Aging well isn’t about chasing youth, it’s about giving our body the nutrients it needs to stay resilient, balanced, and nourished over time. As we age, four areas consistently need extra support: heart health, brain function, immune resilience, and skin vitality.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Supports Heart, Brain, Immune, and Skin Health

Sea buckthorn oil is uniquely positioned to support all four. Rich in a rare combination of Omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, along with powerful antioxidants, this golden oil works at the cellular level to help the body repair, hydrate, and nourish itself naturally.

Heart Health: Nourishing the Foundation of Aging Well

The heart and blood vessels are deeply influenced by the quality of fats we consume. Sea buckthorn oil provides plant-based essential fatty acids that help support healthy circulation, cholesterol balance, and vascular integrity.

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), a signature nutrient in sea buckthorn oil, plays a role in maintaining the structure and flexibility of epithelial tissues, including blood vessels. With naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-9, which are know to support a healthy inflammatory response and heart health, both key factors in healthy aging.

Brain Health: Supporting Clarity, Focus, and Cognitive Function

The brain relies heavily on fats to function optimally. As natural antioxidant defenses decline with age, supporting brain cells becomes increasingly important.

Sea buckthorn oil delivers plant-based Omega 3 fatty acids that help maintain healthy cell membranes and support communication between brain cells. The antioxidant compounds and vitamin Bs in seabuckthorn oil also help neurons from oxidative damage, supporting long-term brain health and mental clarity as part of an overall aging-well lifestyle.

Immune Health: Strengthening the Body’s Natural Defenses

A strong immune system depends on healthy mucous membranes and a balanced inflammatory response, both of which change with age.

Omega-7 is known for its ability to support mucosal tissues throughout the body, including the digestive system, which play a central role in immune defense. Alongside antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene, sea buckthorn oil helps support immune function and the body’s ability to respond to everyday stressors.

Skin Health: Aging Gracefully From the Inside Out

Skin is often where the signs of aging appear first, dryness, loss of elasticity, and dullness are common as the body’s natural oil production declines.

Sea buckthorn oil is widely recognized for its skin-supportive benefits. Omega-7 helps maintain skin moisture and barrier function, while beta-carotene supports skin renewal and a healthy glow. Unlike topical products that work only on the surface, organic sea buckthorn oil nourishes skin from within, addressing aging at its root.

One Oil, Whole-Body Aging Support

What makes sea buckthorn oil truly unique is its ability to support multiple systems at once, with many bio-active nutrients natural occurring from this golden berry. Rather than focusing on a single concern, it works holistically, supporting the heart, brain, immune system, and skin through balanced fatty acids and antioxidant protection.

A Gentle, Food-Based Approach to Healthy Aging

Sea buckthorn oil is a plant-based, food-derived fat that fits naturally into long-term wellness routines. It offers a gentle yet effective way to support healthy aging.

The Takeaway

Healthy aging is not about doing more. It’s about nourishing better. Sea buckthorn oil provides rare Omega-7 and a full spectrum of supportive nutrients that help the body stay hydrated, nourished, and resilient over time. When it comes to aging well, this golden berry oil truly supports beauty, health, and vitality from the inside out.

Seabuckthorn berry oil is high in Omega 7, 3 and 9, about 94%.

• Omega 7 38%
• Omega 9 30%
• Omega 6 6%

Seabuckthorn seed oil is high in Omega 3 and 9, about 61%.

• Omega 3 36%,
• Omega 9 25%
• Omega 6 32%

That been said, unlike many oils that are heavily refined or altered, sea buckthorn berry's nutrients occur just as nature intended. This rare balance of healthy fats is complemented by a rich supply of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making seabuckthorn oil one of the most complete and bioavailable plant-based oils available. 

Balance is Everything: The Omega-3 and 7 to Omega-6 Ratio & Inflammation

We love learning about health trends, but when it comes to your body’s inflammation response, science is clear: too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3 can be a real problem.

Let’s break it down.

The Modern Dilemma: Too Much Omega-6
In the average  U.S. diet, Omega-6 fatty acids are everywhere. Processed foods, fast foods, vegetable oils (like soybean, corn, and sunflower), and packaged snacks all pack a heavy dose of Omega-6.

Now, Omega-6 is not inherently bad. In fact, it’s essential for human health. The issue lies in overconsumption. Research shows that the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be somewhere between 2:1 or 4:1. But today’s typical American diet has that ratio flipped—often 20:1 or higher in favor of Omega-6.

That’s a red flag for chronic inflammation.

Inflammation: Our Body’s Silent Alarm
Chronic inflammation is a root cause behind many modern ailments: heart disease, obesity, joint pain, and even cognitive decline. Omega-6s, in excess, can trigger pro-inflammatory pathways, while Omega-3s work to calm them down.

The takeaway? It’s not just about getting more Omega-3. It’s also about reducing excess Omega-6.

Omega-3 to the Rescue

Omega-3 fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA—are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory, heart-loving, and brain-boosting benefits. You’ll find them in:

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies)
• Chia seeds and flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Sea buckthorn seed oil (yes, it has 35% of Omega-3s too!)

From a nutritional perspective, getting enough Omega-3s while keeping Omega-6s in check is one of the most powerful dietary shifts you can make for long-term wellness.

Nutritional Tip
If we are relying heavily on processed oils or eating out often, we may likely getting more Omega-6 than we realize. Focus on:

• Swapping cooking vegetable oils for olive, avocado, or flaxseed oil
• Eating wild-caught fish at least twice a week
• Supplementing with a balanced Omega 3-7-9 oil, like organic sea buckthorn oil

Final Thoughts
Our body is built for balance, not overload. Supporting a healthy Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio isn't just trendy, it's a return to how we’re naturally designed to thrive. Reducing inflammation starts with what’s on our plate, and Omega balance plays a starring role.

 SeabuckWonders, the original sea buckthorn company, is proud to announce another win. Consumers voted for SeabuckWonders’ Omega 7 Complete as their favorite skin supplement—winning a bronze medal for this flagship product. 

delicious living magazine, a trusted health and wellness resource for more than 35 years, recently announced the winners of its 15th annual delicious living Awards. delicious living initiated these awards to help consumers evaluate and select the best all-natural products in a market that continues to explode with options.

For a full list of winners please visit deliciousliving.com or pick up the March 2025 issue of delicious living at your local natural health retailer.

What is Omega 7? 

Omega-7, also known as Palmitoleic acid, is a mono-unsaturated fatty acid found in some fish, vegetable and marine oils. It is a rather rare omega fatty acid that recently has gained global exposure for its benefits and unique qualities.

Omega-7 is present in all body tissues, mostly in skin and fat tissue. Organic sea buckthorn berries offer the most potent botanical source of Omega-7 currently known, and is garnering wide-spread attention as a "Miracle Berry" with many health advantages. Omega-7 from sea buckthorn berries is especially appealing to people with plant-based diets and healthy living lifestyles.

Benefits of Omega 7

Omega-7 fatty acid promotes several health and beauty benefits:

●      Promotes moisturized skin, hair, and nails at a cellular level. It provides restoration, whether used topically or internally. It nourishes and balances these tissues for a youthful and shiny glow. 

●      Supports a healthy gastrointestinal and digestive system from beginning to end. This fatty acid nurtures mucous membranes starting in the oral cavity all the way through the end of the digestive tract, alleviating discomfort and balancing digestive functions. 

●      Omega-7 fatty acid supports healthy inflammation-response throughout the body and helps maintain the body's healthy lubrication system.

There are so many other benefits from this rare fatty acid. You can find more information about Omega 7 here.

Omega 7 Complete is a Customer Favorite

Omega 7 Complete is a customer favorite and SeabuckWonders’ bestselling product. That's because with one capsule, consumers receive all of the benefits that organic sea buckthorn has to offer. The blend supports many health needs including heart, gastro, skin , and overall health and wellness.

About SeabuckWonders

We are the first company to introduce sea buckthorn oil to customers in the United States 30 years ago, providing only USDA-Certified Organic Himalayan Sea Buckthorn oil. Consumers can depend on the highest quality sea buckthorn oils when choosing SeabuckWonders. SeabuckWonders’ expertise in making organic sea buckthorn oil has earned them a trusted reputation in the natural foods industry.

The SeabuckWonders Difference

What separates their products from other brands? SeabuckWonders oversees every step of production from the berries grown on their organic farm to the finished product on the shelf. This commitment to quality allows SeabuckWonders to offer the purest organic sea buckthorn oils in the market with the highest levels of Omega 7.

"Sea buckthorn oil is rich in vitamins C and E, omega-7 fatty acids, and powerful antioxidants, which promote skin hydration, elasticity, and restoration. Its calming properties can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and support the healing of skin. Additionally, the active compounds within sea buckthorn oil are known to help protect the skin from environmental stressors and improve overall skin texture, making it a valuable addition to any skincare formulation." 

In 2023, Dr. Turner was featured in Real Simple Magazine in an article discussing sea buckthorn oil and its benefits in skincare and cosmetics. Dr. Turner affirms that in addition to the wide range of Omega fatty acids present in sea buckthorn oil, the “phytosterols, amino acids, and minerals contribute to its nourishing and rejuvenating qualities.” Moreover, Dr. Turner says “sea buckthorn oil may also facilitate wound healing and tissue repair, owing to its regenerative properties and anti-inflammatory effects.”

Why is sea buckthorn oil orange colored?

Organic sea buckthorn seed oil and berry oil both contain an array of skin-nourishing omega fatty acids and bioactive nutrients that are 100% naturally found in sea buckthorn. Our sea buckthorn berry oil contains vitamins E and K, flavonoids, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and high levels of carotenoids. Just like in carrots, the beta-carotene and carotenoids give sea buckthorn its orange color that may also help heal sun damage to the skin, which is a great way to boost your skincare routine.

How does sea buckthorn oil help heal wounds?

The regenerative properties of sea buckthorn oil is owed to the Omega-7 content, the anti-inflammatory action of which may aid in healing wounds during the phase of tissue rebuilding. Sea buckthorn oil contains many of the same fatty acids that our skin is naturally made from, meaning it can help rebuild and nourish skin, as well as offer benefits for every skin type including sensitive skin.

How can you tell which sea buckthorn oil is the best quality?

“When used in cosmetics, sea buckthorn oil is often acquired through a cold-press extraction process,” explains Dr. Turner. SeabuckWonders’ sea buckthorn oil, however, is extracted using the supercritical CO2 method. This method produces the highest quality sea buckthorn oil over cold-pressing since the extraction temperatures are even colder! Supercritical CO2 is also the most environmentally-friendly way to extract the oils, leaving no solvents or impurities behind in the process.

Supercritical CO2 is the best way to extract oil from sea buckthorn seeds over cold-pressing because the seeds are very small, like the seeds from a kiwi. Sea buckthorn berries have enough volume from the pulp that you can extract oil using a cold press, but sea buckthorn seed oil cannot. The seeds are so small that cold-pressing cannot efficiently extract its oils.

Should you take sea buckthorn seed oil or berry oil?

In most cases, we recommend using both the organic seabuckthorn seed and berry oil so that you can get the full spectrum of benefits from sea buckthorn. A blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry oils, our dietary supplement Omega-7 Complete is our best-seller for this reason. To get the full benefits of sea buckthorn oil used topically in your skincare routine, “it can be used alone or along with moisturizer and oil blends,” Dr. Turner says. “It is best applied after cleansing the face. However, if you have a multistep skin care routine, remember to apply oils at the end of your routine, as oils can block the absorption of any product that comes after it.” SeabuckWonders offers our WonderCare kits as a four-step total skincare routine to meet skincare needs for all skin types. Our popular WonderCare REVIVE Kit features our Enhydro Revive serum, formulated with a blend of skin-loving oils including one of Dr. Turner’s favorite moisturizing ingredients, jojoba oil, in addition to sea buckthorn oil.

Feminine dryness is a much more common problem than people might imagine. Let's start with some surprising statistics.

• Around 18% of women in the U.S. suffer from feminine dryness.
• Up to 90% of women living with vaginal discomfort don't seek treatment support.

Individual research studies reveal that dryness can increase with age. One study followed a group of women for an extended period, starting at ages 42 to 53 and ending at ages 57 to 69.

For this group, the rate of those suffering with dryness increased from 19.4% at the beginning to 34% towards the end of the study. The most heard treatment for feminine dryness and atrophy are hormone based. While this approach works for some, it has difficult side effects for others.

Many asked is there a natural solution for female dryness that is accessible to every woman? The answer may be found with sea buckthorn oil, a traditional health remedy made from the berries and seeds of a Himalayan berry tree.

Feminine Dryness and Sea Buckthorn Oil from Seabuckwonders on Vimeo.

The Research Behind Sea Buckthorn Oil for Feminine Dryness and How it Works

Organic sea buckthorn oil was used as a natural remedy for female reproductive health in traditional medicine in Asia. Traditional medicine used the oil to specifically help issues with the uterus and other reproductive organs.

One of the top benefits of sea buckthorn oil is its ability to fight dryness throughout the body. This is something that long time users of sea buckthorn oil supplements report, and it's also been the subject of research studies. On a chemical level, sea buckthorn oil has a unique blend of compounds, making it useful for many different health applications.

Sea buckthorn’s lipid and antioxidant content are the major components that help it fight dryness. Researchers commonly use a mixture of sea buckthorn seed and berry oil to get the benefits from the Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9 and omega 7.

One study focused on the effects of sea buckthorn oil on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Vaginal atrophy describes the thinning of the vaginal mucosa, which also causes dryness. Because hormone based pills for this condition are not suitable for many women, researchers wanted to know if sea buckthorn oil could be an alternative option.

Epithelium Layer

The area most affected by vaginal atrophy is the epithelium layer, which is made up of squamous cells. Dysfunction and dryness of the epithelium causes discomfort for women and can lead to other serious health issues. A group of 116 women suffering from symptoms were the test subjects and placebo groups were used.

