Borage oil is an extract obtained from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and the whole plant is widely used for medicinal purposes. The plant is also known as the ‘star flower’ because of its beautiful blooming blue star-shaped flowers.  This oil is valued for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) profile. The goodness of this fatty acid is attributed to its umpteen health incentives including combatting several skin woes and reducing inflammation. While it is also a potent antioxidant and hydrator that is used in moisturizers which delivers the fatty acid required for maintaining supple skin. It blocks the formation of leukotrienes and increases the production of ceramide. The borage seed oil is golden yellow in colour and can be used both topically in skin care and as an oral supplement.

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Skin Healing Benefits of Borage Seed Oil

Skin Barrier Function: Borage seed oil is bestowed with a good amount of linolenic acid which serves as a key anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient in skincare essentials. Linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acids that aid enhance a healthy skin barrier by restoring the lipids in the stratum corneum, thereby increasing the hydration of the skin and keeping it supple, plump and radiant.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Borage seed oils exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory actions that treat skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Supports Wound Healing: This oil improves the health of the skin barrier and reduces the risk of skin infections and speed up wound healing process. Strong antioxidant qualities combat free radical damage and avert the oxidation of healthy skin cells. Thereby slowing down premature aging and making the skin blemish-free.

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Hydration: Natural hydrating qualities of borage seed oil locks the moisture in the skin making it plump and glowing. Also, it is used in making several facial moisturizers, serums, and oils.

Cures Acne: The richness of GLA in borage seed oil helps combat inflammation and combat acne-breakouts. The topical application of this oil is effective in healing acne. While anti-inflammatory traits help in treating rosacea and reduce skin redness associated with this condition.

Promotes Hair Health: Borage seed oil is well-known for treating conditions known as folliculitis where hair follicles are damaged and inflamed. This result in severe hair loss. Regular application of borage seed oil into the scalp help to fight folliculitis due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and boosts hair health. Apart from this, the richness of omega-6 fatty acids in borage seed oil promotes hair growth and treats dandruff.

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How To Use Borage Seed Oil

Borage seed oil is found mostly in every skincare essential and can be incorporated into both morning and nighttime skincare regimens for best results. It is also applied as a moisturizer to clean, dry skin after the application of topical creams like retinoids and steroids. If it is used as an oil, it can be directly applied to clean, dry skin after mixing with a carrier oil. Borage seed oil is also used in making face wash.

Borage seed oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, or olive oil before applying it to the skin.

Here’s How To Use It:

• Blend 12 drops of borage seed for every 30 ml of carrier oil before use
• Smear the oil to the affected region in the skin in a thin layer twice per day

Patch Test

It’s always suggested to do a patch test before using diluted borage oil on larger regions of the skin, mainly an eczema rash. If you observe any signs of irritation or allergic reaction on the skin within 48 hours of the patch test, then avoid using it or further dilute borage oil and then use it.

Side Effects:

Borage seed oil is safe to use for treating several skin woes, with very minimal side effects. However, studies are limited, hence it’s best to consult your dermatologist before using this oil for skincare.