Pumpkin Oil is an unsung hero of skincare - rich in anti-ageing and antioxidant carotenoids (the stuff that gives it the orange colour), it has a multitude of skincare benefits. We'll explain all in this blog post, as well as giving you the science behind why this ingredient is so wonderful.
Skincare Properties
1. Antioxidant: Pumpkin seed oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the skin cells and lead to premature aging, so the antioxidant properties of pumpkin seed oil can help to keep the skin looking healthy and youthful.
2. Moisturizing: Pumpkin seed oil is high in essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, which can help to nourish and hydrate the skin. These fatty acids can penetrate deeply into the skin to help improve moisture retention and prevent dryness and flakiness.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Pumpkin seed oil contains compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation in the skin. This makes it a great ingredient for soothing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
4. Anti-bacterial: Pumpkin seed oil contains zinc, which has antibacterial properties that can help to fight bacteria that can cause acne and other skin infections.
5. Exfoliating: Pumpkin seed oil contains natural enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can help to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. This can help to improve skin texture, tone, and brightness.
The natural properties of pumpkin seed oil make it a great ingredient for nourishing and protecting the skin. It can help to moisturize, soothe inflammation, fight bacteria, and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Fatty Acid Profile
Pumpkin seed oil has a rich fatty acid profile that makes it a beneficial ingredient for skincare. Here's a breakdown of the fatty acid profile of pumpkin seed oil:
Linoleic acid (omega-6): 45-60%
Oleic acid (omega-9): 20-35%
Palmitic acid: 10-18%
Stearic acid: 6-15%
Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3): up to 1%
Linoleic acid: an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own. Linoleic acid helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier function and improve skin hydration. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation in the skin.
Oleic acid: a monounsaturated fatty acid that can help to moisturize and nourish the skin. Oleic acid has a smaller molecular size than linoleic acid, which allows it to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
Palmitic acid: a saturated fatty acid that can help to protect the skin's barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
Stearic acid: a saturated fatty acid that can help to improve the texture and softness of the skin.
Overall, the fatty acid profile of pumpkin seed oil makes it a great ingredient for skincare. It can help to maintain the skin's natural barrier function, improve hydration, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Clinical Studies
There is a growing body of research into the use of pumpkin seed oil in skincare. Here are some examples of studies that have been conducted:
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2014 found that a topical cream containing pumpkin seed oil was effective in improving skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function in postmenopausal women with dry skin.
Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2018 found that pumpkin seed oil had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, which could help to protect against UV-induced damage and reduce inflammation associated with skin aging.
A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science in 2017 found that pumpkin seed oil had antibacterial and antifungal properties, which could make it a useful ingredient in skincare products for treating acne and other skin infections.
In a small clinical trial published in the International Journal of Trichology in 2019, a scalp lotion containing pumpkin seed oil was found to be effective in reducing hair loss and increasing hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia.
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