Ingredient Overview

The Science of Skincare: Rosehip Seed Oil

May 12, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Rosehip Seed Oil is an ingredient we may take for granted, but rosehip oil gets things done. Organic rosehip oil is a beauty superhero. We’ve recently featured it in shampoos, skin, and body treatments. Let’s examine the research on this beauty powerhouse. Plus, see some of our favorite products that use Rosehip Seed Oil.

What is Rosehip Seed Oil?

Rosehip Seed Oil is also known as Rosa Canina Seed Oil. It comes from the fruit and seeds of the rosa canina rose bush. The fruit and seeds are packed with nutrients.

Rosehip Seed Oil is both a treating and a hydrating ingredient. It offers the benefits of Vitamin C and Retinol serums (Vitamin A). It refines texture and lightens dark spots but without the skin irritation associated with the aforementioned actives.

When unrefined, Rosehip Oil retains more of the benefits. It also carries a heavy scent. Refined Rosehip oil has far less scent but fewer benefits. Cold-pressed Rosehip oil retains maximum benefits.

Rosehip Research RoundUp: What Rosehip Oil Does

Rich in nutrients and vitamins, Rosehip Seed Oil addresses multiple skin concerns at once.

Wild Rosehip Oil is high in Vitamins A, C, and E. They provide nutrients, fade acne scars and promote cell turnover.

Reduce Wrinkles, Keep Skin Hydrated

Rose Hip oil retains moisture in the skin cells. Vitamins E and C work synergistically to keep skin hydrated during rejuvenation. This hydration reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity. [1]

Skin That Glows, Dry Skin Relief

Rosehip oil has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 makes skin glow, as well as soothe and moisturize eczema or dry skin. [2] It is also useful to soothe the skin from any irritation. I find it works well on acne scars and rougher skin areas.

Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil retains linoleic acid. Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) is an omega-6 fatty acid with skin barrier-strengthening, healing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. It is the predominant fat in skin cells. This forms a lipid barrier that holds moisture in skin cells, which keeps skin at optimal hydration levels.

Collagen Enhancing

Rosehip oil is collagen enhancing and preserving. It contains Vitamins A and C for collagen production.

Rosehip has one hundred times more C than an orange. Studies show topical Vitamin C application creates meaningful anti-aging change within 60 days. Improvements were seen in all ages groups and were notable for improvement to the thickness of the epidermis and dermis. [3] Rosehip oil delivers potent Vitamin C without the irritation found in many topical Cs.

Rosehip oil also inhibits MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen within the body. [4]

Antioxidant

Rosehip Oil contains powerful antioxidants to remove toxins and improve skin texture. Visible results can be seen especially quickly on sun-damaged skin.

Redness, Rosacea & Skin Tone

Rosehip oil has retinoic acid. This clears red marks, uneven skin tone and even helps rosacea.

Hair & Scalp Health

Healthy scalps grow healthy hair, Rosehip oil balances oil production for clearer scalp skin. Vitamin E keeps brittle hair hydrated. Rosehip oil combined with a carrier oil makes for a wonderful scalp massage.

Favorite Products With Rosehip Seed Oil

We have featured several skin and hair care products that use Rosehip Seed Oil. Check out some of our favorites in the article “SCIENCE OF SKINCARE: FAVORITE PRODUCTS FEATURING ROSEHIP SEED OIL”

Earth Wise Ruby Face Oil Golden Oil contains Rosehip Seed Oil

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Rosehip Oil? The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Know a rosehip seed oil product that should be on this list? Tell us!

Leave a comment or email us at questions@stylechicks.com

References

Phetcharat, L et al. “The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity.” Clinical interventions in aging vol. 10 1849-56. 19 Nov. 2015, doi:10.2147/CIA.S90092
Grajzer, Magdalena, et al. “Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method.” Food Chemistry 188 (2015): 459-466.
Crisan D, Roman I, Crisan M, Scharffetter-Kochanek K, Badea R. “The role of vitamin C in pushing back the boundaries of skin aging: an ultrasonographic approach. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:463″ 470. Published 2015 Sep 2. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84903
Phetcharat, The effectiveness, Clinical

About Bakuchiol Featuring Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

April 18, 2022 · Leave a Comment

We previously featured Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt, a skin-loving combo of Probiotics and Bakuchiol. Today we look closely at how the Bakuchiol in Tropical Melt gives Retinol results without retinol irritation.

