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The modern world of the cosmetic industry always keeps throwing product after product our way that claim to have miraculous skin benefits because of their long list of intriguing and unknown ingredients. While there is nothing wrong with giving the new entrants a try, we should not overlook deceptively simple substances sitting on our kitchen shelf that may end our search for natural, affordable, and effective beauty products.
One such product is sunflower oil, a key ingredient in a range of skin and hair care products because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Sunflower oil acts as a natural moisturizer as it easily gets absorbed into the skin and acts as a skin barrier protecting against harmful environmental irritants.
In this article, we will study how sunflower oil is procured, its benefits and disadvantages, who can use it, and the correct usage method. We will also enlist all the main reasons why sunflower oil deserves a special place in your skincare and haircare regimen.
How is Sunflower Oil Made?
Sunflower oil is a non-volatile oil. It is extracted from the seeds of sunflower by the method of cold pressing and refining. However, the cold-pressing method should be preferred as it helps keep all the nutrients intact. Sunflower oil contains linoleic acid and palmitic acid, which make it a healthy oil for cooking. Apart from that, it is also rich in vitamins A, D, and E and other healthy nutrients like carotenoids, lecithin, and tocopherols. All these ingredients make sunflower oil a great emollient with excellent nourishing benefits. It also calms down irritated and sensitive skin as it has good anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s read in detail about all the good things sunflower oil can do for your skin and hair.
Skin & Hair Benefits of Sunflower Oil
1. Hydration
Sunflower oil is an excellent emollient and helps in hydrating and smoothing the skin. This is the main reason that sunflower oil is used as a key ingredient in many commercial moisturizers. It also helps skin retain water. Apart from this, it is light and non-greasy, unlike other oils, and gets absorbed into the skin quickly, helping in cell regeneration and prevents blockage.
2. Makes Your Skin Healthy
Its enriching list of ingredients works like a shield on your skin and protects it from various bacteria or chemicals. For example, linoleic acid in sunflower oil helps limit water loss, thereby improving the skin barrier.
3. Prevents Aging
Sunflower oil has more amount of vitamin E as compared to other oils such as almond oil. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and keeps your skin looking young and radiant. It keeps free radicals away and controls wrinkles and other signs of aging, like skin loosening.
4. Protects Against Sun Damage
The harmful ultraviolet rays emanating from the sun can damage your skin cells and cause harmful diseases like skin cancer. Sunflower oil works as a barrier and makes your skin less vulnerable to the scorching heat of the sun. (1)
5. Calms Skin
This oil is rich in antioxidants and helps calm the skin. It can even help in conditions like eczema and dryness.
6. Acts as a Healer
Oleic acid present in sunflower oil makes it an excellent wound healer. When applied to wounds and scars, sunflower oil heals them faster. In addition, sunflower oil is non-comedogenic and doesn’t block the pores, which means that it wouldn’t end up giving you breakouts. In fact, it can even help in keeping your skin free from acne and other inflammatory diseases.
7. Improves Skin Texture
Sunflower oil is excellent for dry and sensitive skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and also removes any impurities or dead cells. As a result, it makes your skin soft, supple, and radiant.
8. Gentle and Natural
Sunflower oil is very gentle on the skin and works well, even for sensitive kinds. It is completely natural and free from harsh chemicals and additives.
9. Sunflower Oil Hair Therapy
Besides being a skin savior, sunflower oil can do wonders for your hair, such as preventing hair loss and calming that frizzy mane.
10. Moisturizes Hair
Sunflower oil is a very light, non-greasy oil with excellent nourishing ability. It prevents water loss from the hair and helps in retaining moisture. It doesn’t have any odor, because of which it can be used alone or along with essential oils for good massage therapy.
11. Gets Rid of Breakage
Dry and rough hair tends to become brittle, which can cause hair breakage. Sunflower oil conditions and moisturizes hair, which in turn prevents breakage. Vitamin E and Oleic acid present in sunflower oil help control hair breakage and promote hair growth.
12. Prevents Thinning of Hair
Sunflower oil treats scalp issues such as dryness. This oil contains Vitamin E; it helps keep bacteria away and gives you a healthy scalp, the foundation for healthy hair. In addition, linoleic acid present in sunflower oil controls thinning of hair, hair fall, and even baldness.
13. Controls Frizz and Nourishes
Fatty acids present in sunflower oil, along with rich anti-oxidants, deeply moisturize your hair without making them too greasy. It also adds an instant softness and shine to your tresses, especially during winter months when hair loses moisture frequently—all of this helps eliminate frizzy hair while lending softness and shine.
How to Use it?
For skin, only organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil is recommended. You can apply sunflower oil directly to the face after washing and then add a layer of moisturizer. You can even use it as a makeup remover. Just dab a few drops on a cotton pad and wipe off all the makeup. In case the idea of applying the oil directly to the skin doesn’t go down well with you, look for a cream or moisturizer with sunflower oil as the main ingredient.
For hair, sunflower oil can be used daily or on alternate days. You can use it an hour before washing or keep it overnight for extra nourishment. To get silky smooth hair, use this oil alone or mix it with some essential oil. There are also plenty of sunflower-infused haircare products such as masks and deep conditioners available in the market.
Also Read – 18 Amazing Sunflower Seeds Benefits For Health, Skin, and Hair
Side Effects of Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a non-irritating oil that is generally safe for most skin types. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, even those with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis can use it safely. However, it is still recommended to do a patch test of sunflower oil before making it a staple in your beauty regimen. (2)
Summary
If you’re looking for a natural and effective product that comes with a whole bunch of benefits from nourishing your skin to taking care of hair fall, look no further than sunflower oil. This humble oil, extracted from nutrient-dense seeds of the sunflower plant, has been used by women for centuries to tackle various beauty issues like dryness of the skin, acne scars and frizzy hair. Sunflower oil acts as an excellent emollient and helps hydrate the skin by locking in moisture. It also helps soothe the skin and protects from environmental irritants. On the haircare front, sunflower oil helps in preventing hair loss and calming frizzy tresses. However, it is advisable to buy only organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil for skin and haircare for maximum results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While buying a good sunflower oil, what to look for?
Always go for organic, cold-pressed sunflower oil. Stay away from chemically processed variety.
Is there any particular skin type where sunflower oil works best?
Though anyone with any skin type can use this oil, it generally delivers the best results for extra dry skin.
Can we apply sunflower oil directly to the face?
Sunflower oil acts as a great moisturizer for dry skin. Take a few drops of the oil and gently apply it to the face; if you think it is too greasy, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Can sunflower oil give me breakouts?
This is highly unlikely. Sunflower oil is very light and non-comedogenic. In fact, it has been known not to clog the pores, which is the main reason for acne. On the other hand, when applied consistently over a period of time, sunflower oil can help fade away acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
References
- “Beyond Coconut: 7 Other Natural Oils for Smooth and Radiant Skin” – everydayhealth.com
- “What are drawbacks of sunflower oil?” – healthline.com
