Overview
Sesame oil is the oldest vegetable carrier oil that humans have ever used. It is extracted from the seeds of the sesame plant, which is indigenous to India and East Africa. It was first grown during the Indus Valley civilisation and has since expanded to be used for many different things, most notably cooking.
Sesame oil, sometimes referred to by its botanical name, Sesamum indicum, is a rich source of phenolic compounds, including sesamin, tocopherol, and pinoresinol, as well as vital fatty acids like vitamins A, B, and E. Sesame oil is a popular ingredient in skincare products because of all these natural reasons.
What nutrients does sesame oil have?
Vitamin E in sesame oil helps shield skin cells from harmful elements, including UV radiation, pollutants, and toxins. Sesame oil gets its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities from several phenolic components. Among these substances are:
- Sesaminol
- Tocopherol
- Sesamol
- Pinoresinol
- Sesamolin
- Sesamin
Benefits of sesame oil for skin care
Some of the advantageous properties provided by sesame oil that aid in benefitting skincare are
Antioxidant: This indicates that it can prevent damage caused by unstable chemicals, such as free radicals, which can affect the cellular structure of your skin.
Antibacterial: It can either eliminate or inhibit the growth of dangerous germs.
Anti-inflammatory: It can thereby lessen swelling and inflammation. On the comedogenic scale, sesame oil likewise has a low score. The scale has a zero to five range. An oil with a score of zero won't clog your pores; one with a score of five will. Some of the other benefits of sesame oil for great skincare include:
Moisturises your skin
Because of its high linoleic acid and vitamin B content, sesame oil is one of the most excellent natural moisturisers. In addition to keeping moisture inside the skin barrier, these fatty acids form a protective layer along the skin barrier. Depending on your skin type, the polyphenols in sesame oil can also help to naturally regulate your skin's pH levels, preventing it from getting excessively greasy or too dry throughout the day.
Heal the skin from wounds
Rich in beneficial antioxidants, sesame oil could be a helpful shield from damage. Due to its inherent antibacterial properties, sesame oil can aid in treating mild skin irritations and infections. Additionally, it has been reported to improve skin nutrition and blood flow, which helps accelerate cell regeneration and heal any scar tissue damage. According to a study, these benefits include increased collagen production and wound healing.
Treat skin conditions
People who use sesame oil daily with psoriasis, eczema, or other related conditions may benefit significantly. Vitamins B and C, which have both shown to be quite helpful against dry skin and irritation, are found in sesame oil.
Helps in treating acne
Sesame oil works well as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Using it to treat specific areas of your acne may clear and lessen those prone to outbreaks. Additionally, sesame oil has a meagre comedogenic score, meaning that people with acne-prone skin can use it without fear of clogging pores.
Prevents signs of ageing
Like many plant-based carrier oils, sesame oil is rich in vitamin E, an effective antioxidant that has been shown to lessen hyperpigmentation and indications of ageing. Regular use of sesame oil may aid in the restoration of damaged skin cells and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, black patches, and wrinkles. Because sesame oil contains the chemical sesamol, a study found that sesame can prevent photoaging and photodamage.
Helps in healing cracked heels
Winter-cracked heels can be healed using sesame oil, which has nourishing and therapeutic qualities. Before bed, apply the oil on your feet cracked soles and let it sit there all night. Additionally, you can use sesame oil to moisturise your feet when performing a pedicure at home.
Balances skin pH levels
The natural balance of the skin barrier is restored by the polyphenols found in sesame oil. Additionally, they aid in keeping the skin from being overly oily or dry.
Ayurvedic massage for skincare using sesame oil
Sesame oil can be used to massage your skin for a fantastic glow and protects from UV rays. Ayurvedic self-massages using sesame oil are very popular because of its relaxing, warming, and nourishing properties. Sesame seeds have a warming impact and are spicy, bitter, astringent, and sweet.
Particularly balanced for Vata Dosha (those who frequently experience dryness while out of balance) is the oil's warm and calming characteristics. The oil is ideal for the Kapha Dosha due to its healing qualities.
Here are some additional advantages of self-massaging with sesame oil.
- It encourages physical prowess.
- The oil supports the pleasant joint movement.
- It encourages healthy sleep habits.
- The muscles and bones are nourished by it.
- It strengthens the body's resistance to stress.
How to use sesame oil for skincare
To get the most out of sesame oil, mix it with your regular skin care products or apply it directly to your skin and massage it for a few minutes. Here are a few other methods to use sesame oil in your skincare regimen. Since sesame oil is not essential, it doesn't require diluting before usage.
Look for sesame oil that is devoid of chemicals and other additives. Read the product label to find out if the oil is pure or if anything else has been added. Sesame oil can be used generously on the skin for moisturising and massaging.
Apply sesame oil to the problem region with a cotton ball and let it stay there overnight if you're using it for acne or acne scars. Exfoliate your skin first to get rid of dirt and dead skin cells.
This could facilitate the oil's easier skin absorption. Before showering, massage warm sesame oil over your body for ten minutes. This serves as a cleaner. After five minutes, use a warm towel to remove the oil. To keep the pores clean, immediately take a shower.
Apply a few drops of sesame oil to your regular moisturiser and use it regularly. Eventually, you'll wake up with glowing skin every day.
Apply a thin layer of sesame oil to the deficient areas and let it sit overnight. For extra advantages, you can exfoliate your skin twice a week and incorporate a few drops of the oil into your usual face scrub. Apply a thick layer of sesame oil to your skin half an hour before you want to go outside.
Precautions to use sesame oil for skin
Like most carrier oils, Sesame oil is usually quite gentle on the skin and shouldn't irritate or have any adverse effects. That being said, intolerance to sesame is prevalent because it is also known to cause allergies.
Use of the oil is not advised if you have a history of intolerances or are allergic to sesame. If you have sensitive skin or are unsure, you should do a patch test before using sesame oil on the rest of your body.
If you experience tingling or itching, stop using the oil and wash it off with warm water. Seek a medical professional when you notice severe irritation or a rash.
Summary
Sesame oil has various skin-benefiting qualities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. It might be especially helpful for skin prone to acne and scarring. Consult your physician or dermatologist to determine whether sesame oil is suitable for your skin type before using it on your skin.
