6 Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil

We know the first thought you might have regarding sunflower seed oil may be the bottle of cooking oil lying in your kitchen. Don’t get us wrong, it is a good oil for cooking purposes, but good quality sunflower seed oil actually has remarkable impact on skin, much more than you think in fact.

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What is Sunflower Seed Oil?

Not all sunflower seed oils, which are extracted from sunflower seeds and not the flowers, are created equal. Besides the origin of the actual sunflower seeds, how the oil is extracted can make a huge difference. Most conventional sunflower oils on the market are extracted through heat or chemical processes that would destroy the nutrients in the oil that benefit the skin. In other words, do not run out and buy a bottle of sunflower seed oil from your local supermarket and slather it on, as it will likely provide minimal skin benefits.

On the other hand, cold-pressed, unrefined sunflower seed oil, while less heat-stable (and therefore not good for cooking), retain more of its original nutrient content, which includes vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, essential fatty acids, minerals, amino acids, phospholipids, polyphenols, flavonoids and phytosterols etc. It is also lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and easily absorbed by the skin, thus making it amazing for topical use.

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ① Soothes, Strengthens and Moisturizes Skin

Sunflower seed oil is rich in omega-6 and -9, as well as ceramides and phospholipids. They have been shown to help maintain the skin barrier and decrease trans-epidermal water loss, both of which are important in soothing dry skin, and skin issues such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. In fact, it works so well in improving skin barrier function recovery that studies have shown its effect lasts for over 5 hours after application.

One special thing about sunflower seed oil lies with its unsaponifiables. This precious part of sunflower oil stimulates the synthesis of epidermal key lipids and works to stimulate the synthesis of key proteins such as filaggrin, a protein living in our corneocytes that is essential to keep the skin/barrier healthy and to provide key elements to our Natural Moisturising Factor. This is particularly important to eczema sufferers, as studies have shown that some eczema sufferers genetically lack filaggrin in their skin.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Essential Bio-Technological Moisturiser  <- Click to shop

Suitable for the most sensitive skin, this day moisturiser gives the skin maximum hydration with Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, etc., whilst Sunflower Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, and Sunflower Seed Oil mimic the lipid balance in healthy skin and lock in moisture. The formula is further fortified with prized botanicals to fight free radicals, UV damages and inflammations, soothe skin, and reduce irritations.

MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Elixir™  <- Click to shop

Rich in high concentration of Vitamin C, as well as Omegas-3, 6 and 9, Vitamins ABDEK, Antioxidants, Flavonoids, Tocotrienols, Phenolic Compounds, Proteins, and Minerals etc., the Apricot Oil, Marula Oil, Sunflower Oil, Neroli Oil, Frankincense Oil and Rose Geranium Oil in Elixir™ effectively brighten the skin, reduce scars and hyperpigmentation, repair the skin barrier, lock in moisture, slow aging, soothe sensitivity and eczema, fight inflammations, bacteria and free radicals, and promote skin cell regeneration.

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ② Anti-Inflammatory & Antibacterial

Several studies have suggested that sunflower seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, as its content can convert to arachidonic acid, which leads to prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory modulator, thereby minimizing the overdrive of inflammatory responses in the skin. When inflammation decreases, symptoms like redness and itchiness also subside. This makes sunflower seed oil an excellent ingredient for treating inflammatory skin problems like eczema, dermatitis, and even acne.

In fact, a study of 497 pre-term infants deemed high-risk for sepsis were given application of sunflower seed oil three times daily versus a petroleum-based moisturizer. The results show a reduction of sepsis by 41 percent, and 26 percent reduction in mortality for the sunflower seed oil group. No adverse events were reported either.

