To have a beautiful skin, you need to take care of it. But with so many creams, oils, balms and lotions out there, it can be hard to know which product to choose. What if nature held all the secrets to radiant skin? Here is a closer look at sesame oil and its incredible benefits for the skin.
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Sesame oil benefit no1: strengthening the skin’s natural barrier
Like most natural plant oils, sesame oil is particularly valuable for strengthening the skin’s hydrolipidic film. What exactly is that? It is the skin’s natural barrier, a blend of sebum and sweat, which helps to limit water loss, maintain hydration and support its immune function. This is due to its composition, a combination of three fatty acids – palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. It is therefore genuinely effective at preserving optimal skin hydration, without leaving the skin greasy (it has a dry-touch finish).
Benefit no2: slowing down skin ageing
Another remarkable quality of sesame oil: its antioxidant properties help prevent the visible signs of ageing. It is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid (omega-9) that supports skin protection as well as its regeneration. It also contains B-group vitamins, particularly B3, and vitamin K, which support blood circulation and therefore the renewal of cells damaged by oxidation. It is also rich in tocopherol, the well-known antioxidant vitamin E, for more effective elimination of free radicals. Finally, it contains lignans (chemical compounds) and phytic acid, both recognised for their antioxidant activity. Sesame oil is therefore an ideal choice for preventing and combating the signs of ageing.
Benefit no3: supporting skin repair
Sesame oil is perfectly suited for repairing fragile and damaged skin. It is particularly rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that is highly effective at restoring tissue quality. It nourishes ceramides (the cell walls). Skin lacking in omega-6 tends to dry out, become irritated and, above all, struggle to heal. Sesame oil also contains two notable amino acids, arginine and methionine, which are precursors of creatine. Creatine provides energy to cells and supports the renewal of epithelia (cellular tissues), enabling effective repair. It is therefore a go-to choice in cases of difficult healing.
Benefit no4: soothing inflammation
Another surprising virtue: sesame oil can help soothe inflammatory conditions. This is thanks to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 that helps reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to address inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and even gingivitis. Its positive effect on blood circulation also helps to support healing and reduce swelling caused by wounds.
Sesame oil: effective on stretch marks?
What about the effectiveness of sesame oil on stretch marks ? The evidence is clear! Regular application not only helps to prevent their appearance, but also to reduce them when they are already there. Here is why:
- By preserving the quality of the hydrolipidic film, sesame oil maintains the skin’s resilience, good hydration and elasticity, making it far less likely to “crack”.
- Its fluid texture and dry-touch finish encourages daily massage of the skin, stimulating microcirculation and the tone of elastin and collagen fibres, for noticeably more supple and resilient skin.
- Its antioxidant action helps protect the skin from external aggressors, including pollutants and free radicals caused by sun exposure. And stronger skin is far less prone to developing stretch marks.
- Its regenerating and anti-inflammatory effects help to soothe new stretch marks, coloured ones that are often inflammatory, as well as to fade white stretch marks, the older ones, and support their repair.
Sesame oil is therefore an essential ally against all types of stretch marks, both as a preventive measure and as a treatment.
How to use sesame oil on stretch marks?
1- Applied on its own
As explained above, sesame oil works beautifully on its own. It can be applied pure, massaged into areas prone to stretch marks – typically the stomach, the hips, buttocks, thighs or the bust. You may also notice that these massages are wonderfully relaxing – sesame oil is well known for its soothing effect on joint discomfort!
2- Combined with other oils
Sesame oil can also be blended with other natural plant oils, or even with essential oils, to create a bespoke DIY anti-stretch mark treatment. If you enjoy making your own cosmetics, you could for example:
- mix 15 ml of rosehip oil, 15 ml of sesame oil, 20 drops of Italian helichrysum essential oil and 15 drops of true lavender essential oil, to fade white stretch marks;
- combine 15 ml of sweet almond oil, 15 ml of sesame oil, and EOs of Italian helichrysum, rose geranium, true lavender and rockrose (10 drops of each), to soothe red stretch marks ;
- blend sesame, wheatgerm, evening primrose and rosehip oils, to prevent pregnancy stretch marks.
3- As a ready-to-use skincare product
As mentioned above, sesame oil features in many skincare products thanks to its undeniable qualities. At Cellublue, we were not about to miss out on its benefits. That is why it is one of the key ingredients in our hero anti-stretch mark product: the Huile Prévention. This elixir of 5 natural oils can be used by all women, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, on all areas of the body. Rich, nourishing and easy to absorb, it helps to keep skin supple and protected against potential stretch marks. Simply apply it every day to sensitive areas of the body and massage in using small circular movements. It leaves skin soft and nourished, with no greasy residue. Users agree: 95% of women who have used it noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of their stretch marks.
