Rose hip seed oil has proven to be useful in the alleviation of skin conditions derived from overexposure to solar radiation, including photoaging (dermatoheliosis); these conditions are more likely to appear in people residing in countries of warm climate. This solar exposition can be the cause of several and grievous changes in the skin. Dermatoheliosis severity ranges from small wrinkles to active keratosis and variation in the melanin granules distribution.

Rose hip oil benefits were demonstrated in a test where volunteers were chosen among people who usually spent the 3 months of summer in resorts by the sea or who go to the beach every day. The tests included a group of 20 women aged between 25 and 35 who were controlled and assessed during the summer of 1988. The most commonly noted cutaneous symptoms were brown spots, eyelids, surface wrinkles and, in some cases, an intense tan. All applied rose hip oil on the face during four months (May to August, Autumn 1988).

Weekly controls were carried out to observe the effects of the treatment. Important changes were noted from the third week on. First, surface wrinkles started to disappear, spots started to fade until, at the end of the fourth month, the blemishes had almost completely faded. Skin had a fresh and smooth aspect without noticeable spots.

Treatment of Surgical Scar

For this test, scars with equal features were selected. Ten women between 45 and 68 years old having suffered unilateral or bilateral mastectomy were selected.

The same day the surgical stitches were removed, applications of rose hip seed oil started. After washing the area using tepid water and soap and careful drying, the oil was applied by soft massage. After 12 weeks of applying it twice daily (morning and evening) it was noted that the scars were less apparent, without lumps and improved skin elasticity; also, the color of the area had improved significantly.

After four months of observations systematically performed after the operations, treating doctors indicated a significant improvement in the skin conditions of patients following this skin care routine, allowing implantation of prosthesis or plastic surgery in far better conditions than with patients who had not been treated.

These tests along with years of empirical evidence from indigenous people, have led many to trust the natural skin care benefits that rose hip oil has. Not only has it been used for scars derived from surgeries, but also for stretch marks and acne scars and other skin blemishes.

Further testing of rose hip oil properties has been performed by Dr Hans Harbst, radiotherapist and surgeon practicing in Chile. Dr Harbst specializes in radiology, radio-oncology and nuclear medicine at the Nuclear Research Centre of the University of Heidelberg, Germany and is head of Radio-oncology of the Indisa Clinic in Santiago. He is also head of the Department of Radiology of the Chilean Air Force Hospital in Santiago.