Why You Should Add Sea Buckthorn To Your Beauty Routine

Forget your trendy tonics for a moment. There's a brilliant, fiery orange berry—a true superfruit—that has been quietly thriving in the cold, mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Europe, and it's about to become the most coveted ingredient in your beauty routine. We're talking about none other than Sea Buckthorn. According to dermatologists, its oil is nothing short of a miracle elixir for achieving that enviable glow.

What Is Sea Buckthorn?

"Sea Buckthorn oil, extracted from the fruit or seeds, is known as a super oil for skin and hair care," explains Dr Simrat Sandhu, an Amritsar-based cosmetologist.

This botanical powerhouse is nutrient-dense, containing essential vitamins A, C and E, alongside the rare Omega 7 fatty acid, plus Omegas 3, 6 and 9.

This natural richness means it's used in everything—from serums and supplements to creams for its anti-ageing, moisturising and healing prowess. Regular use, notes Dr Sandhu, can help "strengthen skin's natural barrier, reduce inflammation, and restore glow."

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The Beauty Benefits Of Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn offers a vast array of benefits that address nearly every beauty concern. "Its exceptionally high vitamin C content works overtime to boost natural collagen production, which visibly helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Additionally, the presence of Omega-7 fatty acids deeply nourishes and hydrates dry, flaky skin, restoring its vital elasticity and smoothness. "Omega-7 fatty acids support the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated, soft and supple," Dr Mahajan notes.

It also accelerates skin healing, making it highly effective for reducing the appearance of scars and pigmentation by promoting rapid cell regeneration. Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram confirms that it "accelerates skin healing, making it effective for reducing fine lines, scars and dryness."

For those dealing with inflammatory conditions like eczema, rosacea or acne, its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to calm irritation and balance sebum production, effectively minimising breakouts, notes Dr Passi.

Don't forget your strands. According to Dr Passi, applied to the scalp, Sea Buckthorn nourishes hair follicles, helps combat dandruff and imparts a luxurious shine.

How To Incorporate Sea Buckthorn In Your Routine

You can apply a few drops of pure Sea Buckthorn oil directly to your face after cleansing, however, Dr Mahajan suggests diluted formulations as the pure oil's strong colour can cause temporary discolouration. "It's easily found in high-end facial oils, serums and creams," Dr Mahajan adds.

For hair, massage the oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight for deep conditioning before washing, or simply add a few drops to your shampoo for an added boost of shine.

On the other hand, for a holistic approach, Sea Buckthorn supplements or juice can be ingested to "boost overall skin and hair from within, improving hydration and elasticity," notes Dr Passi.

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Who Should Skip The Ingredient

While this golden oil is generally safe, its potency requires a mindful approach, especially for certain individuals.

People with very oily or acne-prone skin should use it cautiously and always perform a patch test. Dr Mahajan warns that the oil's richness in fatty acids can "sometimes block pores."

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those on blood-thinning medications should also consult a doctor before consuming Sea Buckthorn internally, as it may interfere with blood clotting and blood pressure.

"When using the oil topically, always opt for diluted formulations or mix it with a lighter carrier oil like jojoba to prevent potential irritation and temporary skin staining," concludes Dr Sandhu.

Image courtesy: Freepik

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