Participants were not to use other oil supplements during the trial, which was three months long. Subjects were given a capsule blend of sea buckthorn oil-three capsules twice a day. 

Healthier Mucosa

The studies showed benefits on the integrity of the epithelium layer in the sea buckthorn group. Researchers believe that the bioactive compounds from the sea buckthorn oil were the biggest factors in these benefits. 

Natural Solution for Vaginal Dryness

Sea Buckthorn Oil for Female Dryness - Every woman has their own health challenges, so finding the right answer is an individual journey. According to the latest researches and feedback from women who have consistently used it, sea buckthorn oil may be an excellent option for those experiencing vaginal dryness.

Reference:

Waetjen, L. E., Crawford, S. L., Chang, P. Y., Reed, B. D., Hess, R., Avis, N. E., Harlow, S. D., Greendale, G. A., Dugan, S. A., Gold, E. B., & Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) (2018). Factors associated with developing vaginal dryness symptoms in women transitioning through menopause: a longitudinal study. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 25(10), 1094–1104.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29916947/

Unlocking the Power of Omega 7
At the heart of Fem-Omega 7 lies the potent Omega 7 fatty acid, inspired by our
customers favorite SeabuckWonders Omega 7 Complete. This unique blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry oils delivers natural nourishment to mucous membranes, promoting healthy inflammation response and soothing irritated tissue. Beyond addressing vaginal dryness, Fem-Omega 7 supports overall well-being, benefiting hair, skin, nails, and other areas prone to dryness.

Great for All Stages of Womanhood
While menopause often brings about vaginal dryness, Fem-Omega 7 is not limited to any age group. Women of all ages can experience dryness and seek natural solutions to alleviate discomfort. Whether combating the effects of hormonal changes or simply seeking optimal feminine health, Fem-Omega 7 offers a solution for every stage of womanhood, help restore radiant feminine health.

Available on Amazon.com
Fem-Omega 7 will be available for purchase on Amazon.com. Each box contains 60 softgels (500 mg each), priced at $34.99, providing a convenient 30-day supply. Packaged with four individual, heat-resistant blisters, Fem-Omega 7 ensures quality and integrity.

Made for Every Woman, Naturally
Formulated with 100% natural ingredients, Fem-Omega 7 is Gluten-Free and Non-GMO, made with USDA certified organic sea buckthorn oil, aligning with
SeabuckWonders's commitment to purity and quality. With Fem-Omega 7, women can experience natural relief without compromising on safety or efficacy.

Experience the SeabuckWonders Difference
SeabuckWonders has been making the highest quality organic sea buckthorn oils since 1994. We oversees every step of production from berries grown on our organic farm high in the mountains on Tibetan Plateau to the finished product in cGMP facility in California. This commitment to quality ensures unrivaled purity and potency, in result is the purest organic sea buckthorn oils in the market with the highest levels of Omega 7.

Don't let vaginal dryness hold you back. Fem-Omega 7 will help you rediscover radiant feminine health. Try it and experience the difference firsthand.

Greek Goes Keto is a revolutionary approach to nutrition which blends elements from Mediterranean culinary heritage. Greek Goes Keto helps their readers achieve long-term health using non-conventional methods while also making creative and new fusion recipes!

James Liu, president of SeabuckWonders answered Roberta's interview questions in the blog post below.

Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding SeabuckWonders and your journey in establishing the company?

A: I grew up in a family deeply entrenched in the world of cultural and medical anthropology. My father, Xingwu Liu, taught Cultural and Medical Anthropology at several universities. He dedicated his research on Southeast Asian culture and traditional Tibetan medicine, and it was through his research that he encountered the remarkable properties of the sea buckthorn berry.

I vividly remember the transformative impact sea buckthorn oil had on my mother, Joanne. Suffering from seasonal dryness and sinus issues since her youth, she found immediate relief upon using sea buckthorn oil, an experience that left both my parents astonished by its healing power. However, they realized that this super berry was virtually unknown in the United States at the time, even though sea buckthorn berries and oil have been used in the east and other parts of the world for centuries. It was then that we decided to bring this amazing super fruit to the American market.

In 1995, fueled by a passion to share the benefits of sea buckthorn, my parents embarked on a mission to introduce it to the US market. Thus, SeabuckWonders was born, with a commitment to educating the public about the vast advantages of this super berry. My father Xingwu spoke at many health food forums and seminars, spreading awareness of SeabuckWonders and establishing it as the go-to brand for health food retailers across the nation. That is where our line "The Original Sea Buckthorn Company" comes from!

We are very serious about the quality of our sea buckthorn oil. We oversee every step, from seed to shelf, in making our small batch organic sea buckthorn oil.

We harvest organic sea buckthorn from the pristine Tibetan Plateau, where the unique climate and topography of the Himalayas provide optimal conditions for its growth more than any other region. The purity and potency of our products stem from using only wild-grown, handpicked sea buckthorn. Every bottle contains high levels of Omega-7, essential amino acids and Vitamin E.

Q: We know sea buckthorn is an extremely healthy fruit for oral consumption. What are the benefits of using sea buckthorn oil for skincare and overall wellness?

Sea buckthorn contains Omegas 3, 7, 6 & 9, plus natural vitamin E and antioxidants. Omega-7 is the rarest of the omegas and sea buckthorn is the most potent plant-based source of this fatty acid. Omega-7 promotes moisturization at the cellular level of the skin, hair, and nails. The plant-based Omega-3 (ALA) in sea buckthorn oil supports cardiovascular health.

Sea buckthorn oils also help dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nose, feminine dryness, and supports a healthy gastrointestinal and digestive system. Sea buckthorn can also promote a healthy inflammation response throughout the body.

Q: What sets SeabuckWonders apart from other producers of sea buckthorn products in the market? And could you shed some light on the process of sourcing and cultivating sea buckthorn for your products?

SeabuckWonders is the ORIGINAL sea buckthorn company; we have been around for 30 years! Our products are farm to shelf. Using our years of expertise, we grow sea buckthorn trees on our farm on the Tibetan plateau. Sea buckthorn berries grown in harsh weather conditions such as on the Tibetan plateau end up with the highest level of nutrients.

After harvest, we use a CO2 extraction process to ensure that the most nutrients remain in the oil – 32% or more of Omega-7 – while also leaving a pure product with no remaining solvents or chemicals.

Our sea buckthorn skincare products contain the highest amount of sea buckthorn oil compared to others in the market, which you can tell from the color of our products.

Q: How do you ensure the purity and quality of your sea buckthorn oil and other products?

We have numerous testing and protocols in place following cGMP manufacturing guidelines in the US. cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) are regulated by the FDA. SeabuckWonders’ products are made in California, known to have the most stringent supplement regulations. Every single batch is third party lab-tested to ensure purity and quality.

Q: Can you share any success stories or testimonials from customers who have experienced the benefits of your products?

We have had so many satisfied and loyal customers during the past 30 years.

Many customers with dry eyes use our products, and some health care professionals recommend our oils and supplements to address these issues. You can see this in our Amazon product reviews. Many use sea buckthorn oil as a facial oil, reducing fine lines, and enhancing glow. Cassandra Bankson, a Youtube and IG skincare influencer, likes our sea buckthorn berry oil for her skin. We still remember her early videos of her face covered in the bright orange berry oil!

We recently saw a video on Instagram posted by a lady who swears by our Omega-7 Complete to help her sinuses which had become very dry during menopause. We have customers praising our products for other skin issues like eczema and rosacea.

Our sea buckthorn oil droppers have also been a favorite in the vegan community for years. One customer, after moving to Thailand, called us to order the oils when he ran out of the droppers. He said his skin became so dry and couldn’t find a good replacement for the sea buckthorn oil. After resuming use, he noticed his skin became rejuvenated in just a few days!

Q: Could you elaborate on any ongoing research or development initiatives at SeabuckWonders to enhance your product offerings?

We are looking into the benefits of sea buckthorn oil for feminine or menopausal dryness. We want to eventually offer a product that addresses this concern.

Q: How do you envision the future of SeabuckWonders and the role of sea buckthorn in the health and wellness industry?

Sea buckthorn oil has become more popular as more people realize its amazing health benefits, especially for cellular health, dryness, and soft tissue repair both internally or externally.

With the younger generation embracing a healthy and natural lifestyle, adding the plant-based omegas to smoothies with fresh fruits and vegetables is a great and creative way to use the oils. It would be great if more diet plans and recipes recognize the amazing benefits of sea buckthorn oil in the future.

Plant-based Omegas found in sea buckthorn oil is trending due to the growing vegan community in the US. Sustainability also matters in this industry – plant-based Omega fatty acid is more sustainable due to the intensive and wasteful process to make fish-based Omega fatty acids. We have a fresh crop of sea buckthorn berries every year and the sea buckthorn trees in our farm produce premium quality oil year after year. We think sea buckthorn oil will become a staple in the health food industry just like goji berries and Omega-3 fish oils. Omega-7 is the next Omega-3.

Q: From a marketing perspective, what strategies does SeabuckWonders employ to reach and engage with its target audience?

A large portion of how we try to reach our target audience is through word of the mouth. It has always been the best way to bring in new customers. The authenticity of word of mouth is what everyone strives for! When we post education on the ingredient and its benefits, we hope that this information will eventually reach the right ears.

Stay true to our passion and beliefs, we sincerely try to share our thoughts with our audience. Anchored in the natural food industry, we also engage with health-savvy professionals and health food retailers all the time.

Your audience can tell when you put your heart and soul into making something great. The Internet is a crowded place with a lot of noise, and unfortunately there are companies out there selling fake sea buckthorn products just to make money. We have to put more work into educating our audience to prevent people from falling into a trap like that. We put out educational videos on Youtube and our website and cover topics like how to identify good quality sea buckthorn oil, benefits of the oil, and new and upcoming research.

We’re active on our social media channels including Facebook and Instagram to bring awareness and share customer testimonies.

Q: How do you communicate the unique selling points of SeabuckWonders' products to consumers?

We try to make communication channels simple and streamlined through educational videos and blog posts. We are an open book with our end consumers about the difference between our sea buckthorn products and others. We’re also published in industry magazines and editorial boards, with a professional track record of being the number one organic sea buckthorn oil brand in the United States.

We also welcome influencers and reviewers to try out our products and share our information across platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Perhaps most importantly, we stay connected with our Amazon consumers because they have become a large portion of our core audience.

Q: Can you share any upcoming campaigns or initiatives that consumers can look forward to from SeabuckWonders?

We have an exciting new product coming out later this spring that focuses on feminine health and menopause. I can’t share more right now, but stay tuned.

Q: What are some of the challenges you've faced in promoting sea buckthorn products, and how have you overcome them?

We were the first to talk about sea buckthorn in this market, which is a challenge in itself, to create awareness of this “miracle berry”. In the early 2000s, we were fortuitously invited to showcase our products on The Dr. Oz Show, which we still very much appreciate!

The market has grown in the meantime, so there is now a larger population who have general knowledge of sea buckthorn oil. But it is still a niche category. During periods of expansion in the health industry, we built sales channels via independent health food retailers. We then adapted omni-channel early on and built e-commerce sales, which helped us tremendously during the pandemic when in-person purchasing became difficult.

However, e-commerce channels like Amazon also present a new challenge – fake products appear on the Amazon marketplace with unreasonably low prices all the time. Being an actual manufacturer of sea buckthorn oil from harvest to the final product, we have the knowledge and expertise to bust false claims fake products make. Detailed educational campaigns via videos and social media prevent fake products from ruining this niche category.

High production cost is also a challenge but we were able to streamline and overcome those challenges with a professional, knowledgeable team that have been with us for more than 10 years. We truly are grateful for our team members in all departments, including harvest, production, manufacturing, sales, and marketing.

Q: How do you stay connected with your customers and gather feedback?

We conduct polls and questionnaires from time to time to gain insight to the wants and needs of our customers. We’re always plugged into our social media, reviewing comments and answering questions. 

Q: Finally, what advice would you give to individuals who are considering integrating sea buckthorn products into their daily routines for health and skincare purposes?

We would encourage them to go to our website (https://www.seabuckwonders.com/) and learn about all of our products. Our helpful FAQ page https://www.seabuckwonders.com/pages/faq may have answers to any questions they might have. Otherwise customers can feel free to contact our customer service at cs@seabuckwonders.com!

Our #1 product, Omega-7 Complete, is an amazing organic supplement that is easy to add to your daily routine. The dropper bottles (seed oil and berry oil) can conveniently be used topically and ingested orally, so you can use them in recipes as well as directly on your skin! Our all natural Enhydro oil serums are based on sea buckthorn oil but also provide many benefits depending on your skin type at an affordable price. Lastly, our facial cleanser, facial cream, and body lotion provide high-end quality at an affordable price. Check out our bundles https://www.seabuckwonders.com/collections/health-beauty-kits and save!

(Updated in February 2023 to reflect the latest research on sea buckthorn oil for heart health.) 

Heart Health in the US

Heart disease has been the leading health issue in the United States of for years. To prevent heart disease, keep up with your heart health and know your cholesterol levels.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Eating a diet high in saturated fats leads to higher amounts of bad cholesterol or LDL. Bad cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which can lead to stroke and heart disease.

Being diabetic, overweight, or not physically active can cause heart disease development. Preventing heart disease, for some, can be as easy as improving your diet and working out. The older you get, the more important it becomes to keep track of your cholesterol levels. It's important to recognize that the signs of heart disease differ between men and women.

Common Heart Health Warning Signs

We’ve all seen representation of heart attacks on television and movies. They’re dramatic events with people clutching their chests and falling to the floor. However, most people would be surprised to learn that the warning signs of heart disease can be much more subtle. The warning signs vary greatly for men and women too. Knowing the warning signs can save your life or the life of someone you love.