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant.

Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is plant-based, non-irritating, and clinically proven statistically as effective as retinol. Bakuchiol improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but Bakuchiol is better tolerated. ^[1]

It stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. ^[2]

Bakuchiol inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars ^[3]. Bakuchiol helps with acne.^[4]

Bakuchiol is a plant-based phenol that decreases wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Studies show that gentle, natural bakuchiol holds its’ own against Retinol.

Retinol looks emollient but dries the skin, whereas bakuchiol hydrates

Bakuchiol Research

“***Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable* *with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.***” ^[5]

One randomized, double-blind, clinical study compared retinol and bakuchiol. There was no statistical difference between how each decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But the retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging. ^[6]

A second study confirmed the Retinol-like functionality of bakuchiol. It also documented the stimulation of collagen within the skin. Bakuchiol was used twice a day for 12 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. ^[7]

About Tropical Melt

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt is an excellent multi-tasker to address wrinkles, acne, discoloration, and acne.

Apply this multi-tasking balm to damp skin and use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, mask, or leave-on treatment. We love the retinol results AND how skin still feels so supple, hydrated, and smooth!

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

References

Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”
British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289=296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
Dhaliwal, S.; Prospective, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
Ibid
Chaudhuri, Bakuchiol, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014

Wonderful Watercress: The Collagen and Elastin Supporting Skincare Superhero

August 22, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Watercress works wonders. Read a short synopsis of the science behind how watercress encourages collagen and elastin production for younger, firmer skin

Watercress supports collagen and elastin within the skin

We obsess about Collagen in our skincare regimens, and rightly so. Collagen is the scaffold of our skin, keeping it firm and wrinkle-free. Skin with more collagen has smaller pores and fewer wrinkles. But our skin can be devoid of these tell-tale signs of aging yet still not look YOUNG.

What is the secret of youthful skin? Collagen AND Elastin. How do you increase both Collagen and Elastin in your skin? By slathering Watercress all over it.

Watercress boosts collagen and elastin

The Science of Watercress

Watercress, also known as Nasturtium Officinale, is a tiny plant with big beauty benefits.

A groundbreaking skincare study showed Watercress uniquely promotes Collagen III in the dermal cells of the papillary dermis skin layer. ^[1] Collagen III is known as “baby collagen” – it is the type we lose as we age.

Watercress also builds Elastin. Elastin gives skin its’ youthful bounce. The same study found that the more elastin skin has, the smoother skin looks. But as skin loses elastin, it becomes dull and rough.

Enhanced collagen levels ALSO increase skin elasticity. And together, they make skin taut, resilient, and radiant.

Watercress is also an antioxidant full Vitamins A, C, E, K, and notably, Copper. ^[2]

Watercress promotes Collagen III – the type of collagen we lose as we age.

The Key Nutrients in Watercress

Watercress contains Copper which has an amazing ability to restore elastin in the skin.

Elastin gives skin its’ youthful bounce and the ability to spring back. Few ingredients support elastin as copper does. Copper peptides promote collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production within the skin. All three are vital for skin firmness, texture, radiance, and appearance.

Copper extraction is costly, which often makes it costly in skincare products. Watercress is an excellent way to get topical copper in your skincare program. Read more about how copper benefits the skin here.

The Vitamin K in Watercress reduces brown and blue-tinged under-eye dark circles caused by leaking capillaries. As we age, we tend to get more broken capillaries, resulting in red and brown heme pooled under the skin. Vitamin K strengthens these capillaries so they are more resistant to breakage.

Watercress also contains Vitamins A and C to fight free radicals.

Elastin Facts: What You Need to Know

Elastin is a protein found in skin and hair.
Elastin is paired collagen in the dermis skin layer and gives structural support to the skin. It is the stretchy structural proteins that allow the skin to snap back into place.
Elastin is especially vulnerable to sun damage.
Elastin is as important as collagen for the appearance of younger skin
Elastin can be replaced in the skin, but fewer products address the loss of skin elastin.

