Is Rosehip Oil The Answer to All Our Acne Woes?

Dermatologists explain how this natural ingredient can help with breakouts.

Rosehip Oil

TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Oil

MAIN BENEFITS: Brightens and evens out the skin, regenerates and heals blemishes, helps with anti-aging, elasticity, and collagen production, reduces the likelihood of acne outbreaks.

WHO SHOULD USE IT: In general, rosehip oil is beneficial for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

HOW OFTEN YOU CAN USE IT: It's safe to use twice a day, in the morning and at night, but be sure to spot-test before using it on your whole face.

WORKS WELL WITH: Most products and ingredients found in acne-fighting formulas.

DON'T USE WITH: Rosehip oil is high in vitamin A, so be mindful when using acne products with retinoids.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Read on to learn exactly how rosehip oil can keep breakouts at bay.

Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Acne

According to some dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts, natural alternatives like rosehip oil are just as effective for treating skin concerns as chemical- based products. If you're specifically interested in rosehip oil for acne- fighting purposes, then the following benefits may persuade you to finally give it a try:

• Contains linoleic acid: A fatty acid that both locks moisture in and keeps irritants out, linoleic acid is a valuable substance for skincare. According to Shah, the presence of linoleic acid makes rosehip oil a useful acne combatant: "Rosehip oil contains a fairly high amount of linoleic acid and low amounts of oleic acid. Research has shown that the skin surface lipids of acne-prone individuals are predominantly composed of oleic acid and deficient in linoleic acid. Applying linoleic acid reduces the size of microcomedones [the smallest acne blemishes]."
• Includes retinoids: Retinoids, a group of chemical compounds derived from or related to vitamin A, are experiencing a major popularity boost these days, thanks to both their anti-aging properties and their anti-acne powers. According to Shah, "rosehip oil contains small amounts of tretinoin, a retinoid that has been shown to improve acne."
• Rich in fatty lipids and ascorbic acid: "Rosehip oil is rich in fatty lipids and ascorbic acid, and is [therefore] a potential option for addressing some of the symptoms of acne," says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York.
• Serves as an antioxidant: If your acne breakouts involve pronounced redness or skin discoloration, then Nazarian believes that rosehip oil can provide some relief. "Rosehip oil is a potent antioxidant and protects against free-radical damage. From an anti-inflammatory standpoint, it may offer some benefits [to] acne-prone skin, especially if the acne is inflammatory, redder, and tender," explains Nazarian.

Other Skin Benefits

Aside from its acne-defeating properties, rosehip oil can also benefit your complexion in other ways, including:

• Reduces hyperpigmentation: "Although the evidence to suggest that it can prevent acne is [minimal], rosehip oil contains an ingredient that may decrease the stains and marks that acne causes, [resulting in] a more even skin tone," says Nazarian.
• Hydrates skin: Dr. Shah points to the hydrating powers of rosehip oil, agreeing with Nazarian's estimation of the useful presence of fatty acids (which naturally moisturize the skin).
• Has anti-aging properties: Thanks to its hydration abilities, its status as an antioxidant (which fights free radicals, wrinkles, and fine lines), and its capacity to boost collagen production, rosehip oil is a smart addition to any skincare repertoire focused on anti- aging.

Side Effects of Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is typically considered a low-risk skincare ingredient and isn't commonly linked to adverse side effects. That said, Shah recommends testing rosehip oil out on a small area of skin first: "Generally, rosehip oil is well- tolerated, but it's best to do a patch test in an inconspicuous area before using it on your face or other visible areas."

How to Use It

"Rosehip oil can be directly applied to the skin and does not require dilution. Put two to three drops in your palms, rub your palms together, and massage the affected areas. Alternatively, it can be used as a spot treatment. Ensure that you are using a high-quality 100 percent pure rosehip oil," explains Shah.

Rosehip oil's gentle formulation means that you can use it twice a day (in the morning and at night) before applying your moisturizer.

However, as with any other topical skin treatment, you'll want to spot test rosehip oil on your face first and reduce your usage if you notice irritation.

The Best Products With Rosehip Oil

See below for Shah's product recommendations, all made with pure organic rosehip oil and no additives.

A favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge, this best-selling oil is full of essential fatty acids to boost elasticity and hydration and diminish acne scars. If Kate Middleton's skin is anything to go by, we're in.

This oil has 4.6 stars on Amazon with over 6200 ratings, the vast majority reporting major skin improvements when it comes to acne and dryness. The brand also claims it can be used for a slew of skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.

This lightweight oil is made of cold-pressed rose fruit seeds, which maximize penetration into your skin.

If you'd rather try rosehip oil in moisturizer form, then pick up this gentle cream made with all-natural ingredients. The whipped texture feels light on the skin, but it works to deeply hydrate and calm inflammation.

To carry the benefits of rosehip oil throughout your entire skincare routine, start with this exfoliating cleanser, which uses both rosehip oil and glycolic acid to smooth fine lines and ward off acne.

Soothing witch hazel and rosehip oil work together in this toner to plump the skin and refine pores, resulting in a smooth complexion free of acne bumps.

If glowy, radiant skin is your top priority, then reach for this serum, which uses plant-based extracts (including rosehip oil) to deeply moisturize without leaving behind excess grease and residual acne.

Yes, rosehip oil contains acne-fighting ingredients (like linoleic acid and retinoids) as well as antioxidant properties, all of which may help with breakouts.

Yes, in fact, it has been known to help treat acne. Like with all skincare products, however, it is helpful to patch test before using all over the skin to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.

It can be helpful, yes. According to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, ",rosehip oil contains an ingredient that may decrease the stains and marks that acne causes, [resulting in] a more even skin tone."

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