For thousands of years, Native Indian tribes in New Mexico & Arizona have been using parts of the sunflower plant to heal bites and condition their skin and hair. Extracted from the seeds of the plant, sunflower oil (also known as sunflower seed oil) can range in colour from clear to yellow.

Although it’s most widely used in cooking, it can also be found as an ingredient in beauty products. The skincare world has embraced the skin improving power of this popular plant and beauty brands have been extracting oil from the seed to develop a range of products.

Sunflower seed oil contains a variety of phytonutrients that work wonders for the skin, including oleic & linoleic acids and sesamol. Not only is it rich in antioxidants and nutrient-dense, sunflower seed oil also contains high levels of vitamin E, an ingredient well known for its protective skin benefits.

From fighting acne to healing wounds, here are some of the incredible things sunflower oil  can do for your skin:
 


1. Sunflower oil helps retain moisture

Sunflower seed oil is best known for its excellent emollient (skin softening) properties. The high concentration of linoleic acid (around 60%!) helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Those suffering from dry skin who use sunflower seed oil regularly will notice a significant improvement in skin texture and moisture retention.



2. High levels of vitamin E moisturize and protect

Vitamin E is well known to be an excellent antioxidant for the skin, and sunflower seed oil is packed with lots of vitamin E goodness. This incredible antioxidant can protect your skin from harsh UV rays and other environmental stressors such as environmental pollution. The high levels of Vitamin E also help with hydration by locking in moisture. 

3. Sunflower oil helps to treat blemishes

On top of vitamin E, sunflower oil is also rich in other vitamins that offer additional skin benefits. It also contains vitamins A, C and D, all of which are highly effective in fighting acne. These combine with fatty acids to promote new skin cell growth and rid skin of bacteria that can lead to acne.

4. Sunflower oil contains beta-carotene for glowing skin

Sunflower oil is also rich in beta-carotene, a fat-soluble compound that converts into vitamin A. It is known to possess antioxidant properties and promotes healthy skin, helping you maintain that natural glow.

5. Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic

Worried about your pores getting clogged? Sunflower oil is a non-comedogenic oil which absorbs into the skin without clogging your pores. The non-irritating nature of this ingredient means that it can be used by most skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone, and works especially well in moisturizers for people with mild acne-prone skin who still need moisture.


6. Sunflower oil can help heal wounds

A recent study showed that topical use of sunflower oil helped wounds heal more quickly, which may be due to both its high oleic acid content and vitamin E. Both components of sunflowers seed oil proved especially helpful during the inflammation phase of wound healing.

7. Sunflower oil can help protect from free radical damage 

Minimize common signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles by investing in a product with sunflower oil. As sunflower oil is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants, it can help in the fight against premature signs of aging by helping protect your skin from sun damage. The high levels of vitamin E also help protect your skin from free radicals.

8.Sunflower oil can help soothe skin

Suffering from sensitive skin? Sunflower seed oil also has great healing and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. These work together to minimize skin redness and smooth out rough patches. Omega-6 is also effective at reducing inflammation.