What Is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil is a lightweight oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower (also known as Oenothera biennis). This small, night-blooming flower is native to North and South America and has been used in traditional and folk medicine for centuries, if not longer. Historically, Native Americans used evening primrose to care for bruises and skin irritations. In the 1600s, evening primrose oil made its way to mainland Europe, where it was touted as a cure-all for different issues, including skin concerns.
These days, evening primrose oil is a popular ingredient in both skincare products and oral health supplements. Keep in mind, however, in regards to the latter, claims about primrose oil and health conditions lack evidence. It’s also important to note that you should always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
Research does support the topical use of evening primrose oil for managing various skin concerns, including dryness and unevenness. These benefits likely stem from the oil’s high concentration of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (which plays a critical role in the synthesis of ceramides). Evening primrose oil also contains flavonoids and other that can help anti-oxidants protect your skin from external stressors.
BENEFITS of Evening Primrose Oil
#1. Helps Maintain Skin Hydration
Perhaps one of the best-known beauty benefits of evening primrose oil is its ability to reduce the symptoms of dryness. In skincare formulations, evening primrose oil has emollient properties, meaning it helps soften and smooth the skin, improving the skin’s overall texture. It also helps lock in moisture to minimize water loss. This effectively keeps the skin hydrated and supple and keeps the skin moisture barrier functioning as it should. As such, several studies have concluded that evening primrose oil is a viable treatment for atopic dermatitis—a condition characterized by dry, flaky, itchy skin.
If dryness is your primary concern, incorporating oil-rich moisturizing treatments into your regular skincare routine can help keep the symptoms of dryness at bay.
#2. Evening Primrose Oil May Help Protect Against Aging Stressors
As you know, the skin moisture barriers primary job is to protect your skin from damaging external aggressors, like pollution and ultraviolet radiation. In order to do its job properly, the barrier needs nourishment in the form of essential vitamins, water, and lipid-rich fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the skin barrier and is responsible for helping maintain the skin’s structure and function. A lack of linoleic acid in the barrier can result in visible skin concerns such as dryness and premature aging. An unhealthy or under-nourished skin moisture barrier is also more vulnerable to stressors that can result in premature skin aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
Studies show that using products rich in linoleic acid, like evening primrose oil, can help ensure the barrier stays strong and better able to resist the visible signs of aging.
#3. It Can Help Even Your Skin Tone
Skin discoloration can result from many things, including excessive sun exposure inflammation (especially acne-related inflammation), and even as a natural result of ageing. Skincare products that target discoloration are often formulated with Vit C. However, vitamin C isn’t the only ingredient that can help even your skin tone: Studies have shown that using skincare products with primrose oil can help reduce the appearance of skin discolorations, as well. III Scientists believe that this effect is due to the high concentration of linoleic acid in evening primrose oil