Rosehip or Retinol?

What is retinol?

Retinol is a potent form of synthetic vitamin A. It has been discovered to have dramatic effects on our skin by enhancing collagen production, preventing the formation of fine lines and even skin tone. The market is filled with over the counter retinol creams, gels or serums for facial application to combat signs of aging.

But not without potential irritation. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) scores retinol at a 9 due to known reproductive toxicity concerns. As a result, it’s never recommended for use during pregnancy and is also known to cause potential skin irritation like increased sun sensitivity, dryness and redness. 

What about using rosehip oil instead? 

Now we're talking. It is possible to access all the benefits of retinol the natural way. Found growing wild in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, we have a fondness for this prickly superpower. It's the seed oil, extracted from the hip of the vibrant flower, that's abundant in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, B-carotene, and an excellent source of trans-retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A.

If you have any of the concerns below, set that retinol aside and begin transforming your skin with all natural rosehip oil. You won't be disappointed.

Signs of Aging?

Trans-retinoic acid is a natural form of vitamin A naturally found in rosehip seed oil which promotes healthy skin cell rejuvenation, reduces the depth of wrinkles, fades fine lines, and lightens age spots. Vitamin C is a skin brightening, anti-aging antioxidant that helps improve the appearance of pigmentation and restore skin's tone. Sun exposure plays a role in decreased collagen, which vitamin C can help counteract. Over time, the vitamin C also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, aging spots and hyper-pigmentation. Beta-carotene is another antioxidant found naturally in rosehip oil that helps prevent free-radical damage responsible for skin aging.

Chronic Dryness?

Rosehip seed oil is packed full of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our skin needs to stay healthy and strong.  As our bodies don’t produce EFAs naturally, it's important that we either consumer a diet rich in healthy fats, and apply them topically and absorb them through our skin.  Rosehip seed oil has a smooth, light texture that is fast-absorbing, and leaves little or no residue on your skin, making it ideal for healing dry, itchy skin that's caused by a diet low in EFAs, skin allergies, chemical exposure, or other damaging environmental factors. 

Inflamed Skin?

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in rosehip seed oil that has anti-inflammatory properties; it helps to heal and soothe damaged or dilated capillaries that may cause redness in fair-skinned individuals.  For those of us suffering from rosacea or acne, rosehip seed oil may be an effective treatment. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory anti-oxidant that calms and hydrates dry and sensitive skin.  If you suffer from dryness or eczema, rosehip oil will calm and moisturize your skin.

Sunburns, Scars, or Stretch marks?

Rosehip oil can help speed up the healing of wounds and burns, while keeping the area hydrated. It also helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, age spots, scars and hyper-pigmentation. It can help relieve that nasty sunburn you got, soothing and healing your skin, while reducing the inflammation. 

TIP: One of our favourite ways to achieve all the benefits of rosehip oil is by using our Transformative Cleansing Oil. It's wonderful for cleaning the skin of makeup, dirt, and environmental residue, but also works well as an overnight treatment to hydrate and rejuvenate very dry skin while you sleep. After cleansing the skin, apply a thin layer of the oil and in the morning your skin will have absorbed all that it needs and it’ll be soft and fresh looking.