Women’s Heart Troubles Fly Under the Radar

While some women do get the traditional chest pain about half have other signs. In fact, many women do not even know they are suffering from heart attack.

“Women are more likely than men to report back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea (feeling sick to the stomach), vomiting, extreme fatigue (tiredness), or problems breathing.”

Common Heart Health Warning Signs for Women

Women who experience heart disease sometimes have no warning signs. Having no warning signs can make heart diseases more dangerous. Coronary heart disease (CHD) in women can be especially hard to detect.

Some women may not be diagnosed until they have warning signs of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. For women who do have warning signs they often feel a sharp burning pain in their chest. More likely though, women often have pain in the neck, jaw, throat, back, or abdominal area.

Common Heart Health Warning Signs for Men

CHD in men is often described as a tightness or squeezing in the chest. The pain may often extend down the arms, these warning signs usually go away with rest. There is often a feeling of pain in the chest and left arm along with cold sweats.

Understanding Cholesterol-HDL and LDL

Another important factor in determining heart health is cholesterol. High levels of good cholesterol can be beneficial. Good cholesterol helps flush out the bad cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup.

Plant-Based Omegas

Omega fatty acids are important for the human body’s health and function. Since the 1990’s, consumers have been led to believe that fish oil is the only supplement that can support health with omegas fatty acids. However, the truth is that fatty acids from plant sources may offer even more support for heart health than their animal-based counterparts, which we will go into later in this post.

Latest Research on Plant-Based Omegas for Heart Health

Can Sea Buckthorn Oil Support Heart Health?

Both sea buckthorn seed and berry oil contain a multitude of fatty acids and other bioactive nutrients which in recent years have been the focus of research on heart health.

2022 Meta-Analysis on Sea Buckthorn oil and Cholesterol

One of the latest discoveries on sea buckthorn oil’s heart health benefits shows positive results for supplementation of sea buckthorn oil. According to the research, supplementation with sea buckthorn oil could make a drastic reduction in heart disease by improving cholesterol and healthy blood lipid levels. (1)

The biggest positive changes were observed in study participants with existing cardiovascular risks. Those with cardiovascular challenges saw benefits like increased HDL or good cholesterol, and significantly decreased bad cholesterol. Another interesting benefit was that these participants even saw decreased levels of triglycerides, which can contribute to the thickening of arteries.

The Importance of Flavonoids for Heart Health

Researchers noted that some of the positive heart health benefits could be due to the other bioactive compounds found in sea buckthorn oil along with omega fatty acids. Sea buckthorn oils are rich in flavonoids and β-sitosterol (beta-sitosterol) along a host of other compounds. All the bioactive nutrients in combination with the omega fatty acids found in sea buckthorn are one of the reasons plant-based oils have an advantage against their animal-based counterparts.

The Takeaway from the Meta-Analysis Review on Sea Buckthorn for Heart Health

People have been using sea buckthorn oils for centuries to support their overall health and wellness- including their heart health. This research helps back sea buckthorn oil as a healthy option to support heart health.

Plant-Based Omega 3 for Heart Support

Omega 3 has been one of the best-known fatty acids in the past few decades- specifically for its role in heart health. Plant-based omega 3 or ALA has shown cardio-protective effects include reduction of blood pressure, anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of plaque hardening, and positive blood lipid support. (6)

Previously, fish-based omega 3 was touted as the best and only source for heart health supplements. However, years of new research surrounding plant-based omega 3 have revealed many science-backed heart health benefits. In fact, the European Commission asked the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (EFSA) to investigate the claimed effects on blood cholesterol from ALA omega 3. The Panel found and published a science-backed opinion in favor of ALA’s ability to help maintain normal cholesterol levels. (7)

“On the basis of the data available, the Panel concludes that cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of ALA and the reduction of blood cholesterol concentrations.”

Omega 7 and Cholesterol Levels

In more than one animal-based study, omega 7 has helped reduce cholesterol levels, reduce atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), decrease in triglycerides, and the support of heart healthy enzyme activity. While these findings are positive, researchers do not yet have a complete picture of omega 7’s specific heart health benefits for humans. Initial research does imply that omega 7 on its own is worth further research in this area. It’s thought that omega 7 could also play a role in heart health due to its anti-inflammatory and blood sugar stabilizing qualities. Learn more about the many benefits of Omega 7 here.

Omega 6

Omega 6 tends to have a bad reputation because it’s often associated with fast food or processed food. However, this omega fatty acid is prevalent in many plant-based sources and does more for the body than the average person may know. In fact, omega 6 (also known as linoleic acid) can be positive for heart health and may even help protect from the effects of heart disease. Stop by this post to learn more about the latest research on omega 6.

The Takeaway from Omega Fatty Acids Found in Sea Buckhthorn Oil for Heart Health

Of all the fatty acids, plant- based omega 3 (ALA) seems to be the best supported for heart health benefits. As a whole, the omega fatty acids and other bioactive compounds from sea buckthorn oils have many science-backed benefits for heart health (and other areas of health).

Free and Easy Heart Health Tips

Working to keep your heart healthy is a lifelong process. We often think of heart disease as an issue that affects older people, but it’s never too soon to focus on heart health.

Healthy Heart Diet Tips

Limit the amount of meat you eat while increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Meats contain a lot of saturated fats on their own. When they are cooked more saturated fats are often added.

Saturated Fat and Meat

Saturated fat is the enemy of good cholesterol. The ideal solution is to eat leaner meats if not eliminating them all together. In recipes that call for meat replace the meat with eggplant or portobello mushroom. Many fruit and vegetables have properties that lower bad cholesterol. Apples, strawberries, and citrus fruits all contain pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber that lowers bad cholesterol.

Dairy Products and Saturated fat

Lower the amount of fats you consume by dairy products that are low or non-fat. Whole milk contains a lot of saturated fat that can be avoided with consuming reduced fat milk. For a normal 2,000 a day calorie diet, one cup of whole milk can surpass the daily allowance of saturated fat. Avoiding saturated fats will decrease your need to worry about obtaining heart disease. That’s not all though, living a healthier lifestyle also means exercising.

Exercise

30 Minutes of Aerobic Exercise

You don't need to be a marathon runner to do aerobic exercise! 30 minutes of brisk walking per day can do the trick. Don't feel like leaving the house? Put on your favorite dance music and dance- you can even do it while you're cleaning the house. Pump up the jams and get your heart pumping to the beat!

Resistance Training/ Strength Exercises

All you need is two days a week to help your body make more good cholesterol. Don't worry- you don't need to buy anything to get started. Using free online resources like Youtube, you can find thousands of body weight only workouts. Simple at home workouts can make a huge difference when it comes to your health. Combined with your aerobic efforts, strength exercise can help raise good cholesterol and help lower bad cholesterol.

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

Improving your heart health may seem like a daunting task, but even small changes can make a big difference. You’ve already made a huge step forward by educating yourself on this important topic- good for you! Small changes to your diet and incorporating a small amount of body movement each week will help transform your health.

References

1. Guo, X., Yang, B., Cai, W., & Li, D. (2017). Effect of sea buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides L.) on Blood Lipid Profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis from 11 independent randomized controlled trials.Trends in Food Science & Technology, 61, 1-10. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2016.11.007
2. Solà Marsiñach, M., & Cuenca, A. P. (2019). The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health.Lipids in Health and Disease, 18(1). doi:10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9
3. Matthan, Nirupa R, A Dillard, JL Lecker, B Ip, and AH Lichtenstein. “Effects of dietary palmitoleic acid plasma lipoprotein profile and aortic cholesterol accumulation are similar to those of other unsaturated fatty acids”, The American Journal of Nutrition. The American Institute of Nutrition, 2009. [http://jn.nutrition.org/content/139/2/215.full]
4. Yang, Z., Pryor, M., Noguchi, A., Sampson, M., Johnson, B., Pryor, M., Remaley, A. T. (2019). Dietary palmitoleic acid attenuates atherosclerosis progression and hyperlipidemia in low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient mice.Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 63(12), 1900120. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201900120
5. Budijanto S. Effect of various cholesterol dietary fatty acid ethyl esters on plasma and lipoprotein metabolism in rats. J Clin biocuemistry Nutr. 1992;13:13–22.
6. Rajaram S. Health benefits of plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(suppl)1):443–8.
7. Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to alpha linolenic acid and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations (ID 493) and maintenance of normal blood pressure (ID 625) pursuant to Article 13(1) of regulation (EC) no 1924/2006. (2009).EFSA Journal, 7(10), 1252. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1252

(Updated in February 2023 to reflect the latest research on omega 6 fatty acids)

Is Omega 6 Healthy or Should I Avoid it?

Each year, more studies come out that deepen our understanding of omega fatty acids and sea buckthorn oil. The mainstream understanding of fatty acids is constantly changing and what becomes popular belief is not always the truth. Today we are going to focus on omega 6- probably one of the most misunderstood fatty acids.

Myth- Omega 6 Should be Avoided

For many years the health benefits of Omega 6 faced scrutiny, but did it deserve the skepticism? One reason for the concern regarding omega 6 is that it’s commonly found in highly processed foods. Americans have a higher chance of eating processed foods, and the trouble with fatty acids comes into play when our diet is off-balance. While it’s true that eating a diet of processed foods can mean an unbalanced amount of omega 6, there’s more to the story when it comes to this fatty acid.

What is Omega 6 and its Role in Human Health?

Omega 6 plays a part in everything from skin, hair, and bone health to metabolism. There are a variety of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) found in nature. The type of omega 6 that you’re most likely to get from a dietary source is an 18-carbon fatty acid containing two double bonds, known as linoleic acid (LA). The human body doesn’t make its own LA, but as we have mentioned, it’s abundant in different food sources. After you eat LA, the body uses a process called desaturation to convert it into other forms of omega 6, like arachidonic acid or γ-linolenic acid.

Plant-Based Sources of Omega 6 and other Fatty Acids

Plant-based omega 6 like that found in sea buckthorn oil is only one part of a rich bounty of bioactive compounds that can support heart health. In short, plant based fatty acids often provide additional heart health benefits. Sea buckthorn oil has a ratio of nearly 1:1 omega 3 and 6- the perfect balance for humans.

American Heart Association’s Science Advisory on Dietary Omega 6

Previously, it was advised to reduce the amount of dietary omega 6 to help balance the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3. The American Heart Association put together a team of independent researchers hoping to better understand the relationship between omega 6 fatty acids and the risk of cardiovascular disease, along with congenital heart defects. After two years, the advisory panel found eating omega 6 fatty acids were “not only safe but also beneficial for the heart and circulation”. (1) Despite the fact that this science advisory, backed by the American Heart Association, was published back in 2009, the misinformation about omega 6 fatty acids persists to this day.

Can Omega 6 cause Inflammation?

Remember how we mentioned that LA omega 6 can be converted to other versions of omega 6 in the body earlier in the post? The omega 6 fatty acid called arachidonic acid (AA) is related to the creation of certain proinflammatory molecules. Therefore, the assumption was that reducing the amount of dietary LA would lead to lower levels of AA, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

Research shows that the fatty acid has even more health benefits than previously thought. The notion that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid raises disease risk by promoting inflammation ignores the fact that omega-6 fatty acids also promote anti-inflammatory compounds.

2019 Study on Omega 6, Cardiovascular Disease, and Mortality

Another review from the American Heart Association looked at the connection between tissue levels of LA omega 6, AA omega 6, and their relation to heart disease. According to the findings, “higher levels of LA were significantly asscociated with lower risks of CVD, cardiovascular mortality, and ischemic stroke.”(2) Overall, the results once again showed that LA played a positive role when it came to cardiovascular disease prevention.

Omega 6 in Sea Buckthorn Oil

LA omega 6 is a major component of sea buckthorn seed oil but is also found in sea buckthorn berry oil. Interestingly, sea buckthorn oil is the only found in nature that contains a perfect 1:1 ratio of omega 3 to omega 6.

Animal Study on Omega 6 from Sea Buckthorn and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is when a buildup of cholesterol other, waxy, fatty substances build up within the artery walls in the heart. An animal study treated rabbits with atherosclerosis with 1 ml of sea buckthorn seed oil. The study revealed that the rabbits that were given sea buckthorn showed a drastically reduced amount of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol. Researchers thought that the results were primarily due to LA omega 6.

Omega 6 from Sea Buckthorn and Metabolic Profiles in Overweight Women

A human based study looking at the effect of sea buckthorn and the health of overweight women reflected similar data to the rabbit study in terms of the lowering of LDL cholesterol.

However, the researchers here suggested that these benefits were not only due to the LA omega 6 from sea buckthorn oil, but also because of the natural combination of ALA omega 3, the omega 7 or palmitoleic acid and plant sterols found in sea buckthorn oil.

γ-Linolenic Acid’s (GLA) Heart Health Benefits

As we mentioned earlier, LA omega 6 can be changed into other kinds of omega 6 with the body after being eaten. γ-Linolenic acid also known as GLA has been shown to have many benefits for the body including the prevention of heart disease (5) and improving blood circulation. It’s also thought that GLA’s anti-inflammatory properties could have heart health benefits.

Research Shows that Omega 6 Heart Health Benefits

When it comes to science behind fatty acids and the other nutrients found in our food, our understanding grows every year as new studies come out. Avoiding highly processed foods is a good way to support your heart health, along with easy weekly exercise to get your heart pumping. The research from trusted sources like the American Heart Association and other researchers seems to show again and again that omega 6 fatty acids do have heart health benefits. According to the latest research, super-food sources like sea buckthorn oil can help provide heart healthy benefits from omega 6, along with other omegas and bioactive nutrients.