Featured Products Containing Watercress

We love Watercress in an eye treatment!

Watercress is found in skin-savvy beauty brands such as SK-II.

This Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel contains Watercress and certified organic herbs, flowers, and oils from American family farms. An ideal combo to restore, revitalize and refresh. Plus it comes in this charming cobalt bottle.

We love using products with watercress on the delicate eye area skin

Watercress Ingredient Overview

Was this Watercress Ingredient Overview helpful? Then you may like other Ingredients Overviews such as:

Find more natural ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful hair and skin care ingredients.

Thinking about jumping starting your collagen enhancement with an at-home skin device?

You may enjoy reading our interview with ENDYMED, the makers of the FDA-approved NEWA device in our article entitled “ENDYMED ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT NEWA AT-HOME SKIN-TIGHTENING”

And stay tuned for more Style Chicks Ingredient Overviews!

References

“Shiseido Succeeds in Visualization of Internal Skin Elasticity “ Decrease of Type III Collagen Involved in Age-Dependent Degradation in Skin Elasticity.” Shiseido, Shiseido, Apr. 2018, corp.shiseido.com/en/newsimg/2423_c3b40_en.pdf.
Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, July 2001, pages 392â€“399

The Science of Hair Growth
Rosemary Oil Scientifically Proven to Beat Minoxidil

July 28, 2021 · Leave a Comment

There are many hair growth remedies that are applied to the scalp. Most provide nutrients to the follicle, promote circulation or clear dry flakes. Few address hair fall due to androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is quite common. A clinical study shows Rosemary Oil helps this specific type of hair loss.

The internet is full of antidotical evidence of various oils that grow hair. Some swear by Black Cumin, Castor, Coconut, and Amla oils. And if it works, we say more power to you. But not all hair growth needs are equal. What works for your bestie may not address your hair growth needs.

Rosemary

WHY YOUR HAIR ISN’T GROWING

Some of us can’t seem to grow longer hair because it is breaking faster than its’ growing. Brittle hair responds well to moisturizing oils such as Coconut, Sunflower, Amla, Avocado and Grapeseed Oils. These moisturizing oils make hair more elastic and resilient to reduce breakage. Less breakage retains existing length.

Others of us can’t grow fuller, longer hair due to scalp or follicle health. In these cases, hair fall is preventing hair growth.

Rosemary Extract stimulates and promotes better blood circulation to deliver the nutrients necessary to build hair. It also has natural antiseptic properties and is a gentle exfoliant for dead skin flakes.

But that isn’t all. An exciting study demonstrated Rosemary Oil is as effective as Minoxidil for hair growth stimulation without the chemical side effects.

SCIENCE TO THE RESCUE

Research proves Rosemary Oil is as effective as Minoxidil for hair growth stimulation without all the chemical side effects. Rosemary oil applied to the scalp combats a specific type of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Rosemary

The study ran for six months. Some used Rosemary Oil, others Minoxidil.

At the three month mark, no changes were detected in either group. But at the six month mark, there was less itching in the Rosemary group than the Minoxidil group. Itchiness is a known Minoxidil side effect. The study showed massaging the scalp for six months with Rosemary oil and carrier oil is as effective as 2% Minoxidil at regrowing hair. [1]

Another study found the 12-methoxycarnosic acid in Rosemary promising for treating male pattern baldness caused by the testosterone conversion to DHT on the scalp. DHT is a hormone that accumulates on the scalp. If not removed, it smothers hair follicles until they can no longer grow hair. Rosemary can help.

The study concluded “These results suggest that they inhibit the binding of dihydrotestosterone to androgen receptors”. [2]

Hair Products containing Rosemary

Some hair growth products with rosemary extract in their formulations that we especially like:

Provence Beauty Damage Repair Hair Treatment Oil contains Rosemary and Jojoba plus Grapeseed Oil, Black Cumin Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil. It is a very versatile oil, good for a daily scalp massage, leave-in conditioner, hair treatment oil, or a few drops applied as a finishing hair smoother. I like to add this oil to a basic conditioner to make my own hair masque. Massage it onto the scalp 30 minutes before washing for a nourishing scalp treat.

