory conditions, you’ll no doubt fall in love with the calming and moisturising element of borage seed oil.
These are only a few benefits of Borage oil in skincare. You’ll find all you need to know about the golden elixir that is borage oil and its benefits in this article.
What is borage seed oil?
Borage oil comes from the seeds of the borago Officinalis plant, native to the Mediterranean. Often dubbed the herb of gladness, the entire plant, flowers, and leaves are used medicinally to treat depression.
The oil is a golden yellow colour obtained from pressed seeds and can be used topically in skincare and orally in supplements or cooking.
Borage seed oil provides the skin with necessary fatty acids by blocking the formation of leukotrienes and increasing the production of ceramide.
Benefits of borage seed oil in skincare
Similar to other natural oils in skincare, Borage seed oil comes with tremendous benefits. These benefits, in turn, contribute to the overall wellbeing and health of the skin. Here are some benefits of Borage seed oil in skincare:
- It promotes a healthy skin barrier:
Borage oil features a high linolenic acid concentration, a significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient in skincare. This ingredient also helps promote a healthy skin barrier by replenishing lipids in the epidermis, increasing the skin’s hydration.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Like most natural skincare products, this oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps treat inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, to mention a few.
- Promotes improved wound healing:
Another great benefit of Borage oil in skincare is that it improves the skin’s overall health, reducing the risk of skin infections.
- Hydration:
Like most natural oils, Borage seed oil is very hydrating and functions as an effective moisturiser in skincare.
- Anti-ageing properties:
Rich in linoleic acid, Borage oil allows the skin to retain its elasticity. Using Borage oil in skincare prevents stretch marks and delays the anti-ageing process. Adding a few drops of borage oil to your creams would help greatly in reducing wrinkles.
How to use borage seed oil in skincare
You can find borage oil in your everyday skincare products and easily incorporate it into your morning and nighttime routine.
To use as a moisturiser, be sure to apply it to clean dry skin after applying prescription topicals (retinoids and steroids). If you choose to apply it as an oil, be sure to use it after water-based products and before your moisturiser. Before applying it to your skin, remember to first dilute Borage seed oil with a carrier oil (Almond, jojoba, or olive oil).
When and how often should borage seed oil be used in skincare?
The simple answer to this is as many times as you like. There are no strict rules to using this oil in skincare.
You can choose to use it in the morning and night, similar to other oils or, keep it for only nighttime use. Whichever you opt for, remember that Borage oil works as the final sealing step, locking in the benefits of your other skincare products.
Who can use borage seed oil?
Everyone! Regardless of your skin type, Borage oil would be highly beneficial to your skin’s health even if you have sensitive skin. People with dry skin tend to benefit even more from this oil as it’s a great source of oil which the skin lacks.
On the other hand, acne-prone, oily skin also benefits from the anti-inflammatory properties of Borage seed oil.
Our advice
Before including Borage seed oil in your skincare regimen, be sure to consult your doctor and do a patch test to see the effects of this oil on your skin.
If you also choose to ingest borage oil as a supplement, it should contain between 1000mg and 1500mg and be taken once a day. Borage oil holds several benefits for the skin’s wellbeing, and now you’re set to unleash its potential.