References:

1. Harris, W. S., Mozaffarian, D., Rimm, E., Kris-Etherton, P., Rudel, L. L., Appel, L. J., Engler, M. M., Engler, M. B., & Sacks, F. (2009). Omega-6 fatty acids and risk for cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association Nutrition Subcommittee of the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Circulation, 119(6), 902–907. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.191627
2. Marklund, M., Wu, J. H. Y., Imamura, F., Del Gobbo, L. C., Fretts, A., de Goede, J., Shi, P., Tintle, N., Wennberg, M., Aslibekyan, S., Chen, T. A., de Oliveira Otto, M. C., Hirakawa, Y., Eriksen, H. H., Kröger, J., Laguzzi, F., Lankinen, M., Murphy, R. A., Prem, K., Samieri, C., … Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Fatty Acids and Outcomes Research Consortium (FORCE) (2019). Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.Circulation, 139(21), 2422–2436. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038908
3. Basu M, Prasad R, Jayamurthy P, Pal K, Arumughan C, Sawhney RC. Anti-atherogenic effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophaea rhamnoides) seed oil. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(11):770–7.
4. Larmo PS, Kangas AJ, Soininen P, Lehtonen HM, Suomela JP, Yang B, et al. Effects of sea buckthorn and bilberry on serum metabolites differ according to baseline metabolic profiles in overweight women: a randomized crossover trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013;98(4):941–51.
5. Knowles J, Watkinson C. Extraction of omega-6 fatty acids from speciality seeds. Lipid Technol. 2014;26(5):107–10.
6. Johnson, Melissa and Chastity Bradford. “Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids: Implications for Cardiovascular and Other Diseases.” Glycomics & Lipidomics, 2014,omicsonline.org/open-access/omega-omega-and-omega-fatty-acids-implications-for-cardiovascular-and-other-diseases-2153-0637.1000123.pdf.

It’s no surprise that some of the best sources for antioxidants in the natural world are from plants. Plants rich with complex nutrients, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polyphenols tend to have the highest levels of antioxidants and SOD.

Dietary SOD from Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is one of the most nutritious plants in the world and it’s also one of the greatest natural sources of dietary SOD. Researchers believe the antioxidant action found in sea buckthorn (plants in the hippophae family) is closely related to its polyphenol content. We will dive deeper into sea buckthorn’s antioxidant benefits and actions later in this post. First, we will break down what SOD is and how it works in the body.

Back to Basics- Oxidation, Free Radicals, and Antioxidants

“Antioxidants” have become such a buzzword in the past few decades that the average person might not understand what the termreally means. We’ve all heard that “antioxidants are good because they can stop free radicals in the body”. To understand what SOD is and what makes it special, it’s important to understand the process of oxidation as it relates to our cells. 

Electrons

Our bodies contain an entire universe of cells and the complex functions that take place inside them are what make our bodies work. Electrons are one of the tiny building blocks that make up atoms along with neutrons, protons, and electrons. 

 These particles are even smaller than the cells that make our bodies work, and electrons are one of the main ways that our cells create energy. In short, the chemical reactions from electrons are crucial to the function of our cells.

As you may remember from biology, electrons are found on the outside structure of an atom. Electrons have a negative charge and their arrangement or shape along the outer edge of atoms depends on the substance.

Oxidation + Free Radicals

Free radicals contain oxygen and an uneven number of electrons. Free radicals travel around, bumping into other molecules to find a match for its missing electron. Think of electrons as magnets they naturally attract other electrons. 

When a free radical takes an electron away, the once stable molecule is now in an oxidation process and becomes a free radical.

Oxidation occurs when electrons transfer to another molecule. Free radicals are considered highly reactive because of the way they tear through the body looking for electrons. They are highly reactive to oxygen.

Oxidation is a Natural Part of Metabolism

While we tend to think of oxidation as a negative process, the reality is that some oxidative reactions are the key to some of our cell’s most important processes.

Oxidation reactions are a way that our bodies break down fuel to make our cells work. Our bodies oxidize glucose with the air we breathe which in turn creates energy and releasing carbon dioxide in a process called cellular respiration.

Oxidation is a normal process and is a result of metabolism in our bodies.

When is Oxidation Bad?

Sometimes, oxidation of the cells in the body occurs at a rate higher than normal than needed for our biological processes. When the level of oxidation reaches unhealthy levels, it’s called oxidative stress. It’s believed that oxidative stress can lead to health problems or even chronic diseases.

Antioxidants 

Antioxidants come in many forms including dietary sources. What they do is right in their name- they fight oxidants in the body’s cells. You are already familiar with some of the better-known dietary antioxidants like Vitamins E, C, or A. Polyphenols are another important group of antioxidants that do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to plant based sources of antioxidant support.

Superoxide-Dismutase

Now we have a basic understanding of what we mean when we say “antioxidants, free radicals, or oxidation”. So, what is superoxide-dismutase and what does it do? A good way to understand SOD is to break down its name into two parts. Why? Because much like the word antioxidant, what it does is right in the name.

What is “Superoxide”

Superoxide is produced in the cells of the body and is the byproduct of other metabolic processes. The mitochondrion of the cell produces superoxide when electrons leak out of the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It’s a free radical compound which contains a superoxide ion. Superoxide is thought to be one of the most major factors when it comes to oxidant toxicity. Some researchers now believe that superoxide produced in the body is the key free-radical related to aging and oxidation related diseases.

What is “Dismutase”

Any of various enzymes that catalyze the reaction of two identical molecules to produce two molecules in different states of oxidation or phosphorylation. Without dismutase, superoxide radicals would build up and shut down the function of cells in the body. Mitochondrial SOD is a crucial defense against superoxide.

SOD- the Cell’s Insurance Policy

The cells in our bodies contain superoxide dismutase in a few different forms -called isoforms. They’re distributed in the different parts of the cells, in the nucleus, within the mitochondria, and in the cytoplasm of the cell. SOD that comes from the mitochondria is called mitochondrial MnSOD enzyme. Cellular SOD is so crucial to human health that the lack of certain types can be fatal to those born without it.

Dietary Antioxidants

If our bodies produce SOD, why should we take it as a dietary supplement?

When it comes to the science, researchers now believe that SOD has therapeutic potential, especially for complex and chronic health issues like cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or insulin intolerance. As we learned earlier, many chronic illnesses are related to higher-than-normal levels of oxidation in the body among many other complex factors. Scientists are just beginning to understand the potential for using SOD therapies for dealing with chronic health issues.

Who Might Benefit from SOD Supplementation? 

In general, as we age our bodies begin to slow down and as we learned earlier, as we age superoxide levels rise in the body. Anyone looking to support their health as they age may want to consider SOD as a dietary supplement to help naturally support the body’s antioxidant systems.

Sea Buckthorn as a Source for SOD

When it comes to any dietary supplement need, finding a source that is naturally complex in nutrition is always the best option over isolated compounds. Why? Well, in the case of sea buckthorn oil supplements you’ll find an extraordinary array of antioxidants like SOD, polyphenols, along with rare fatty acids such as Omega 7 which is found in sea buckthorn berry oil.

Sea buckthorn is a rare super-fruit from the Himalayan region that has evolved to have an impressive amount of nutrition due to the harsh climate it comes from. When it comes to food grade sea buckthorn oils, most of the natural compounds remain even after processing. The result is a “whole” supplement oil that provides fatty acids and antioxidants that work together to help support your health naturally.

Sea Buckthorn’s Full Antioxidant System Provides Positive Effects

While sea buckthorn oil contains dietary SOD, it seems that the other important antioxidant compounds, like polyphenols found in the plant, also play a major role in increasing the natural antioxidant enzyme response of the body. In short, while it does seem to be helpful to consume dietary sources of SOD, the studies seem to show that the overall nutritional package of sea buckthorn plays the biggest role in activating the body’s antioxidant response.

Science Backed Benefits of SOD from Sea Buckthorn

We know that researchers have taken an interest in better understanding SOD and possible therapies using the power of SOD in general. However, we are most interested in the benefits of SOD from sea buckthorn products and sea buckthorn oil specifically. The good news is that many new studies have focused on sea buckthorn oil’s SOD content and its potential benefits. Here are some of the main benefits.

Powerful Antioxidant Activity

Anti-Aging Benefits

Protective Properties for the Liver

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil’s Rich Antioxidant Activity

One study looked at sea buckthorn seed oil and tried to observe how cells responded to oxidative toxicity when treated with sea buckthorn seed oil. Sea buckthorn seed oil is often overlooked because it has little to no of the famous fatty acid omega 7. However, this bright yellow oil has impressive amounts of antioxidants and plant-based omega 3 fatty acids.

Researchers noticed that sea buckthorn seed oil increased the antioxidant activities of SOD enzymes and others such as glutathione peroxidase. This research shows that sea buckthorn seed oil should not be looked over as a rich natural antioxidant.

Anti-Aging Effect of SOD from Sea Buckthorn Oil

Researchers interested in the potential antiaging benefits of sea buckthorn oil at the gene level. Once again, researchers focused on sea buckthorn seed oil for their study. By monitoring antioxidant enzyme activity and related gene expression, they were able to study the amount of oxidative stress and thus the anti-aging mechanism of sea buckthorn oil.

Sea buckthorn seed oil significantly reduced oxidative stress and most importantly, showed a marked increase in activity of SOD and other antioxidant enzymes. They were able to show that sea buckthorn seed extract improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes resulting in an anti-aging effect.

Liver Oxidative Damage Protective Effect of SOD from Sea Buckthorn Leaves

This study differs from the other because it used an extraction from the leaves of a sea buckthorn plant. Many of the same phenol rich compounds exist throughout the plant in different levels. Researchers were interested in the possible benefits of the phenolic compounds of sea buckthorn leaves to oxidative stress on liver cells.

As in the other studies, researchers observed that the antioxidant enzyme activity was greatly increased in subjects treated with the sea buckthorn compound. The results showed that along with boosting strong antioxidant activity, the sea buckthorn compound prevented oxidative damage and protected liver cells.

SOD from Sea Buckthorn for Supreme Antioxidant Support

As we have learned, sea buckthorn oil is an excellent source of and booster of SOD enzyme action. With many potential health benefits, plants rich with complex antioxidants like sea buckthorn are proving to be some of the top sources for increased antioxidant activity in the human body. The best part is that almost everyone can enjoy the rich health benefits of sea buckthorn oil with many different options for supplementation and skincare. SOD is a crucial part of keeping our body’s function going strong as we age.

References

Hsu, Y. W., Tsai, C. F., Chen, W. K., & Lu, F. J. (2009). Protective effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed oil against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 47(9), 2281–2288. 

Ji M, Gong X, Li X, Wang C, Li M. Advanced Research on the Antioxidant Activity and Mechanism of Polyphenols from HippophaeSpecies—A Review. Molecules. 2020; 25(4):917.

Hou, Z., Zhao, L., Wang, Y., & Liao, X. (2019). Purification and Characterization of Superoxide Dismutases from Sea Buckthorn and Chestnut Rose. Journal of food science, 84(4), 746–753. 

Indo, H. P., Yen, H. C., Nakanishi, I., Matsumoto, K., Tamura, M., Nagano, Y., Matsui, H., Gusev, O., Cornette, R., Okuda, T., Minamiyama, Y., Ichikawa, H., Suenaga, S., Oki, M., Sato, T., Ozawa, T., Clair, D. K., & Majima, H. J. (2015). A mitochondrial superoxide theory for oxidative stress diseases and aging. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 56(1), 1–7.

Buettner G. R. (2011). Superoxide dismutase in redox biology: the roles of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry, 11(4), 341–346.

Younus H. (2018). Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase. International journal of health sciences, 12(3), 88–93.

Chicago, IL – January 27, 2022 – There are many complex facial care systems in the marketplace that can confuse and leave consumers with more questions than answers. That’s why SeabuckWonders put together their very own simple and effective WonderCare system that provides their customers a streamlined routine to maximize the health and beauty of their skin. 

They even updated the packaging design of their personal care products (SeabuckWonders’ Exfoliating Facial, Cleanser, Facial Cream and Body Lotion) to mirror the look of their new SeabuckWonders Enhydro line of facial oil/serums. Now have an aesthetically cohesive looking set of topical skincare products that work together in the SeabuckWonders System. 

What hasn’t changed are the contents of these clean beauty products bursting with organic sea buckthorn nutrients. The SeabuckWonders Omega 7 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser cleans skin gently, yet effectively, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It gently exfoliates to remove dirt and impurities, while hydrating skin for a smooth, clear complexion. The Sea Buckthorn Omega 7 Facial Cream supports a healthy moisture balance deep within the skin. This hydrating, yet lightweight formula absorbs quickly and nurtures the skin for a soft, smooth complexion. Lastly, the Sea Buckthorn Omega 7 Body Lotion rejuvenates and replenishes the skin’s natural balance, softening and nourishing for silky, touchable skin.

Combining these products with the best suited Enhydro Facial Oil Serum in the proper order, provides consumers with a simple yet powerful skincare regimen designed to amplify results.  “The WonderCare System makes it easy for our customers, men and women, to gain the most value from our all natural sea buckthorn health and beauty products. Whether you are seeking solutions for sensitive skin, anti-aging, healthy clean skin or merely enhancing your skin’s natural glow, this system provides the right formula for your individual needs,” explains Maggie Qiu, Marketing Director.

How the SeabuckWonders WonderCare System Works

Step 1:  Start with Sea Buckthorn Omega 7 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. Natural jojoba esters exfoliate to revive dull skin without roughness, boosting blood circulation for a fresh complexion. This deep cleanse washes away daily impurities and dead cells.

Step 2:  Choose the Enhydro Facial Oil Serum best suited for you. Enhdyro Glow is the perfect light-weight, daily serum for any skin type. Endydro Calm is perfect for sensitive and irritable skin types. Enhydro Revive is perfect for mature skin and skin showing signs of aging and is best for normal to dry skin types.

Step 3:  Lock in the moisture with Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream. This nourishing cream supports skin health and is the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of sea buckthorn oil for your skin every day.