TWELVE BEAUTY
Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser <- Click to shop

With activated charcoal, kaolin clay and plant oils, the lightweight triple-phase botanical formula cleanses and detoxes while nourishing the skin. Its gel-to-oil-to-milk formula perfectly removes makeup, excess oil, daily grime and pollutants without drying out the skin. Whilst, its hydrating, moisturizing and antioxidants properties like Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Orange Fruit Hydrosol supports the skin’s hydration, improves water retention, replenishes key lipids and fights free radicals.

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ③ Accelerates Wound Healing

Another reason sunflower seed oil is excellent for inflammatory skin conditions is due to its wound healing abilities. Indeed, studies have found topic application of sunflower seed oil accelerates healing process thanks to its wide array of amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A study has shown that topical application of sunflower seed oil for three days reduced wound area by 300%. Subsequent results at the 7th and 21 days were also statistically significant——the wound area was smaller and wound contraction was higher, whereas granulation tissue increased faster, and the epidermis was completely recovered, compared with control wounds.

Agent Nateur
holi(cleanse) Cleansing Face Oil <- Click to shop

Enriched with a nutrient-dense base of luxury oils, including Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, and Rosehip Seed Oil, it completely emulsifies and removes dirt, oil, and makeup in the most nurturing manner. The gentle formula is also rich in calming botanical extracts to alleviate sensitivity, ease redness, and protect the skin during cleansing.

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ④ Fights Free Radicals To Slow Aging

Free radicals are the number one cause of aging, as they damage healthy skin cells, cause collagen and elastin breakdown, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging. Unfortunately, an average person is exposed to 100,000 - 300,000 free radicals from UV radiation, pollution, dust, pesticides, alcohol, cigarette smoke, food, excessive exercises, and inflammation per day, which means we need antioxidants to counteract and neutralize these free radicals.

Sunflower seed oil contains many types of antioxidants, such as Vitamins, A and E, and polyphenols, and can therefore reduce the rate of oxidation by reacting with a variety of free radicals in a multi-pathway approach.

KLUR
Supreme Seed Delicate Purification Mask <- Click to shop

Formulated with Kaolin, Papaya Extract, Wild Cherry Bark, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice and Green Tea Leaf Water, it gently purifies and decongests to improve clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Together with soothing and balancing Panthenol, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Ginkgo, Calendula, and Cacao amongst other botanicals, as well as nourishing oils like Sunflower Seed Oil, it also helps calm, soothe, and improve the appearance of redness and irritation.

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ⑤ Increases & Protects Collagen & Elastin

Our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin as we age, while collagen and elastin breakdown can be accelerated by numerous factors such as UV rays, free radicals, and inflammations. The two combined can result in fine lines and wrinkles, and premature aging.

Sunflower seed oil naturally help increase collagen production, while protecting the skin’s existing collagen and elastin to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Skin is thus more toned, smoothed, and youthful looking.

Agent Nateur
holi(body) Ageless Body Serum  <- Click to shop

Fortified with high concentrations of organic Rosehip Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Damascus Rose & Helichrysum extracts, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Caffeine & Theobromine, etc., it provides long-lasting nourishment, stimulates collagen & elastin production, tightens & firms skin, lightens, smoothes & prevents scars, cellulite & stretch marks, whilst French-patented Calcium Ketogluconate promotes hyaluronic acid & elastin production and lifts skin!

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Skin Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil ⑥ Protects from UV-Induced Damages

Although it cannot replace sunscreen, sunflower seed oil will help prevent skin cell damage caused by UV rays, as the high vitamin E content acts as a natural sunscreen which can absorb UVB. On the other hand, the oil itself can form a protective barrier to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, whilst boosting the efficacy of the sunscreen you are using.

MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Goji Mallow Cleanse™  <- Click to shop

A hydrating and nourishing cleanser with a marshmallow-like texture. Enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Açaí Berries and Oat Silk, as well as nourishing oils like Sunflower Seed Oil, Frankincense, Avocado and Plum, and Glycerin, it locks in moisture, provides essential nutrients, reduces inflammation and increases elasticity of the skin, all the while providing a gentle cleansing action.

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