Even though it seems linked to the ever-romantic and regal rose that we all know and adore, evening primrose is not the same. It’s a little yellow wildflower that grows in North America, Europe, and areas of Asia, and its oil is highly prized. For ages, Primrose oil has been used for its beauty and health benefits.
What Is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose, the grandmother of skin oils, has been popular in Europe for ages. This poetically called oil was popular for a wide range of disorders. It was originally known as the ‘King’s Cure-All,’ but it was also known as fever plant, night willowherb, and scurvish.
Evening primrose oil was praised for its “honorable” health benefits range. It was considered worthy for use by even Kings and Queens, with its effects supposed to cure everything of lack of libido to weariness.
Evening primrose oil capsules are now widely available (even to us commoners) in most supermarkets, pharmacies, and health stores and are frequently used to treat PMS and skin issues. While taking a daily dose of evening primrose oil orally can be beneficial, applying it to the skin unlocks many other advantages.
Skin Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil
1- Acne
Let us start with acne. Evening primrose oil is full of gamma-linolenic acid, which may help to diminish non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions (1). Vegetable oils are the most common source of this acid, and it also has the potential to moisturize the skin.
Evening primrose oil has been shown to cure xerotic cheilitis (lip chapping) in acne patients on isotretinoin. (Another study suggests that the oil may help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including acne.) It could be due to the presence of linoleic acid.
2- Help Reduce Wrinkles
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), with several cosmetic advantages, including wrinkle smoothing. Evening primrose’s high antioxidant content contributes to the neutralization of free radicals, which protect the skin from oxidation in live tissue.
3- Dry Skin
To keep in mind gamma-linoleic acid, our bodies do not naturally create this critical building block. Natural sources, such as Evening Primrose Oil, can help with this. It’s essential for dry skin because GLA is thought to help hydrate the skin. Gamma-linoleic acid has been proven to minimize transepidermal water loss, or TEWL, which occurs nightly while we sleep for those who lean toward the drier end of the spectrum.
4- It Can Help Even Your Skin Tone
Vitamin C is commonly found in skincare products that target discoloration. However, studies have shown that applying skincare products containing primrose oil can also help lessen the appearance of skin discolorations. The high quantity of linoleic acid in evening primrose oil, according to scientists, is responsible for this impact.
5- Eczema
Some people use evening primrose oil capsules to help with eczema irritation, dry skin, and redness. However, a review of research from a few years ago revealed no proof that it works. There’s also very little study on whether using the oil directly to your skin helps.
How to Use Evening Primrose Oil?
Only take 1 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil every day, and each brand’s dose may differ. Before using any supplements, read the package and visit a dermatologist.
To Treat Inflammatory Diseases: Apply 1 ml of 20% evening primrose oil twice daily to the skin for up to four months.
Take 500 mg of evening primrose oil three times a day for up to 12 weeks to improve the health of your skin.
It is also safe to apply the oil directly to the skin. It makes face packs, lotions, and moisturizers by combining them with various oils and herbs.
Side Effects
In the short term, EPO is generally safe for most people, but it can cause adverse effects, such as:
- headache
- stomach pain
- nausea
- diarrhea
- skin irritation
Before taking EPO supplements, pregnant women should seek medical advice, as they may increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications.
Warfarin and other blood thinners may interact with EPO supplementation. Before using EPO, people taking these medications should talk to their doctor.
Conclusion
Even though there is evidence that evening primrose can help with acne and skin health, further research is needed before a definitive judgment can be reached. Evening primrose can be used just to alleviate acne problems, and it is not a complete treatment. Before using this oil on your skin, speak with a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1- Can I use evening primrose oil on my face at night?
If you like to apply face oils in the evening, do so before applying your moisturizer. For extra advantages, you can even use EPO instead of your regular moisturizer or mix a few drops in with your moisturizer.
2- Is evening primrose oil good for skin lightening?
This nutrient is crucial for keeping your skin moisturized, clear, bright, and healthy. Although there is a lack of data confirming that evening primrose oil helps with skin lightening, there are many reports that it visibly lightens hyperpigmentation and heals hormonal acne.
3- What are the benefits of evening primrose oil for hair?
Recent research suggests that evening primrose oil can help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth by balancing hormones, promoting a healthy scalp, and giving essential omega-6 fatty acids to the body.
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