Evening primrose oil
It soothes dry skin, fights acne and relieves menopausal symptoms: Evening primrose oil. The natural remedy is becoming increasingly popular in cosmetics and research - and rightly so. What evening primrose oil does and how to use it properly, you will learn here.
Things to know about evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is produced from the seeds of the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). The species, which belongs to the evening primrose family, originally comes from North America. There it had long been known as a proven remedy for skin problems before the plant found its way to Europe 300 years ago.
In the meantime, the plant with the beautiful yellow flowers even grows on roadsides. Its unusual name is due to a special characteristic: the evening primrose only opens its delicate yellow flowers at dusk. The petals, which give off a sweet smell, glow like candles in the dark.
Evening primrose is known almost exclusively for its precious oil. The green and the roots of the plant can also be consumed. But especially the seeds are valuable for health: Among other things, they contain the valuable gamma linolenic acid. This fatty acid is rarely found in plant foods. To produce evening primrose oil, the seeds of the plant are pressed in a gentle process.
Evening primrose oil ingredients
The seeds of the evening primrose contain numerous valuable ingredients. Most of the health-promoting effects of the healing oil are due to the polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid linolenic acid. Up to 80 percent linolenic acid is found in evening primrose oil. Because of its effects, this active ingredient is not a rare ingredient in skin care products. This fatty acid has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the skin barrier.
In addition, there is also a considerable amount of gamma linolenic acid in the oil - around 12 percent to be precise. This omega-6 fatty acid, which is also unsaturated, plays an important role in health. For example, it is responsible for maintaining brain function. In addition, it is said to have positive effects on diseases such as neurodermatitis or high blood pressure.
Also, responsible for the beneficial effects of evening primrose oil is the oleic-acid it contains. This monounsaturated fatty acid is said to prevent skin irritations and dry skin. In addition, the essential vitamin E is found in the oil of evening primrose. The antioxidant vitamin fulfills enormously important functions in your body. It protects against premature aging of the skin, makes the skin resistant and protects against UV rays. Equally, noteworthy are the polyphenols of evening primrose oil. This secondary plant substance prevents fatty deposits in the vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, polyphenols are said to have a positive effect on the course of Alzheimer's disease.
Evening primrose oil effects
Whether used internally or externally: Evening primrose oil can really do your skin some good. It is effective against acne, skin diseases and itching. However, the natural remedy is also said to provide relief from menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms.
To protect the skin
For a healthy and beautiful skin we need a stable protective function. Our skin consists of various layers, whereby the outer one - the epidermis - can again be divided into further layers. On the very outside is the horny layer. It has the demanding task of protecting the skin from environmental influences by means of a barrier function. The linolenic acid of evening primrose oil ensures a stable skin barrier. It is an important building block of ceramides - which in turn are components of the horny layer. Linolenic acid thus keeps the skin elastic and resistant.
Against dry skin
The healing oil of evening primrose is a natural remedy for dry skin. Not without reason, the natural remedy is in numerous creams and other care products. This is because linoleic acid is an important component of the skin's own ceramides. These in turn are involved in building up the top layer of skin, i.e. the epidermis. They thus have the important task of maintaining our protective skin barrier.
Thus, linoleic acid from evening primrose oil is involved in preventing moisture loss from the skin. Especially for very dry skin, treatment with the oil can be valuable.
Against wrinkles
Young skin, on which the first wrinkles appear early, often suffers from dryness. The linoleic acid of evening primrose oil can regulate the moisture balance of the skin and prevent excessive loss of moisture. This increasing protection of the skin barrier can iron out small wrinkles and restore the skin's natural elasticity.
In addition, vitamin E is also considered a true anti-wrinkle miracle. As an antioxidant, the vitamin protects the cells from negative environmental influences such as UV rays. In addition, it stabilizes the collagen and elastin contained in the skin.
Against pimples and acne
Everyone knows them and has had to deal with them at some point in their life: pimples. The unsightly inflammations, especially on the face, are caused, among other things, by an overproduction of sebum and hornification of the skin. As a result - and due to negative environmental influences - the pores become clogged over time. Over time, these can become inflamed and turn into pimples. Acne is often caused by hormonal fluctuations, which can trigger an imbalance in the skin's oily layers.
Evening primrose oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin on the one hand. On the other hand, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, the oil can regulate the fat metabolism. Thus, evening primrose oil has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect and prevents pimples and acne.
For neurodermatitis
Unfortunately, little is known about the causes of neurodermatitis, a non-infectious skin disease. It is possible that neurodermatitis patients suffer from a deficiency of a certain enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of omega-6 fatty acids, in this case linoleic acid to the important gamma-linolenic acid.
Evening primrose oil naturally contains this fatty acid. Therefore, it is directly supplied to the human body when the oil is consumed. This could explain why neurodermatitis patients respond so well to evening primrose oil. Although there is still no scientific evidence for this effect, numerous sufferers report enormously positive changes. Meanwhile, also physicians recommend a cure with the valuable oil additionally to a therapy.
Thus evening primrose oil is to counteract typical symptoms such as extreme itching, redness and dandruff. In addition, the dry skin is better supplied with moisture.
Possible side effects of evening primrose oil
Thanks to its naturalness, side effects of evening primrose oil are extremely rare and occur only in isolated cases. Among other things, it can cause headaches and digestive problems, such as nausea. If one of these occurs, it is usually not a big deal. However, if the symptoms persist, you'd better consult your doctor. The same applies to people who take certain medications. If you are dependent on anticoagulants, for example, a brief consultation with your doctor is recommended.
The use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy is still controversial. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for example, warns of possible complications. Some experts say that taking the oil is safe even during pregnancy. External use, for example, for body care, should generally be safe. If you are unsure, it is best to talk to your doctor or refrain from using it for the time being.
EPO evening primrose oil
Burgerstein EPO evening primrose oil contains pure, high-quality evening primrose oil and vitamin E. The fatty acids contained in evening primrose oil are important substances that the body cannot produce itself. Evening primrose oil can help to make dry skin supple and supports the regulation of elevated blood lipid levels. The contained vitamin E additionally helps to protect against the influence of free radicals.
