Sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annuus) has been a hot topic in the dermatology world as a topical treatment for many skin ailments. When applied to the skin, it assists in hydration, reduces water loss, promotes cell turnover, and stimulates wound healing. This oil is most commonly applied topically to the skin in the form of an essential oil.
It’s because of these properties that CANhaveTODAY uses sunflower seed oil in all four of our products! This includes our three salves, Soothing Juggernaut, Healing Legends, and Waters Mist, and our moisturizer, Sparkling Rain.
Table of contents
Enhancing Skin Barrier
Dry skin is a result of a disrupted skin barrier. This leads to reduced presence of proteins and lipids in the epidermis (skin) (2). Sunflower seed oil has been studied for its application to improve natural skin barrier and function (1). It also promotes cell turnover in the skin which creates a tough and soft barrier to protect the body (2).
Increasing Water Retention
By promoting and enhancing a healthy skin barrier, sunflower seed oil improves water retention in the skin. By enhancing the surface of the skin, it ultimately reduces transepidermal water loss (water loss through the skin) (2).
See related: Have Healthy Skin Today Using All-Natural Skin Care Products
Promoting Wound Healing
Research has been conducted on sunflower seed oil and its ability to promote wound healing. It is comparable to synthetic compounds utilized to increase wound healing in the skin. Fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, are present in this oil, and play a key role in wound healing (3). By enhancing the skin barrier, it reduces the chance of infection, and decreases the recovering time of open wounds.
Preventing Bacterial Infection
Pre-term (premature) infants are susceptible to invasive bacterial infections due to a compromised, underdeveloped skin barrier. Sunflower seed oil has been used successfully as a topical treatment to rebuild the skin barrier in these pre-term infants (5). It promotes a healthy skin barrier which prevents invasive bacterial infections from occurring through the skin. This method is used as an inexpensive, natural alternative to expensive clinical treatments.
See related: Natural Antibiotic Ointments for Pus-filled Wounds
Melanin Production
Sunflower seed oil contains Vitamin E, Vitamin B, and a high concentration of linoleic acid. These compounds promote melanin formation in the skin, ultimately enhancing pigmentation (4). This characteristic is critical in treating skin diseases such as Vitiligo.
Vitiligo affects up to 3% of people in the world and results in white patches of skin that lack any pigmentation. When used as a topical treatment, Sunflower seed oil can promote pigmentation and rebuild the skin barrier (4).
| Sunflower Seed Oil | |
| Antibacterial | Moderate to Strong [1] |
| – Acne | Moderate [2] |
| – Cellulitis | – |
| – Itch | – |
| – Skin Infections | Strong [3] |
| Anti-inflammatory | Strong [4] |
| – Acne | Moderate to Strong [1] |
| – Swelling | – |
| – Pain | – |
| Antifungal | Moderate to Strong [1] |
| – Athlete’s Foot | – |
| – Itch | – |
| Antimicrobial | Moderate to Strong [1] |
| Antioxidant | Moderate to Strong [2] |
| – Vitamin E | Yes [2] |
| – Vitamin A | Yes |
| – Omega-6 | Yes |
| Moisturizing | Strong [3] |
| – Emollient | Strong [3] |
| – Humectant | – |
| – Occlusive | Strong [3] |
| Reduces hyperpigmentation | – |
| Reduces redness | Strong [4] |
| Soothes dry skin | Strong [3] |
| Soothes itch | Strong [5] |
| Wound Healing | Strong [6,7,8] |
Essential Oils that Fight for Your Skin
Sunflower seed oil is becoming more widely recognized in the scientific community to promote a healthy skin barrier. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is critical to maintaining skin hydration, enhancing skin cell regeneration, preventing bacterial infections, and promoting wound healing. At CANhaveTODAY we use sunflower seed oil to give you the best results in your fight for soft, supple skin!
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FAQ
Sunflower seed oil is good for your skin. It can hydrate your skin, provide some relief, and protect it from infections. Additionally, it has vitamin E, which is great in combating the signs of skin aging.
Sunflower seed oil doesn’t trigger acne.
Sunflower seed oil gets along with just about any skin type! Whether your skin is dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive, sunflower seed oil can lend you a helping hand!
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