Provence Beauty Damage Repair Hair Oil

REFERENCES

Skinmed. 2015 Jan-Feb;13(1):15-21. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25842469
Murata K, Noguchi K, Kondo M, et al. Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2013;27(2):212-217. doi:10.1002/ptr.4712

About this Post

Style Chicks independently researches active ingredients to understand how they work and if they are effective. We cite only reputable, peer-reviewed journals and show our research in the References section of each article.

Ingredient Overview: Sweet Almond Oil

July 25, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Sweet Almond Oil seems like a gentle carrier oil and sweet smelling moisturizer for skin. But its’ true power lies in its’ ability to revitalized dry, brittle hair. Read on about how to use Sweet Almond Oil can help restore your hair.

Sweet Almond

Sweet Almond Oil for Hair: Fast Facts

Sweet Almond Oil is hair reparative and softening. Sweet Almond Oil is excellent for brittle hair, damaged hair, dry and over-processed hair.

Sweet almond oil contains proteins and vitamins A, B, D, and E, Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and magnesium. Amino acids and proteins strengthen the hair strand and smooth the appearance of the hair cuticle. It nourishes and strengthens damaged hair, making it silky and shiny again. It also reduces hair loss and makes hair more elastic.

Sweet Almond Oil protects delicate hair strands and combats brittleness. Brittleness results in breakage and is a huge barrier to meaningful hair growth.

Almond Oil is also a carrier oil, meaning it helps other oils and ingredients penetrate and absorb.

Sweet Almond Oil also gives hair a natural sheen.

How to Use Sweet Almond Oil for Hair

Warm the oil in a double boiler, or pour a few tablespoons into a cup. It should be warm to the touch but not boiling.
Rub in between the palms and gently smooth down the length of the hair, focusing on the ends.
It can be applied to dry or damp hair. Applying to damp hair helps seal in moisture.
Hair doesn’t need to be drenched with the oil to benefit the hair. Sweet Almond Oil can also provide a moisturizing scalp treatment when applied for 10 minutes to a few hours.
Wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Sweet Almond Oil is a light oil, and blends well with other helpful hair oils such as Olive and Rice Bran Oil.

Sweet Almond Oil for Brows & Lashes

A blend of sweet almond oil and castor seed oil, , makes an excellent eyelash and eyebrow treatment.

The almond cuts the stickiness of castor and the respective nutrients are complimentary to optimal hydration.

We like to use the empty mascara tubes available at places like Amazon or Beauty stores and fill them with about 60% sweet almond oil and 40% castor oil. If possible, we prefer the best quality food grade organic oils especially when used around the eyes.

Apply very sparsely daily for natural enhancement and hydration to brows and lashes.

Sweet Almond Oil INGREDIENT OVERVIEW

Was this Sweet Almond Oil Ingredient Overview helpful? Then you may like other Ingredients Overviews such as:

Find more natural ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful hair and skin care ingredients.

Check out our other And stay tuned for more Style Chicks Ingredient Overviews!

What is Rosehip Seed Oil?

Rosehip Research RoundUp: What Rosehip Oil Does

Reduce Wrinkles, Keep Skin Hydrated

Skin That Glows, Dry Skin Relief

Collagen Enhancing

Antioxidant

Redness, Rosacea & Skin Tone

Hair & Scalp Health

Favorite Products With Rosehip Seed Oil

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

References

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol Research

“Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.” [5]

About Tropical Melt

More from Caley Cosmetics

Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe Natural Eyes Eyeliner

References

Watercress works wonders. Read a short synopsis of the science behind how watercress encourages collagen and elastin production for younger, firmer skin

The Science of Watercress

The Key Nutrients in Watercress

Elastin Facts: What You Need to Know

Featured Products Containing Watercress

Read more about Farmaesthetics Watercress Eye Gel

Watercress Ingredient Overview

References

WHY YOUR HAIR ISN’T GROWING

SCIENCE TO THE RESCUE

Hair Products containing Rosemary

REFERENCES

About this Post

Sweet Almond Oil for Hair: Fast Facts

How to Use Sweet Almond Oil for Hair

Sweet Almond Oil for Brows & Lashes

Sweet Almond Oil INGREDIENT OVERVIEW

“***Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable* *with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.***” ^[5]