Sunflower Oil is a carrier oil with many beauty benefits. This article explains how to use sunflower oil for hair and skin.
Sunflower oil can be used alone or combined with other oils. It is well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Why Use Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Seed Oil is hydrating, nourishing and an excellent supporting oil base. Sunflower Oil especially benefits coarse hair textures. It locks in moisture and deters hair breakage.
Sunflower Oil has many hair and skin benefits.
Sunflower Oil Skin Benefits
Sunflower Oil is an effective face and body moisturizer. But it is a semi-greasy oil which makes the application and dry-down difficult. When mixed into a lotion or cream, sunflower oil can be exceptionally useful on body skin.
Sunflower Oil is non-comedogenic and can moisturize acne-prone areas. It soothes eczema, scarring, redness, and irritation.
- Sunflower Oil retains moisture in the skin and is also rich in vitamin E.
- Functions as a lipid buffer against drying ingredients or topical medicines [1]
- Sunflower Oil softens skin irritated by drying topicals. It works well with Retinol because it hydrates and calms red, irritated skin.
- Linoleic acid Gives sunflower seed oil anti-inflammatory properties.
- It is a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis. [2]
- The Vitamin E in Sunflower oil lightens skin discoloration.
- It is gentle enough to use as an eye makeup remover. Apply oil directly to face and allow 30 seconds to dissolve makeup, massage gently if desired. Wash face as normal. To remove eye makeup, hold a sunflower seed soaked cotton ball over your closed lid for about 20 seconds. It dissolves mascara without rubbing or pulling on lashes.
Sunflower Oil Hair Benefits
Sunflower Oil is an excellent unscented oil for hair hydration and softening. It works as a base for scalp treatment essential oils such as Tea Tree, Rosemary, and Peppermint. It softens hair when combined with rosemary and lavender oils.
- Vitamin E promotes scalp health.
- It blends well with other oils. A blend of Sunflower Oil and Coconut Oil moisturizes and strengthens hair, and is not as greasy.
- Ideal for coarse hair because it helps hair retain moisture. It is a light non-polar solvent that prevents water loss. It penetrates the hair shaft to lock and retain moisture.
- It is less greasy than olive oil and won’t cause breakouts.
- It contains Omega 9, an essential acid needed to stop breakage and stimulate hair growth.
Sunflower Oil benefits all hair types, especially hair needing extra moisture. This includes coarse hair, curly hair, and damaged hair.
General Beauty Benefits of Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Oil has a highly nutritious composition. It is one of the healthiest oils skin and hair application. The main component of sunflower oil is linoleic acid. Its other components include oleic acid and palmitic acid, lecithin, carotenoids, tocopherols, and numerous vitamins. These nourish skin and hair.
While Sunflower Oil is an effective moisturizer, it is also a carrier oil. It enables the other active moisturizing ingredients to sink deeper into the skin. Combine sunflower oil with jojoba, grapeseed oil, almond oil, or essential oils for extra benefits.
Interesting in learning more about Sunflower Oil for reversing hair loss? Check out this article: 3 Proven Ways To Use Sunflower Oil For Hair Loss: 28 Days Later.
References
Loden M, Andersson AC. Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin. Br J Dermatol. 1996;134(2):215-20.
Lopez Perez G, Torres Altamirano M. Indications for sunflower oil concentrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rev Alerg Mex. 2006;53(6):217-25.
Cassie Wilmer says
I love using natural products – makes me feel safer knowing that there aren’t weird chemicals.
Style Chicks says
We totally agree! Even when using natural products like Sunflower Oil, be sure to get a quality brand that doesn’t contain any harmful additives!
Merideth Rose says
I never thought to use it with Retinol – that is a great idea!
Style Chicks says
It works really well – just make sure to use it sparingly since it can be a bit greasy: you don’t want it all coming off on your pillow case. 🙂 You can always add more if you need it!
Annabeth Quincey says
I use Latisse so I try to be extra careful not to tug on my lashes. I pay good money for those long lashes! 😉 I’ve been using Micellar Water but this might be better and more gentle for mascara removal.
Style Chicks says
That’s a great idea!!!!!! You can always use Micellar Water to get any traces of oil off before you apply your Latisse too, but it won’t be the tugging of removing your eye makeup! And your lashes will be conditioned by the Sunflower Oil too!
Sienna Attwater says
That sounds like such a decadent scalp treatment! And I already have most of those oils in my house.
Style Chicks says
It really is decadent – and fairly inexpensive!
Brandee Macey says
Thanks for the article on Atopic Dermatitis – I’ve been looking for a natural remedy!
Style Chicks says
You are very welcome Brandee! Sunflower Oil is very helpful for AD.
Sasha Belanger says
My legs are crazy dry and my usual moisturizer isn’t helping. Do you think I should try this or another oil instead?
Style Chicks says
Great question Sasha!
Sunflower Oil absorbs well, making it suitable for moisturizing dry legs. It also blends well with other Oils like Grapeseed. Avocado is excellent for dry leg skin but can feel heavy when used straight from the bottle.
Sunflower Oil can be added on top of your regular moisturizer to seal in the moisturizer and give it an extra boost.
Lorri Clement says
Sunflower Seed Oil is good for you inside and outside!
Kay Stanton says
My hair is wrecked from swim practice – going to try using Sunflower Oil ASAP!
Avis Huddleston says
Those pictures make me happy! Summer is here!