Step 4:  Lastly, slather your whole body in the award-winning Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion that rejuvenates and replenishes the skin’s natural balance, softening and nour­ishing for silky, touchable skin.

About SeabuckWonders

SeabuckWonders was the first company to introduce sea buckthorn oil to United States consumers, providing only Himalayan, USDA Certified Organic Sea Buckthorn oil for over 20 years. Consumers can depend on the highest quality sea buckthorn oils when choosing SeabuckWonders.
​
The SeabuckWonders Difference 

What separates their products from other brands? SeabuckWonders oversees every step of production from berries grown on our organic farm to the finished product. This commitment to quality allows SeabuckWonders to offer the purest sea buckthorn oils in the market with the highest levels of Omega 7.

Featured on:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/seabuckwonders-wondercare-skin-care-system-222000482.html

https://www.morningstar.com/news/globe-newswire/8469164/seabuckwonders-wondercare-skin-care-system-provides-new-path-to-healthy-beautiful-skin 

https://smb.thecharlottegazette.com/article/SeabuckWonders-WonderCare-Skin-Care-System-Provides-New-Path-to-Healthy-Beautiful-Skin?storyId=61fc55dced0e139b417ac233

You can find them at select retailers or online at:  http://www.seabuckwonders.com/products/

But where does squalane come from and what are the best sources for it? Why do some products contain squalenewhile others contain squalane? We dive into the science behind this skin rejuvenating molecule so you can be an expert too!

What is Squalane

To get squalane, we must begin with squalene. Squalene is a hydrocarbon (an organic compound made up of only hydrogen and carbon molecules). It’s found in fish oils and plant oils. Human skin sebum contains around 13% squalene. Squalane is a saturated derivative of squalene and found in these sources.

Squalane vs Squalene

It’s more likely that you’ve heard the term squalene more than squalane.

However, understanding what makes the two compounds different (and the same) is important. Both squalene and squalane are used as highly effective natural emollients and antioxidants in skin care products.

Squalane is a squalene derivative. Squalane is a saturated form of squalene in which double bonds have been removed.

It’s much lighter (and therefore better for acne-prone skin) and has a longer shelf life than squalene. That’s because it doesn’t oxidize when exposed to air, making it the better choice for everyday skincare products.

Squalene must go through a hydrogenation process to be converted to squalane, otherwise it will oxidize. Squalane will have a softer, thinner, and gentler feel on the skin compared to squalene which gives it a better experience in skincare along with a longer shelf life.

Squalane is Better for Everyday Skincare

Hearing that an ingredient is a derivative might make it sound inferior or less natural. However, there are many ingredients which perform much better and can even be safer in a derivative form or even synthetic form. 

Even though squalane is a derivative of squalene, it’s proven to be a superior ingredient. Not just for its feel and touch, but also for its ability to stay fresh in your products longer.

When we compare the benefits of squalane vs squalene, squalane has more benefits overall when it comes to everyday use.

Squalane Benefits for Skin

Squalane is sought after for these top benefits:

Soothing for Sensitive Skin

Balances Chronic Skin Issues

Age Defying

Moisturizing

Balances Oils

Nourishes Cells

Rejuvenates Cell Health

Smoothing Textured Skin

Natural Balance from Squalane 

Squalane is the ingredient you need if smooth and softer skin is your main goal. It’s often used in skin care products because it is a great moisturizer - the sebum is naturally about 12% natural squalene in your skin.

This makes it a compatible ingredient for almost every skin-type and explains its popularity in many different types of skin care products. Natural squalene production in skin peaks during the teen years and the production slows down between the ages of 20 and 30 for most people.

Preserving Youth and Hydrating the Skin

Using products with squalane can be helpful when it comes to keep the skin looking youthful and feeling healthy. It’s an essential ingredient for providing hydration and elasticity to our skin since it mimics our natural sebum. 

Our skin absorbs squalane into its deepest layers quickly and without leaving behind a residue. This emollient action restores suppleness and skin flexibility while also helping to seal in moisture.

Because of its rich moisturizing properties, squalane is used in everything from lip gloss to sunscreen. 

Soothing Benefits for Sensitive Skin

The part of the scientific community that focuses on skin physiology has used squalane to explore new treatments for skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

SeabuckWonders uses olive oil based squalane in our Enhydro Calm Oil Serum. The blend was created with sensitive skin types in mind, so we knew that plant-based squalane would be the natural choice for this product.

The way squalane mimics the natural lipids in our skin makes it safe and soothing for nearly all skin-types. It also helps by soothing inflammation and maintaining the skin barrier, hydrating even the driest skin.

Squalane also prevents the loss of water in the skin, making it the perfect choice for trapping moisture in the skin where it belongs.

Support for UV Stressed Skin

There is some evidence that squalane may fight free radicals in the skin caused by UV rays. Along with the soothing properties we just mentioned, squalane might be able to reduce the appearance of premature aging due to sun and UV exposure.

Along with using sunscreen daily to protect your skin all year round, adding skincare products with squalane and other skin building ingredients is a good idea. This will ensure that your skin stays healthy and protected.

Squalane Sources

The ingredient is at the core of many well-known luxury skincare products, but the ingredient itself has humble origins. 

Squalane products were made almost exclusively from shark liver for many years. In more recent years, the ingredient is more commonly made from plant-based sources, such as rice or olive oil.

Plant based sources of squalane generally have many other benefits on top of those from the ingredient on its own.

Who is Squalene Right For

It’s similarity to our skin’s natural lipids makes squalane the perfect companion for most skin-types.

Skin-types that can Benefit from Squalane: 

Sensitive

Acne Prone

Dry

Oil Imbalance

Aging Skin

Safe for All Skin-Types

How to Use Squalane

Squalane will generally be found in a serum or oil form. Layering your squalane serum or oil product before applying a heavier cream or lotion is recommended for most skin-types.

Enhydro Calm Serum with olive-based squalane should be used on clean skin. Cleanse first, gently dry the skin and add a few drops of oil to fingertips.

Massage into the face, neck, décolletage, allowing a few minutes for the serum to be absorbed into skin. For drier skin types, add a light layer of Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream to seal in moisture and protect the top layers of skin.

References: 

Kim, S. K., & Karadeniz, F. (2012). Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Advances in food and nutrition research, 65, 223–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00014-7

Huang, Z. R., Lin, Y. K., & Fang, J. Y. (2009). Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 14(1), 540–554. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules14010540

Looking at the latest research into sea buckthorn’s chemical makeup can help us better understand the myriad ways sea buckthorn supports our health.

Primary Metabolites

The best-known benefits of sea buckthorn oil come from its omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Things like minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids are considered primary compounds or metabolites. These are the crucial compounds that help plants go from seed to full grown organisms. 

Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites are compounds which do not contribute to the growth of a plant but produce selective advantage or help the plant simply survive better. These compounds are what make flowers beautiful and sea buckthorn berries vibrant orange.

We already know that sea buckthorn oil contains an impressive number of primary compounds. But researchers have learned that uncovering the secondary metabolites of the plant may be the key to understanding how one plant can have so many benefits to human health.

A Recent Study on Sea Buckthorn’s Nutritional Compounds 

A 2021 study focused on identifying phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and minerals from several species of sea buckthorn plant. They looked at the seeds, berries, leaves, branches, and other parts of the plants.

The researchers were hoping to get a more comprehensive understanding of sea buckthorn’s nutritional makeup- and not just in the berries or seeds. Why? According to the paper: 

“Nowadays, traditionally grown plants are the center of attention and the demand for their production is increasing, due to the strategy of inhibiting or delaying diseases using a natural diet.”

The traditional method of growing and harvesting sea buckthorn (the same way we harvest and grow our plants) requires a selection of fruit bearing branches to be removed from the tree. The berries and seeds are harvested, and in many cases the leaves are too.

Highly Nutritious Sea Buckthorn Plants and Their Potential

However, sea buckthorn plants are so rich with nutrients throughout the entire plant, including the bark, that those “throw away” parts are valued for their nutrition and used in different applications. As the paper mentions, the by-products from harvesting sea buckthorn branches or even the material left behind after processing berries for oil and juice may contain value for many other purposes.

“by-products can be used to) extract pigments, used as a natural food coloring, for the production of fodder, tea-type infusion, powders, nutraceuticals, antioxidant additives used to stabilize and fortify food, such as bread and other baked goods, as well as an unconventional source of bio-oil with a potential use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.”

Why They did the Research

There had not yet been a thorough look into the nutrients and secondary metabolites found in every part of sea buckthorn plants. Researchers were looking at the nutritional potential of the by-products of sea buckthorn farming and manufacturing.

The Findings of the 2021 Study

During this research, a total of 11 triterpenoids were identified. A few never previously observed triterpenoids were found, mostly in the berries in the tested groups. The leaves of the plants had significantly less triterpenoid content. So much so that there were five times more of the compound found in the berries versus the leaves.

“Skins and flesh are a valuable source of triterpenoids, unlike leaves, which in turn accumulate significant concentrations of minerals, and quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives.”

Triterpenoids in Sea Buckthorn Oil 

Some of the triterpenoids found in the research included Maslinic acid, Pomolic acid, Corosolic acid, Betulinic acid, Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Betulin. But what are triterpenoids, and why should you care about them?

Benefits of Triterpenoids

It’s common knowledge that a diet which includes vegetables and fruits reduces common health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Plant foods contain high levels of triterpenoids, a group of phytochemicals. Researchers are now beginning to understand the many health benefits and biological activities that they can offer.

 Studied Health Benefits of Triterpenoids: 

Anti-inflammatory

Antiulcer

Antibacterial

Antiviral

Hepatoprotective

Immunomodulatory

Hypolipidemic and Lower Cholesterol

Polyphenols 

Another important group of compounds found in sea buckthorn are polyphenols. While you may not be familiar with the term, phenolic compounds are in all the fruits, veggies, and spices you eat.

There are over 8,000 known polyphenols and scientists discover more each year doing important chemical research on plants and herbs. Polyphenols can act as powerful antioxidants in the body, helping the body repair cells and cleanse the body on a cellular level.

You may see isolated polyphenol supplements like resveratrol on the shelf at the supplement store. However, you can get an amazing array of these compounds from everyday fruits, veggies, and superfoods like sea buckthorn.

Polyphenols found in Sea Buckthorn:

Kaempferol

Quercetin

Proanthocyanidins

Catechins

Phenolic Acid

Isorhamnetin

Why Polyphenols are Important

Healthy diets with rich sources of polyphenol might be key in avoiding chronic health issues later in life. Researchers have observed many health benefits in different studies using the polyphenols found in sea buckthorn.

Studied Health Benefits of Polyphenols from Sea Buckthorn:

Antioxidant Properties

Cardioprotective

Pancreatic Health

Blood Pressure Benefits

Healthy Blood Sugar Benefits

Gut Health

Multiple Benefits from One Plant Source

While science is just starting to understand the full potential of sea buckthorn to develop future therapies, this research helps us better understand why sea buckthorn oil has so many applications from beauty to health products. 

Triterpenoids and Polyphenols are just two classes of secondary metabolites that make sea buckthorn oil so healthy for the human body. The primary metabolites and secondary metabolites in sea buckthorn work together creating benefits for many areas of health.

References

Karolina Tkacz, Aneta Wojdyło, Igor Piotr Turkiewicz, Paulina Nowicka,

Triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, macro- and microelements in anatomical parts of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries, branches and leaves,

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, Volume 103, 2021, 104107, ISSN 0889-1575,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2021.104107. 

Szakiel, A., Pączkowski, C., Pensec, F., & Bertsch, C. (2012). Fruit cuticular waxes as a source of biologically active triterpenoids. Phytochemistry reviews: proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe, 11(2-3), 263–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-012-9241-9

Zadernowski, Ryszard & Naczk, M. & Czaplicki, Sylwester & Rubinskiene, Marina & Szałkiewicz, M.. (2005). Composition of phenolic acids in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesL.) berries. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 82. 175-179. 10.1007/s11746-005-5169-1.

Veronique, T., Muk Wing, Y., & Christian, D. (2021). Seabuckthorn Polyphenols: Characterization, Bioactivities and Associated Health Benefits. Phenolic Compounds. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.98706

If you don’t already know, sea buckthorn oil is an amazing way to support your health and beauty. With high levels of fatty acids and antioxidants, sea buckthorn oil can nourish the body in many ways. Its nutrition is the reason that it’s becoming one of the top choices for skincare and supplement brands.

Beyond its use as a cosmetics or skincare ingredient, many researchers have been interested in the science behind the super-fruit’s health supporting action. Many new studies each year help us better understand why the oil has been cherished by cultures throughout the world.

The Top Sea Buckthorn Oil Products for Anti-Aging

Skincare Products

Skincare products are the most popular way to reap the benefits of sea buckthorn oil. Sea buckthorn oil contains many of the same fatty acids that our skin is made from. That means it can help rebuild and nourish skin. Sea buckthorn offers benefits for every skin type, which you can read more about in this article.

Supplements

A lesser-known way to keep your skin, hair, and nails looking healthy is with sea buckthorn oil supplements. For everyday health or problems like chronic dryness, sea buckthorn oil blend supplements that contain both seed and berry oils are an excellent choice. In addition to boosting your health, sea buckthorn oil supplements can keep you looking young.

Health is Youth

Our society tends to focus on external beauty, but our health can be an even greater indication of youth.

Sea buckthorn oil supplements can support the health of the heart, liver, digestive system and many other areas because of its complex fatty acid and antioxidant content. 

Some conditions worsen as we age, and many of us struggle with issues like dry eyes or dry mouth. Our bodies begin to slow down as we age, so focusing on nutrition is important. Antioxidants and lipids can revive the natural processes of our cells to prevent cell death and free radicals in the body.

