This beautiful evening blooming flower is the source of many benefits for the skin. How does this flower turn into an oil that treats multiple skin conditions? The seeds (not the flowers) are cold pressed into an oil filled with Linoleic Acid (LA), and Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA). Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a member of the Omega 6 fatty acids family.
What can Evening Primrose Oil do for the skin?
It has anti-inflammatory, emollient, anti-aging, and hydrating properties.
Evening Primrose Oil balances hormones keeping the body’s inflammatory response balanced reducing hormonal breakouts. It also contains one of the highest levels of linoleic acid found in nature. Why is this important? Low levels of linoleic acid in the skin’s acid mantle means there is an essential fatty acid deficiency which leads to acne breakouts. Using Evening Primrose Oil on the skin can balance essential acid deficiencies leading to clear and balanced skin.
High gamma-linolenic acid helps skin look firm and tight.
Evening Primrose Oil has been found to inhibit enzymes like Tyrosinase which trigger the creation of dark spots.
Our bodies do not produce gamma-linoleic acid making it important to get it from natural sources like Evening Primrose Oil. This is important because GLA is believed to contribute to skin hydration.
In summary:
This singular oil can reduce the inflammation that leads to skin conditions like acne breakouts and Eczema, it makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible, it hydrates the skin, and makes it softer.
Sources:
- http://Developmental plasticity of central serotonin neurons after 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine treatment – PubMed (nih.gov)
- http://Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults – PubMed (nih.gov)
- http://Skin Ageing: Natural Weapons and Strategies (nih.gov)
- http://Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins – PubMed (nih.gov)