Rose hip seed oil facts for kids

Rose hip seed oil is a special oil. It comes from the seeds of wild rose bushes. One common type is called Rosa rubiginosa, found in the Andes mountains. Another type is Rosa canina, which grows in Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.

People have used the fruits of these rose bushes, called rose hips, in traditional medicine for a very long time. Rose hips have been used to help with common colds, infections, stomach problems, and even swelling in the body.

What's in Rose Hip Seed Oil?

Rose hip seed oil has something called provitamin A. This is a substance that your body can turn into vitamin A. It's important to know that the oil itself does not contain vitamin A directly. Animals make vitamin A from provitamin A. The oil does have a small amount of a related substance called tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A acid.

Even though rose hips (the fruit) are full of vitamin C, the oil itself does not have any. This is because vitamin C dissolves in water, and oil does not mix with water.

This oil is also rich in important fats called essential fatty acids. These include linoleic acid (also known as omega-6) and α-linolenic acid (also known as omega-3). Your body needs these fats to stay healthy.

Rose hips are amazing fruits. They have been used in traditional medicine for a long time. This is partly because they contain many helpful natural compounds. These compounds are called bioactives, and many of them are antioxidants. The seeds of rose hips also have a lot of healthy fats.

How Rose Hip Seed Oil Is Used

Scientists have studied how rose hip seed oil works when put on the skin. They found it can help with skin problems like eczema and other types of skin irritation. This is because the oil has many good fats and antioxidants. These help protect the skin from swelling and damage.

Research on rose hip oil shows it can help make skin look better. It can reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone. It may also help with acne, scars, and stretch marks. The oil helps keep skin moist and can even slow down the appearance of wrinkles. Many beauty experts suggest using wild rose seed oil to make skin feel more alive and healthy.

A study in 2014 looked closely at rose hip seeds and their oil. It found that both are great sources of special plant nutrients called phytonutrients. Eating foods rich in phytonutrients can help lower the risk of long-term health problems.

The study showed that rose hip seeds have a lot of carbohydrates and ascorbic acid (which is vitamin C). The oil from the seeds was very rich in healthy fats and plant sterols. Both the seeds and the oil also showed antioxidant activity. This means they can help protect your body's cells. Because of these findings, rose hip seeds and their oil could be used in healthy foods and supplements.