The Incredible Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil For Skin

Evening primrose oil, more commonly known as EPO, is all the buzz in the skincare world but what exactly is it good for? Derived from the seeds of Oenothera biennis in America, evening primrose oil contains high quantities of gamma-linolenic acid which improves skin’s elasticity and reduces signs of aging and inflammation.

In fact, it is one of the most used carrier oils in the cosmetic industry as evening primrose oil benefits various skin types including dry, oily as well as sensitive skin.

Additionally, evening primrose oil is non-comedogenic implying it doesn’t clog pores and hence is a formulator’s favorite ingredient to use in serums, moisturizers, and face oils.

Thinking about using it in your next recipe? Here are the many benefits and uses of evening primrose oil for the skin.

• Evening Primrose Oil Improves Skin Barriers

Our skin has a natural shield around it that protects it from outside barriers. A loss in this barrier can make the skin look dull and develop early signs of aging. The high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil enhances this barrier and prevents moisture loss. It is also effective in calming.
As a result, the skin becomes more elastic, resilient, and glowing. Evening primrose oil also soothes irritated skin which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin.

• Evening Primrose Oil Regulates Cell Regeneration

Cell regeneration is a natural process where our skin sheds away old cells and creates new ones. The base layer of skin called keratinocytes constantly produces new cells and pushes them on top and the dead ones are discarded.
An optimum cell regeneration rate is vital to maintain healthy and glowing skin.
However, growing age, diet, and everyday stress can hamper this rate and take away the youthful charm.
Evening primrose oil helps provide nutrition for the cells and promotes this regeneration cycle. As a result, it plays a significant role in post-acne treatments and reducing scars.

• It Protects The Skin Against UV Rays

Using evening primrose oil for skin can protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. These rays can penetrate deep into your skin and create harmful molecules that damage the skin from within.EPO naturally contains vitamin E which is an antioxidant powerhouse. The vitamin E particles neutralize the harmful molecules and prevent them from harming the skin. A research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology(1) noticed a significant reduction in the free radicals post using evening primrose oil. Regular usage can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used in formulating serum based sunscreens or sun protection sprays.

• It Might Help Prevent Hormonal Acne

Owing to its high GLA content, evening primrose oil balances hormones in women. Pre and post menstruation women experience a lot of fluctuations in their hormone levels that are often a significant cause of hormonal breakouts.
Regularly using evening primrose oil helps reduce breakouts and even controls sebum production on the face. Additionally, it is non greasy and doesn’t clog pores which is often the no. 1 concern for anyone with acne-prone skin.

• EPO Improves Hair Texture

Yes, evening primrose oil for hair and scalp is all the buzz these days. Weather you are concerned with hair fall or are just looking for a new oil to nourish your scalp, evening primrose oil will not disappoint you.Its calming and nourishing properties reduce dryness and associated dandruff, thus giving your regular hair oil a great competition.You can incorporate it with regular oil like Coconut Oil or Almond Oil to enhance their properties.

• It Calms Dry And Irritated Skin

Dryness and lack of moisture can make the face look dull and can cause irritation. But fret not, this botanical oil can is just the skincare superhero you needed! Reducing dryness, enhancing moisture, and soothing the outer layer are just a few of the evening primrose oil benefits for dry skin.As a result, it is extensively used to manufacture face serums, lotions, moisturizers and face wash for dry skin.Cosmetic companies buy wholesale essential oils like Lavender Oil and Chamomile Absolute in bulk and dilute them with evening primrose oil to create safe and effective products.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published a study(2) assessing its role in reducing eczema and associated irritation. While, more research is needed to establish a firm scientific conclusion, such preliminary studies show what our ancestors have believed in this entire time.

• Evening Primrose Oil Might Regulate Skin’s Circadian Cycle

Just like our brain, our skin too functions on a circadian rhythm which controls our DNA modifications and cell growth. However, it often gets affected by our irregular sleep schedule and lifestyle.GLA present inside evening primrose oil can regulate this cycle and ensure a timely cell turnover schedule. Thus giving you the skin of your dreams. To use evening primrose oil for skin rhythm, add it to your night time routine. It can even be used with our essential oils for cosmetics to create products for PM routine.