The health and wellness of our bodies is an important factor when it comes to "anti-aging", in addition to our skin and outer appearance.

How Long to Take Sea Buckthorn Oil Before seeing benefits?

When using sea buckthorn oil topically, most people see immediate results. You can choose an oil serum, which will go deep within the layers of your skin, or a lotion which will help nourish and protect the surface of your skin or a combination of both.

If you decide to use sea buckthorn oil topically, you’ll see an instant quenching of dry skin and a healthy glow. Very dry or previously untreated aging skin will need more applications.

4 Weeks or More with Supplements

When taking sea buckthorn supplements, it can take about 4 weeks of daily supplementation or more to see results. While this approach takes longer, the results take place on cellular level and slowly make their way to the surface. Many customers love the way sea buckthorn oil supplements have nourished their hair and skin over time and choose to keep on using it for its beauty benefits.  

Sea buckthorn oil provides nourishment to the body and even supports the function of the cells. The process may take a while, but it’s worth it!

Some of the Recent Research on Anti-Aging Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil has become a topic of interest for researchers in many different areas encompassing chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and traditional medical researchers.

Some are looking to understand how sea buckthorn oil works on a chemical level, and others are hoping to better understand how the ingredient might be used to create future therapies in many different areas of human health.

Anyone who uses sea buckthorn products can see the difference for themselves, but we love to learn all the amazing ways that the plant oil’s bioactive nutrients can support the human body.

More Human Studies than Ever Before

In recent years, there have been many areas of research using human tissue, cells, or human participants. This is exciting because the original research was on animal models. While animal models can be helpful for understanding, they can create abstract results when it comes to applying them to possible health benefits for humans.

All the research we talk about in this article focuses on human participants or using human tissues in some capacity. This means that we can have a much clearer understanding of what the actual benefits could be.

Heart Health

A review of all the recent studies of sea buckthorn oil for heart health revealed many benefits. With its bioactive components like phytosterols, flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, sea buckthorn oil has shown its potential for cardioprotective activity.

Aging Skin

One study looked at supercritical CO2 extracted sea buckthorn oil and its effect on aging female patient’s skin. The researchers used a topical treatment of seed oil only for one group of subjects while the other group took a sea buckthorn seed oil capsule.

The areas the researchers looked at included skin brightness (glow), skin hydration, elasticity, texture (roughness of the surface of skin) the cutaneous thickness of skin. Using non-invasive instruments, they measured the participants skin, before during and after the trial.

Women aged between 50 and 70 years were chosen to participate, and the study had them use  sea buckthorn products for a period of three months.

Both groups of women had significant improvements in the elasticity of the skin, along with the decrease of dryness (hydration) in their skin. 

The oral supplement group showed a decrease in the roughness of skin, implying that oral supplementation could be a good solution for fighting wrinkles.

The group who used the topical treatment showed an increase in cutaneous thickness. This led researchers to believe that patients were getting benefits to the actual structure of the skin itself and possible improvement in collagen synthesis. It was the first study to show the benefits of the oil for skin when used as an oral supplement.

The study helped to back up the reported health and wellness benefits of sea buckthorn oil with quantifiable data.

Beauty and Health Supporting Nutrients 

Other research looking at the chemical composition of sea buckthorn shows an amazing array of age-fighting bioactive nutrients and helpful compounds.

Lipids and EFAS

Linoleic acid (also known as omega 6) is one of the building blocks of the ceramides in human skin. Ceramides make up the protective lipid structure of our skin and are crucial for skin health.

Alpha-linolenic acid (which is the plant-based version of omega 3) found in sea buckthorn oil also plays an important role in the health of skin and many other areas of health in the body.  

Together, omega 3 and omega 6 from sea buckthorn oil have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation, reducing visible aging of the skin like uneven tones and age spots.

Y-Tocopherol and other Important Antioxidants in Sea Buckthorn Oil 

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that can be found in sea buckthorn oil. Also known as tocopherols, this group of antioxidants is particularly important for cell membrane health. Sea buckthorn oil is a source for the more common α-Tocopherol but also contains a harder to find class- Y-Tocopherol.

Even though most skincare products contain α-Tocopherol, Y-Tocopherol may be more beneficial for the health of skin. And when you combine the two classes, together, it’s a much more powerful antioxidant than isolated versions of vitamin E. These are just two of the many important compounds that fight aging in sea buckthorn oil.

Hair Health/ Hair Loss in Women

A study focusing on three main components- omega 6, omega 3, and antioxidants looked at their effect on hair density and diameter. The subjects of the study were 120 healthy women and it showed positive results for hair. After a 6-month period, the subjects saw an improvement in hair density and showed evidence for support against overall hair loss.

Sexual Health Women

One study focusing on women’s health showed that sea buckthorn oil supplementation improved many areas of vaginal health and dryness. Dryness in the body is often due to inflammation. Omega 7 (found in sea buckthorn berry oil) helped women reduce chronic vaginal dryness.

Another similar study showed that sea buckthorn oil’s bioactive nutrients supported the mucosal integrity of the vaginal epithelium (the moisture producing layer). Due to its effects, researchers believe that sea buckthorn oil supplementation could be a good option for vaginal atrophy for those who can’t or don’t want to use an estrogen treatment.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Helps Preserve Youth

This amazing plant-based oil is an easy choice for anyone hoping to keep their beauty and body radiant with youth at any stage of life.

References

Yang, B., Bonfigli, A., Pagani, V., Isohanni, T., Von-Knorring, A., Jutila, A., & Judin, V. (2009). EFFECTS OF ORAL SUPPLEMENTATION AND TOPICAL APPLICATION OF SUPERCRITICAL CO2 EXTRACTED SEA BUCKTHORN OIL ON SKIN AGEING OF FEMALE SUBJECTS. Journal of applied cosmetology, 27, 13-25. 

McCusker M, Grant-Kels J (2010) Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Clinics in Dermatology; 28: 440-451

Le Floc'h, C., Cheniti, A., Connétable, S., Piccardi, N., Vincenzi, C., & Tosti, A. (2015). Effect of a nutritional supplement on hair loss in women. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 14(1), 76–82.

Olas B. (2016). Sea buckthorn as a source of important bioactive compounds in cardiovascular diseases. Food and chemical toxicology: an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 97, 199–204. 

Erkkola, R., & Yang, B. (2003). Sea buckthorn oils: Towards healthy mucous membranes.

Who wouldn’t want those amazing benefits in their skincare products?

It’s easy to find retinol products over the counter, and the strongest kinds of retinol can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

What is Retinol Exactly?

To understand retinol, one must first understand vitamin A.

From an ingredient standpoint, vitamin A is found in plant sources. Some oils retain their vitamin A content even after processing. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which means it is absorbed along with fats when eaten.

Dietary vitamin A is stored in the liver and fatty tissues of the body.  

Retinoids are a class of compounds that encompass both natural forms of vitamin A and synthetic versions of retinol.

Vitamin A, Retinol, and Retinoids Classes or “Generations”

The best way to understand the ingredients you see on the bottle when it comes to retinol or it’s related ingredients, is to look at the 3 classification levels of the compounds.

Natural Retinoids

These are considered the first generation of retinoids, because they come from natural sources. This class contains Vitamin A (retinol) and it’s naturally occurring derivatives: tretinoin, isotretinoin, and retinal.

Synthetic Retinoids

Synthetic compounds which are also classified retinoids/ vitamin A, but have a different chemical structure. Etretinate and acitretin are considered the second generation of retinoids.

Polyaromatic Retinoids

Arotinoid, adapalene, tazarotene are considered the third generation of retinoids, and differ from the previous generation because of the way that they are formed, their molecular structure, as well as the way they function.

What Do Retinoids Do? 

While the different classes of retinol may seem confusing, the compounds are all part of the same family.

But what do they do, and why is everyone crazy about them?

Vitamin A is recognized as a wrinkle fighting ingredient that can change the appearance of the skin and boost its youthful appearance.

The most important takeaway is that vitamin A, retinoic acid, retinol, retinal, all have the same biological functions and features.

Anti-Aging Backed by Science

There are many other nutrients and ingredients that may support youthfulness of skin. However, vitamin A and its related compounds are one of the few recognized by much of the scientific community and skincare industry. It’s one of the better understood ingredients with lots of data to back it up.

That’s why it’s much easier to get retinol related ingredients and products from your dermatologist than other kinds of ingredients.

How do Retinoids Work?

The processes that cause aging happen on a cellular level. While it takes years for us to notice the change of our skin as we age, the body is always busy with processes that are much more dynamic when we look at them from a molecular scale.

How to Understand Aging

One of the ways we understand aging is through a process call cell apoptosis, which believe it or not- is the death of our cells!

Even though it sounds alarming, cell apoptosis is something that is always happening and in the vast universe that makes up our bodies on a cellular level. Cell apoptosis is a normal part of the growth and development of our bodies and cells.

Researchers look at the way chemical compounds affect cell apoptosis and other cellular functions, because it helps them understand why and how chemicals work. 

Retinoid's Anti-Aging Benefits

One amazing finding is that retinoids can slow down and change the process of cell death. It’s also been shown to protect collagen from breaking down, reserve the skin’s moisture balance, fight inflammatory compounds that lead to wrinkling of skin, and even boost the skin’s protective properties.

Because of their amazing properties for dermatologic applications, retinoids in many forms are used to help people with chronic skin issues.

Retinoid’s Proven Anti-Aging Benefits

Supports Cellular Function

Improves Moisture Balance

Fights Inflammatory Compounds

Strengthens the Skin’s Protective Qualities

The World of Retinoid Products

As we have learned, the compound family that makes up retinoids has many benefits for human skin. Prescription retinol or products with synthetic compounds are preferred in some situations.

In addition to the different classes of retinoids that are used, different concentrations and applications are all things to consider when attempting to understanding the wide and varied world of “retinol products”.

Retinol products are not all the same and that’s because there’s such a wide range of both clinical and cosmetic applications for this class of ingredient.

Plant Oils with Natural Vitamin A

However, most people think that they need a high price prescription version of vitamin A to get all the benefits of retinol. The truth is that for the average person, natural sources of vitamin A can do many of the same things, and sometimes with even more benefits! 

There are many reasons to try prescription or pricey retinol alternatives. Pure plant oils provide a bundle of nutrition along with vitamin A as we will see in some of the examples below. 

Why Choose One Kind of Retinoid Over Another?

Concentrated retinol products can work wonders and may be needed in case of certain skin problems. However, concentrated products and treatments may not be the right solution for every individual. That’s because they can cause sensitivity or may be too harsh on the skin. You might just not need that level of concentration to see results. 

For others, the cost of pricey retinol might be an issue. Whatever the reason may be, plant-based oils high in vitamin A can provide a surprising number of benefits. 

And as we learned before- while natural vitamin A is not always the same compound or version of retinoid you’ll find in prescription products, it might still provide many of the same benefits. 

Find the Right Products for You

It really boils down to your needs, your skincare history, and your budget. However, you might find it suitable to use more than one source of vitamin A.

That’s because many of the plant-based sources of vitamin A are so beneficial and nourishing for skin, some people are still able to use them in conjunction with more concentrated or prescription forms (but always talk to your health care provider first if you have a prescription).

The main takeaway is that despite what you may have heard, you might not even need the strongest kind of retinoid product.

Many people don’t need the strongest concentration to see results and might even benefit from a more natural version or a hybrid combination.

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Seeds of plants hold many nutritional wonders! It’s true-seeds and the oils made from them contain a multitude of complex chemical compounds. The oils made from seeds are the most nutritious in the world and sea buckthorn seed oil is no exception.

In addition to its perfect balance of omega fatty acids and antioxidants, sea buckthorn seed oil is a good source of vitamin A. One of the ways that sea buckthorn seed oil can support skin is by nourishing cell health, supporting the natural lipid barrier of the skin, smoothing and or plumping skin, along with fighting wrinkles.

Vitamin A

Omega 3 (ALA)

Omegas 6 & 9- (A nearly perfect 1:1 ratio, ideal for human health)

Tocopherols & Tocotrienols

Plant sterols

Phospholipids & Glycolipids

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is an unsung hero of skincare. It’s easy to make and roses are abundant everywhere on the planet. Because it’s so easy to find, most people don’t realize the amazing benefits of humble rosehip oil! Just like sea buckthorn seed oil, rosehip oil has a “drier” texture or feeling on the skin. It absorbs quickly and feels luxurious! Like sea buckthorn seed oil, the rosehip contains a concentrated bundle of nutrition.

Vitamin A

Carotenoids

Phenolic Compounds

Omegas 6 & 9

Phytosterols (high levels of β-sitosterol)

Phytonutrients

Are Synthetic Ingredients Always Bad?

Synthetic retinol or isolated versions of vitamin A are not inherently bad, and there’s no reason to fear them. There are plenty of safe and even beneficial synthetic ingredients that can be found in modern skincare products.

We are passionate about traditional, natural ingredients and advances in chemistry and science- especially how they relate to our industry.

Why we use Plant-Based Sources of Vitamin A

SeabuckWonders got its start as a nutritional supplement company. 

Our focus has always been creating premium sea buckthorn oils that are food grade- making them safe to take orally or put right on your skin.

To put it simply, we feel most comfortable working with premium plant oils at the core of our products.

Not just because they’re “natural”, but because we know how powerful pure plant oils can be. 

A pharmaceutical company or cosmetic company would approach the task of creating a skincare line in different ways.

We approach skincare in the same way that we would our supplements, it’s what we know and what we’ve been perfecting over 20 years!

Creating Balance for All Skin Types

Sea buckthorn oil remains our core ingredient because it has a balancing and nourishing effect for nearly every skin type. Many of our skincare customers started out taking our supplements first.

They found that their skin, hair, and even nails improved over time- even for some who were taking the supplements for completely unrelated reasons!

