Sea-buckthorn oils are also believed to have a biological protective capacity. The tocopherols and carotenoids can trap and reduce the formation of UV-B induced toxic products in skin cells. Due to these UV-B absorptive properties, sea buckthorn oils may be used by industry as a natural sun screen.

 

Seabuckthorn oil conditions the skin in many ways; it helps acne by healing micro-tears in the skin, thinning out thick, coarse areas and constricting pores, as well as softening and healing scars beyond what is possible with any other non-surgical treatment.

 

Seabuckthorn’s anti-aging properties may slow down cell death, resulting in less skin thickening and shedding that contributes to eruptions .Many skin care products can exacerbate acne, either due to over-drying, chemical reactions, allergies or sensitivities. Unlike many other skin care products, Seabuckthorn soaps, creams and oils are simple and natural, decreasing the likelihood of negative reactions.

 

Seabuckthorn berry oil has a tremendous effect on skin regeneration. This was found especially useful in treating various conditions requiring enhanced cell regeneration, for example, burns, scalds or eczema like damage. Its yellow colour is due to the high content of carotenoids. It is used for application of cell anti-ageing, enhancement of microcirculation, antioxidant protection, epidermal regeneration, anti-inflammation,  natural UV blocking and sun screen cosmetics. Seabuckthorn berry oil is especially rich in omega -7 series of fatty acid (palmitoleic acid). Making up around 30% of the total oil, this rare fatty acid is a key component in seabuckthorn berry oil and it can act as a replacement for other fatty acids in cell membranes. The oil of seabuckthorn effectively combats wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or prematurely aging skin and is utilized in anti-ageing skin cream and lotions.

 

The seed oil, which is an unsaturated oil, shows promise because of its light absorption and emollient properties as an ingredient in cosmetics, phytopharmaceuticals and UV skin protectant preparations. It absorbs strongly in the UV-B range (290–320 nm) and may therefore, be used as a natural sun -screen absorber.

 

Concentrations of a rare fatty acid (palmitoleic) and carotenoid levels found in sea buckthorn oils are claimed to promote healing of skin burns and the relief of other skin ailments such as eczema and dermatitis. The most significant potential healthful benefit is the high content of the tocopherol (vitamin E) component within the seed oil. Tocopherol is recognized as the natural antioxidant in the human body. It is believed that high levels of tocopherol minimize skin oxidation, which helps to maintain skin integrity and reduce skin toughening and wrinkling.

 

This natural plant oil has been used extensively in Asia to treat such skin problems as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. In an international study, physicians looked to find the cause of rosacea and furthermore tested the effects of seabuckthorn oil on individuals with acne rosacea. The research found that acne rosacea was linked to a microscopic parasite, known as demodex, which lives within the skin glands and hair follicles of 99.8% of all humans. The research further concluded that seabuckthorn oil was extremely effective in treating cases of the acne rosacea.