LOVE YOUR SKIN OUTSIDE IN
HEAD TO TOE THERAPIES
Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)
Produced from Seed
Benefits of sunflower oil
What Is Sunflower Oil?
Sunflower oil is produced by pressing the seeds of a plant called Helianthus annuus. It is high in linoleic or oleic acid, which are sources of energy for the body.
There are four types of sunflower oil — high oleic, mid oleic, high linoleic, and high stearic and high oleic. They are differentiated based on the levels of fat types they are made of. For example, polyunsaturated fats are equated to linoleic acids. Monounsaturated fats are equated to oleic acid. Sunflower oils that contain higher levels of oleic oils are more healthy.
Helpful Vitamins and Substances Found in Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil offers plenty of health benefits and contains substances that can positively impact your skin health. A major component of sunflower oil is vitamin E. Sunflower oil contains more vitamin E than other vegetable oils.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Antioxidants help donate electrons to free radical atoms to help stabilize them. If not stabilized, these atoms can cause damage over time, leading to health issues such as heart disease or lung cancer. The vitamin E in sunflower oil may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits for your skin.
Sunflower oil contains other helpful substances, such as omega-6 and omega-9, or linoleic acid and oleic acid. These substances are both shown to contribute to tissue and cell strength.
Sunflower Oil Skin Benefits
The vitamin E in sunflower oil has antioxidants that help with premature aging and wrinkles, keeping your skin looking young and fresh. Sunflower oil also contains linoleic acid, which helps your skin retain moisture so it becomes less dry. Reinforcing this natural moisture barrier is especially helpful for those with eczema or otherwise dry skin. In addition, linoleic acid helps to protect the face from bacteria and germs.
Along with keeping your skin moisturized and wrinkle-free, the sunflower oil benefits for skin include:
- It leaves pores unclogged:Sunflower oil is highly absorbent and non-comedogenic. This means it will not clog your pores, and it is well-suited for various skin types — including acne-prone, dry, normal and oily.
- It offers sun protection: Antioxidants like vitamin E help protect your skin from wrinkles and negative effects from sun exposure.
- It helps heal wounds:Sunflower oil has been shown to help aid wounds in healing faster, though more research is needed to explore this effect.
Properties
- Suitable for all skin types