Nourishing Your Skin

Not all serums are created in the same way. A benefit of using pure plant oils and synthetics only when needed is that the products can balance a wider range of skin-types. 

Many people who have been taught that they have “problem” skin have skin that’s dehydrated. They might think their skin is too sensitive or “bad”, but it’s malnourished!

The Process is Important

Even with the rise of plant-based oils and “natural” skincare, many customers don’t realize how important the quality and process of creating skincare is.

It’s a Matter of Quality

We approach our product development in a different way than other skincare companies.

For us, pure plant oils are at the core of what we do. We do use safe synthetic ingredients when needed but treat our skincare as an extension of our supplement line- it’s nourishment for your skin.

Made for our Customers!

We already knew many of our customers had sensitive skin, so when we created a luxury oil serum line, we did it with them in mind. However, SeabuckWonders skincare is not just for people with sensitive skin. 

It’s for everyone! Not every product will be perfect for everyone, but everyone can find the perfect product for their skin. 

The result is an entire line of serums, skincare, and supplements that can be tailored to fit your unique beauty, health, and wellness needs.

References

Zielińska, A., & Nowak, I. (2017). Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids in health and disease, 16(1), 95.

A, & Ilyasoğlu, H. (n.d.). Characterization of Rosehip (ROSA Canina L.) seed and seed oil. Taylor & Francis.

Zasada, M., & Budzisz, E. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 36(4), 392–397.

One of the top benefits of sea buckthorn oil is its ability to fight dryness throughout the body. This is something that long time users of sea buckthorn oil supplements report, and it’s also been the subject of research studies.

Why are Researchers Interested in Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Sea buckthorn continues to grow in popularity as an ingredient for beauty and personal care products. Researchers from around the world know that the oil has been used as a natural remedy throughout the centuries.

On a chemical level, sea buckthorn oils have a unique blend of compounds making it useful for a number of health applications.

How Does Sea Buckthorn Oil Fight Dryness?

Each study that we will discuss goes into greater detail about sea buckthorn oil can affect dryness in different areas. In every case, the lipid content and antioxidant content are the major components that help fight dryness.

Each study below used a blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry oil to get the benefits from the omega 3, omega 6, omega 9, and omega 7. The oils have an astonishing amount of other bioactive compounds.

Dryness is Inflammation

When it comes to dryness related to the dysfunction of mucous membranes in the body, inflammation is often the cause. Sea buckthorn oil creates a hydrating effect but, in most cases, it’s actually due to the antioxidant and soothing properties. As we will see, sea buckthorn oil works on a cellular level to help bring stasis and relief to a number of dryness related conditions.

Coconut Oil is the Placebo

An interesting note from the studies is that most used a placebo made from a coconut oil blend. While most plant oils contain lipids like omegas 6 and 9, they don’t come close to sea buckthorn oil’s complex nutrition. The fact that coconut oil is used as a placebo over and over again is an interesting fact to remember when comparing the benefits of plant based oils.

Dry Eye Study

One study looked at the possibility that sea buckthorn oil could benefit dry eye. There were two main kinds of dry eye that the researchers focused on. Aqueous deficient dry eye is related to inflammation in the eyes, while evaporative dry is caused by a deficiency in the lipid layer of the eye.

Sea buckthorn is well known in traditional Asian medicine and researchers were interested in its lipid content in particular. Previous research showed benefits for eye dryness from sea buckthorn oil, but more information was needed to understand why.

Other work on the ingredients effect on mucous membrane and skin health lead researchers to believe that more research could be beneficial.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Blend in Study

A capsule blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry created with supercritical CO2 extraction oil was given to participants over a period of three months. Participants were women close to menopausal age who all suffered from different kinds of eye dryness. There was also a placebo group, and all participants were advised not to use other supplements during the trial.

The study showed that the sea buckthorn oil blend helped reduce the inflammation that leads to dry eyes. Researchers thought that the combination of lipids, and importantly, the antioxidant content was important for achieving this affect.

While previous studies looked primarily at the lipid content in sea buckthorn for dryness, this study looked at the carotenoids in the oils, β-carotene and zeaxanthin. In addition to the antioxidant benefits, the anti-inflammatory properties of sea buckthorn came into play.

User Reported Benefits

Other research on sea buckthorn exists and the understanding of how sea buckthorn oil supports the many kinds of dryness conditions of the eye continues to grow each year. One of the top reported benefits of sea buckthorn oil by users is in the area of dry eye. With consistent use over a period of a few months, many users report improvements on dry eye conditions.

Vaginal Dryness

A study focused on the effects of sea buckthorn oil on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Vaginal atrophy describes the thinning of the vaginal mucosa which also causes dryness. Because the treatments for this condition are limited and not suitable for many women, researchers wanted to know if the natural components of sea buckthorn oil could be a viable treatment option.

Feminine Dryness and Sea Buckthorn Oil from Seabuckwonders on Vimeo.

Epithelium Layer

The area most affected by vaginal atrophy is the epithelium layer which is made up of squamous cells. This inner layer helps to prevent pathogens from entering the body and also contains important immune cells. Dysfunction and dryness of the epithelium cause discomfort for women and can lead to other serious health issues.

Vaginal atrophy is associated with the decrease of estrogen after menopause. The traditional Western treatment for this condition is estrogen therapy. By replacing lost estrogen with a topical or oral treatment, much of the structure and function can return.

However, this kind of treatment is not an option for women who are breast cancer patients. Estrogen therapy is also associated with endometrial and breast cancer, so many women want to avoid this kind of treatment.

Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Traditional Treatment

Sea buckthorn oil was used as a treatment for female reproductive health in traditional medicine in Asia. Traditional medicine used the oil to specifically treat issues with the uterus and other reproductive organs.

This study also used a blend of sea buckthorn oil made with supercritical CO2 extraction. A group of 116 women suffering from symptoms were the test subjects and placebo groups were used. Participants were not to use other oil supplements during the trial, which was three months long.

Using the dosage that was used in a previous study on Sjogren’s syndrome patients, subjects were given a capsule blend of sea buckthorn oils three capsules twice a day. The placebo oil was made from fractionated palm and coconut oil.

Healthier Mucosa

The study showed benefits on the integrity of the epithelium layer in the sea buckthorn group. Researchers believe that the bioactive compounds in the oil where the biggest factors in the benefits.  

Dry Mouth Studies

Several studies have looked at the possible benefits of sea buckthorn oil for dry mouth. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common issue which is usually associated the dysfunction of salivary glands. A study used a blend of sea buckthorn seed and berry oil in capsule form for four weeks with positive results. The oil blend helped improve the health of the mucosa of the mouth and relived symptoms of participants.

Another study treated children with ulcerative stomatitis, a condition that sometimes causes dry mouth along with issues with the esophagus. This group was also treated with a blend of sea buckthorn oil with positive effects for the subjects.

Sjogren’s Benefits

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body, especially in the eyes, mouth, and genital mucosa. The mucous membranes are affected, and dryness can be a problem for those suffering with the disease.

The many symptoms can be hard to manage, and especially the dryness symptoms. Sufferers of Sjogren’s disease may struggle with managing the different dryness symptoms. Despite the fact that dryness is caused by the same source, there has not been one solution to treat it.

Researchers were interested in how the lipid content of sea buckthorn oil, especially omega 3 and omega 6.

Using a blend of sea buckthorn oils, researchers looked at the improvement of a few different areas of women suffering with Sjogren’s syndrome. Mouth dryness, eye dryness, vaginal dryness along with itching, burning and other symptoms were all observed over a period of three months.

Sea Buckthorn Benefits Sjogren’s in Study

 Participants of the study saw benefits in all areas with sea buckthorn oil supplementation. Dryness in the eyes, mouth, and genital mucosa improved in most of the participants who took sea buckthorn oil.

Even more Dryness Benefits

These are just a few examples of sea buckthorn’s benefits for dryness. Positive results for dry mouth, dry eyes, vaginal dryness, or Sjogren’s related dryness aren’t the only areas that sea buckthorn can help.

Users of sea buckthorn oil also report supple skin, hair, and healthier nails. There are many studies and research related to sea buckthorn’s effect on skin health including dryness.

We are just beginning to understand how sea buckthorn oil can benefit our bodies on a cellular level. But each year, we are getting a better understanding of why the oil has survived for thousands of years as the go to health remedy in many cultures.

 References:

Larmo, P. S., Järvinen, R. L., Setälä, N. L., Yang, B., Viitanen, M. H., Engblom, J. R., Tahvonen, R. L., & Kallio, H. P. (2010). Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye. The Journal of nutrition, 140(8), 1462–1468. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.109.118901

Larmo, P. S., Yang, B., Hyssälä, J., Kallio, H. P., & Erkkola, R. (2014). Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas, 79(3), 316–321.

*Content on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is Palmitic Acid Bad for Health?

Critics have claimed that sea buckthorn oil is not a good source of Omega 7 because of its palmitic acid content. We are going to show why the argument itself is incorrect and why sea buckthorn is a safe source for Omega 7.

Critics have gone as far to say that sea buckthorn oil could cause inflammation due to its palmitic acid content.

What is Palmitic Acid?

PA is the most common saturated fatty acid accounting for 20–30% of total fatty acids in the human body. Our bodies contain a lot of palmitic acid, and it’s found in vegetable oils and animal fat.

Human breast milk has high amounts of palmitic acid, olive oil has it, and dairy products do too. It’s found in MANY places where other fatty acids exist. Sea buckthorn oil also contains palmitic acid, along with a host of other fatty acids.

Why the Negative Press on Palmitic Acid?

Research on palmitic acid showed that high amounts could cause inflammation in the human body.

Companies specializing in Omega 7 supplements made from fish oil took this bit of information and ran with it- claiming that isolated omega 7 (from fish) was the safest source and that sea buckthorn wasn’t just a bad source of omega 7- it could even be bad for health.

But they left out some VERY important details which has led to a lot of confusion about palmitic acid and sea buckthorn oil.

The TRUTH about Palmitic Acid

While studies show that concentrated amounts of palmitic acid may lead to inflammation in the body, they do not show what happens when palmitic acid is consumed in food or supplement form under everyday circumstances.

The palmitic that is naturally found in sea buckthorn, human breast milk, or olive oil is nothing like the concentrated, high amounts of palmitic acid that is used in lab testing. 

If you were to get an isolated, concentrated amount of palmitic acid into your body somehow, sure, it could probably do some damage as reflected in the research.

Even so, research also shows that PA may accumulate in the body over time- which again- could cause issues.   

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Palmitic Acid Build up Not Effected by Diet Alone

Under normal circumstances, someone who eats palmitic acid in olive oil, dairy products, or sea buckthorn oil will not have negative effects simply because palmitic acid is being consumed.

In fact research shows that “changes in the intake of palmitic do not significantly influence its tissue concentration (Innis and Dyer, 1997; Song et al., 2017)”.

Researchers now believe that the health problems associated with palmitic acid and saturated fats occur because of other factors related to diet and physical activity.

Healthy Habits have Greater Effect on Palmitic Acid Levels

High carbohydrate intake, unbalanced intake of omega 6, and a sedentary lifestyle seem to cause a buildup of palmitic acid in the body.

Without these key factors, the body literally converts palmitic acid into Omega 7 or Oleic acid Omega 9.

 In this scenario, there is no chance for palmitic acid to buildup- because, in the words of the researchers,

“PA accumulation is prevented by enhanced delta 9 desaturation to omega 7 (16:1n−7, POA) and/or elongation to stearic acid (SA) and further delta 9 desaturation to oleic acid (18:1, OA)”

What Really Causes Palmitic Acid Problems

To summarize what we’ve just learned:

1) Palmitic acid does not cause negative effects simply because it’s being consumed.

2) The human body processes palmitic acid into other fatty acids.

3)Health problems associated with palmitic acid are most likely caused by an unbalanced diet that’s high in processed carbohydrates, high in saturated fat, and a sedentary lifestyle because under those circumstances, the body isn’t able to do its normal job of processing palmitic acid as usual.

Omega 7 and Metabolic Health- Is Sea Buckthorn Worth the “Risk”?

One of the reasons that the debate over the safety of palmitic acid is so important when it comes to sea buckthorn oil, is that sea buckthorn berry oil is the best source for omega 7 on the planet.

Sea buckthorn berry oil has more omega 7 than any other plant source and far more than the small amounts found in fish. The oils that come from sea buckthorn are so rich in nutrition that they have many health and wellness applications- but one of the top benefits of sea buckthorn is indeed omega 7 itself.

Omega 7 Benefits

Metabolic health, especially as it’s related to heart health is one of the key areas that researchers now think may benefit from omega 7 supplementation.

The heart health benefits associated omega 7 are primarily from its inflammation fighting properties.

Omega 7 on its own is thought to support healthy cholesterol levels, help keep inflammation in control throughout the body and heart and may even regulate the product of fat in the body.

Healthy Heart and Blood Glucose Benefits

Omega 7 is also thought to support healthy blood sugar levels and the body’s ability to use glucose from the blood for energy.

The way that omega 7 supports the body in these different areas- inflammation, healthy blood sugar, and healthy blood cholesterol, are what makes researchers believe that it can be helpful for metabolic health or even to fight metabolic syndrome.

Fish vs Sea Buckthorn Oil

To create an omega 7 fish supplement, a large quantity of fish must be highly processed (usually using harsh processing methods) then isolated (another harsh chemical process).

All of the work (and waste) of this process is to produce a supplement that has a good level of omega 7- but nothing else. In most cases, the ONLY benefit you get from this kind of supplement is omega 7.

While omega 7 on its own is great, omega 7 that comes from natural sources like sea buckthorn berry oil has far more benefits than fish oil supplements.

Extra Benefits from Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

When it comes to all the aforementioned benefits of omega 7 for metabolic health, sea buckthorn oil is the superior source because it can support the body with its complex network of antioxidants and fatty acids.

