Use and Benefits of Linseed Oil for Hair and Skin

Use and Benefits of Linseed Oil for Hair and Skin The useful properties of the seeds of the flax plant have long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, first and foremost to lower blood cholesterol. Most applications of linseed oil exploit its polymer-forming properties, but it is also widely used as a nutritional supplement and a cosmetic ingredient. What are the use and benefits of linseed oil for skin and hair?

Linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil or flax oil, is obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of flax by pressing. Its has a wide range of useful properties due to its rich chemical composition. Linseed oil is a triglyceride, like other fats. It is noted for its unusually large amount of alpha-linolenic acid. Other unsaturated fatty acids contained in flax oil are oleic acid and linoleic acid. It also contains smaller amounts of saturated fats, such as palmitic acid and stearic acid. Besides, linseed oil is rich in tocopherols (vitamin E).

What are the useful properties of linseed oil as a cosmetic ingredient? Due to the high unsaturated fatty acid content, it has a moisturising, nourishing and softening effect. That’s why it is great for taking care of dry, irritated, rough, and flaky skin. The use of linseed oil helps to protect the skin from strong wind, low temperatures, bright sun, and other environmental factors that may be very harmful for sensitive skin.

Besides, linseed oil is known for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It soothes irritated skin, prevents flaking and inflammation, and speeds up the healing of cuts and other minor skin injuries. Linseed oil is best suited for problem skin, but it can also be used to take care of normal skin as a preventive measure and a strong moisturising agent.

So how can you use linseed oil to take care of your skin and hair? Linseed oil is a carrier oil. Unlike most essential oils, carrier oils (also known as vegetable oils or base oils) can be applied undiluted “as is” or mixed with other vegetable oils. Linseed oil can be mixed with almond oil, grapeseed oil, or other base oils of your choice. Besides, you can use linseed oil to dilute essential oils which will enhance its effect and give it a nice smell. Just add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil or oils to a tablespoon of linseed oil.

How to use linseed oil or linseed oil-based blends on your skin? Just apply a little oil to the skin, massage slightly and leave to absorb, then use a cotton pad or paper tissue to blot the unabsorbed residue if there is any. If you use linseed oil to combat corns and callouses, a compress will be more effective. To make a compress, soak a gauze pad in flaxseed oil and apply it on the problem area of the skin for 15–30 minutes. Make compresses once or twice a day until you achieve the desired result.

Linseed oil is also a great product for taking care of your hands and nails. It softens the skin of the hands and the cuticles, strengthens the nails, speeds up the healing of hangnails and prevents their recurrence, and accelerates the healing of cuts and other minor injuries caused by cuticle trimming. All you need to do is apply the oil to your hands and nails and massage for 5–10 minutes, rubbing the oil into your nails and cuticles. Use the oil twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

You can also add linseed oil to store-bought cosmetics, such as shampoos, hair conditioners and masks, hand and face creams, etc. To enrich hair care products (shampoos, conditioners and masks) with linseed oil, add 7–10 ml oil to 100 ml product. For creams, add 10 drops oil to 10 g cream.

You can buy high-quality linseed oil and personal care products with this oil in our online shop Organic Store. We also offer a great selection of carrier, essential, massage and hair oils produced by various brands, including Bio Pharma, Cococare, Aromatika, Green Pharmacy, Flora Secret, Triuga, Home Doctor, Dr. Sante, Ekolux, YAKA, Parachute, Planeta Organica, Elfa Pharm, Ambra, and others.