Sea buckthorn oil has a full range of fatty acids including omega 7 that support the body’s healthy inflammation response. Sea buckthorn oil even contains superoxide dismutase which is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet.

Sea buckthorn oils are excellent for supporting the body as it’s related to metabolic health but also have many more benefits.

Not only is sea buckthorn oil the better source for omega 7 because of its other health supporting and inflammation regulating benefits, it’s a much cleaner and sustainable source than fish oil.

A Healthy Choice, even with Palmitic Acid

High quality sea buckthorn oil supplements are the best way to get all of the benefits of Omega 7. Pure sea buckthorn oil products don’t need to be processed as harshly, and they retain a lot more nutritional benefits that your body can use.

Omega 7 from plant-based source is endlessly renewable, with the plants themselves even being beneficial to soil.

It’s hard to compare omega 7 from fish oil to omega 7 from sea buckthorn, because the fish oil source is so lacking when it comes to nutrition.

Not only does fish oil have a bad track record when it comes to sustainability, the oil itself tends to go bad very fast on the shelf. The high level of rancidity in fish oil is from the harsh processing that we discussed.

The isolated omega doesn’t have all the other fatty acids and antioxidants that normally keep it fresh. When you get a bad taste in your mouth after taking fish oil, it’s probably because it’s rancid.

Sea Buckthorn is Safe

Sea buckthorn berry oil is one of the few plant sources of omega 7 and it also offers omega 3, 6 & 9 in perfectly balanced amounts.

When we make supplements from sea buckthorn oil, we don’t need to remove the palmitic acid because it’s just one part of the complex fatty acids, antioxidants and other bioactive nutrients naturally occurring in the oil.

There is still more work to be done in order to understand how polysaturated fats work in our bodies, and certainly more research to be done on sea buckthorn oil too.

Still, it makes sense that an unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle could lead to health problems.

Palmitic acid in and of itself is not something you should be afraid of- so don’t worry! Instead, focus on staying active and eating a diet consisting of whole foods and balanced fatty acids.

References:

Carta, G., Murru, E., Banni, S., & Manca, C. (2017). Palmitic Acid: Physiological Role, Metabolism and Nutritional Implications. Frontiers in Physiology, 8. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00902

Agostoni, C., Moreno, L., & Shamir, R. (2015). Palmitic Acid and Health: Introduction. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(12), 1941-1942. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1017435

Solà Marsiñach, M., & Cuenca, A. (2019). The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health. Lipids in Health and Disease, 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9

Sea buckthorn oil has become wildly popular as a skincare ingredient, but why? Turns out that this rare fruit has amazing nutrition that makes it stand out from other plant-based ingredients.

Nourishing Skin on a Cellular Level with Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn plants grow in tough conditions in areas with high altitude and extreme weather conditions like in the Himalayan Mountain range. The plant’s natural habitat is what causes its berries and seeds to develop an amazing amount of nutrition.

A Host of Omega Fatty Acids and Bioactive Nutrients

Sea buckthorn seed oil and berry oil both contain an array of omega fatty acids. The fatty acids alone nourish the skin in many different ways, but sea buckthorn oil also contains many other bioactive nutrients and vitamins. Sea buckthorn berry oil contains vitamins E and K, high levels of carotenoids, and flavonoids.

Omega 7 Benefits for Skin

One of the main uses for sea buckthorn oil traditionally has been to treat wounds and burns on skin. Studies have shown that omega 7, which is primarily found in sea buckthorn berries, is one of the reasons for its healing properties.

One study looked at how omega 7 helped skin during the healing process and it found it has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Omega-7 Promotes Collagen Synthesis

Scientists found that omega-7 was able to support collagen regeneration in skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the way they function in the skin. These findings show that omega-7 supplementation is likely an excellent option for improving overall skin health and fighting the effects of aging.

Omega-7 for Wound Healing

Once again, omega-7’s suspected anti-inflammatory properties came into question when scientists guessed that it could help when it came to wound healing.

They found that omega-7’s anti-inflammatory action aided in healing wounds and specifically during the phases of tissue rebuilding. This study showed that omega-7 actually accelerated wound healing.

Cellular health also means skin health. SBT oils make the perfect skincare products and can support your skin internally with supplements.

Why are Fatty Acids Important for Skin?

Your skin is a living, breathing organ and in order for it to perform its essential functions, one of the things it needs is fatty acids.

One of the most important functions of fatty acids in the skin is its part in the protective outer layer of skin. Along with other key components, fatty acids protect and keep the skin looking hydrated and smooth.

Sea Buckthorn Oil and Skin Health

So, we know that fatty acids are great for skin, but why is sea buckthorn oil so great for skin?

Two of the lesser-known fatty acids in sea buckthorn oils have been shown to support skin in amazing ways!

Palmitic Acid Skin Benefits

Palmitic acid lacks a double bond in its chain because it’s a saturated fat, and there’s more of it in sea buckthorn berry oil than seed oil.

This makes it more solid than other fatty acids and thus a better occlusive (meaning it protects the skin with a protective barrier that seals in moisture). This is also part of what makes sea buckthorn oil feel so good on skin and in skincare products.

Keratinocytes are the main kind of cell that make up our skin. Within keratinocytes are organelles which specialize in maintaining the protective barrier of the skin called lamellar bodies.

Omega 6 Skin Benefits

As we age, the lamellar bodies produce less lipids causing skin to weaken and becomes drier. Omega 6 is thought to actually reverse this process by accelerating the production of lipids in the skin, boosting cellular metabolization, protecting from water loss, and strengthening the lipid barrier.

Sea Buckthorn oil for Psoriasis

One study focused on patients suffering from psoriasis who used sea buckthorn to help calm their skin and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

The reality is that we are just starting to understand all of the amazing benefits that sea buckthorn oils can offer skin- but there are excellent products available now that can help.

A blend of undiluted sea buckthorn berry oil and sea buckthorn seed oil can actually help transform skin from the inside-out with regular use. Don’t just moisturize when you can NOURISH your skin on a cellular level.

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil on UV Damaged Skin Cells

Each year, new research looking at the benefits of sea buckthorn oil comes out. Because of the lipids and other important nutrients in the oils, understanding how it can help skin in particular is a popular area of focus for researchers.

Researchers looked at sea buckthorn seed oil to see what it’s affects might be on human skin cells damaged by UV radiation. They looked at cells from different strata of the skin’s layers hoping to understand if the seed oil had a protective effect.

UV damage from the sun can go into the deepest layers of the dermis and epidermis. This kind of radiation causes disruption to many of the functions of the skin. The damage reduces the skin’s ability to heal using antioxidants causing oxidative stress.

UV Induced Oxidative Stress

UV related stress causes the skin to age prematurely by destroying collagen and elastin. The cell membranes can’t function as usual. UV damage also causes the generation of damaging cells which have imbalanced numbers of electrons. These cells interact with the membranes and proteins of the skin and cause severe damage to the skin.

Skin keeps stores of antioxidants to protect itself from this kind of radiation. In fact, the skin employs a number of complex chemical reactions to protect its cells from UV radiation. However, the skin’s natural reserve of antioxidants can be depleted over time and even in short periods of time depending on the severity of UV exposure.

Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil’s Antioxidant Properties

Researchers chose sea buckthorn seed oil specifically for its cytoprotective (cell protecting) properties. Sea buckthorn seed oil contains vitamins including E and C, sterols, and carotenoids.

Some of the phytosterols found in sea buckthorn seed oil during the study were vitamins A, E, Beta-carotene, squalene, campesterol and brassicrakol.

The carotenoids are important for UV damaged skin due to their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis. The antioxidants and the phytosterols of sea buckthorn seed oil can also regulate inflammation processes in the cells.

Other research shows that these key components make sea buckthorn seed oil a promising ingredient for the treatment of dermatitis. Based on that knowledge, researchers wanted to know if the oil would also be a good ingredient to help UV damaged skin cells.

How Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Helped UV Damaged Skin

The treatment of sea buckthorn seed oil boosted the levels of fatty acids and phospholipids, along with the antioxidant levels. This helped to replenish the skin’s natural defenses and even slowed down the damaging processes of inflammation.

The oil helped to prevent that damage to membranes and preserved the cells’ natural ability to produce lipids. Sea buckthorn seed oil’s rich vitamin and polyphenolic compounds also had an antimicrobial affect which provided yet another layer of protection.

When it came to UV damaged skin cells, sea buckthorn seed oil helped to nourish and revive the skin’s natural antioxidant defense system.

Deeper Understanding of Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil on Dryness

Sea buckthorn seed oil has a high content of polysaturated fatty acids. It’s accepted in the scientific community that this kind of oil reduces the loss of water in the skin cells, thus promoting moisture. Researchers were interested to learn the mechanism by which sea buckthorn seed oil’s PUFA content hydrates skin.

Aquaporin 3 in the Skin

The human body contains a number of different proteins called aquaporins, which are responsible for the transfer of water in the membranes. The skin has a high amount of one type of this protein called aquaporin 3 (AQP3), especially in the basal and spinous layers of the skin. The function of the skin cells is dependent on the water transfer made possible by AQP3.

Hyaluronan Expression

Hyaluronan is classified as a glycosaminoglycan. Glycosaminoglycans are important components of connective tissue in the body and with other important components like collagen help provide structure to cells.

Hyaluronan also plays an important role in the hydration of skin by helping retain moisture. It also functions by protecting cells and supporting healing functions of cells. When levels of hyaluronan are decreased by UV radiation, cigarette smoking, and even pollutants in air, the skin dries out and wrinkles begin to form.

Of the three different versions of Hyaluronan, HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3, HAS3 was chosen because of its specific function in these areas.

HAS3 Expression vs AQP3

While researchers already knew that sea buckthorn seed oil reduced trans-epidermal water loss, they wanted to know if it was due to the support of HAS3 Expression or if it was caused by the up-regulation of AQP3.

How Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Preserves Moisture in the Skin

Using a supercritical C02 extract of sea buckthorn seed oil, the researchers first identified the main fatty acids and other important constituents. They found the oil contained ala (omega 3), oleic acid (omega 6), linoleic acid (omega 9), Vitamin E and a-tochopherol.

Reasearchers knew that the fatty acids in the oil would help support the function of either the AQP3 or the HAS3 thus helping the skin preserve moisture.

Surprisingly, the study proved that sea buckthorn seed oil improves skin hydration by supporting both the HAS3 expression AND the up-regulation AQP3.

More to be Learned

These are just a few examples of the growing body of research on how sea buckthorn oils can support the skin. It’s amazing to learn that sea buckthorn oils can support the cellular functions of the skin itself.

This research helps to back up thousands of years of use of sea buckthorn oil as a humble folk remedy. Due to its unique composition of fatty acids, antioxidants and a plethora of bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn seed and berry oil offer tremendous benefits to human skin cells.

References

Gęgotek, A., Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Muszyńska, M., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2018). The Effect of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Seed Oil on UV-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism of Human Skin Cells. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 7(9), 110.

Yao, Q., Jia, T., Qiao, W., Gu, H., & Kaku, K. (2021). Unsaturated fatty acid-enriched extract from Hippophae rhamnoides seed reduces skin dryness through up-regulating aquaporins 3 and hyaluronan synthetases 2 expressions. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 20(1), 321–329.

Yang, B. and Kallio, H., 2002. Composition and physiological effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë) lipids. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 13(5), pp.160-167.

Song, IB., Gu, H., Han, HJ. et al. Omega-7 inhibits inflammation and promotes collagen synthesis through SIRT1 activation. Appl Biol Chem 61, 433–439 (2018).

What Does Sea Buckthorn Oil do for the Body?

You’ve probably heard of sea buckthorn oil by now, but you might not know all of its amazing health and beauty benefits. These are the top 6 benefits of sea buckthorn oil.

6) Plant Based Omegas

Plant based omegas provide more benefits than fish oil and sea buckthorn oils have even more benefits than any other plant-based source. Plant based omegas also provide natural antioxidants, and other bioactive nutrients. Sea buckthorn seed oil contains omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. Sea buckthorn berry oil contains omega 7, omega 6, and omega 9. Plant based omega 3 has shown heart health benefits and support for healthy inflammation response in the body.

Omega 6 has shown promise for supporting eczema and brain health. Omega 9 is thought to support healthy blood pressure and brain function. Omega 7 is thought to has positive effects on everything from heart health to beautiful skin- but we’ll talk more about that in a moment. These are just some of the amazing benefits that plant- based omegas have to offer.

5) Omega-7: A Major Benefit of Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn berry oil is one of few sources on earth for the rare Omega 7. Omega-7 is present in all body tissues, mostly in skin and fat tissue.

Omega-7, also known as Palmitoleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in some animal, vegetable, and marine oils.

It is a rather rare omega fatty acid that only recently has gained global exposure for its benefits and unique qualities.

This fatty acid is thought to nourish cells and mucous membranes throughout the body, fighting dryness and supporting health.

It may also provide support to the digestive system and boost healthy inflammation response in the body.

Sea buckthorn berries offer the most potent botanical source of Omega-7 currently known and are garnering wide-spread attention as a "Miracle Berry" with many health advantages including beauty, fighting dryness, and overall health.

We will go over some of the latest studies on Omega-7 in the next section.

4) Overall Health and Wellness

Anyone looking to support their overall health can benefit from a daily sea buckthorn oil blend supplement. It’s an easy way to support heart health, liver health, and cellular health.

Some of the main benefits of sea buckthorn oils for overall health include:

• Heart Health
• Skin Health
• Digestive Health
• Liver health

Digestive health and the delicate digestive tract may benefit from sea buckthorn oil due to its high fatty acid content and antioxidants.

Omega-3 Benefits for Overall Health

Plant based omega 3 (ALA) alone is thought to have major health benefits, including heart health, support for dry eyes and even bone health- and it’s just one healthy component of sea buckthorn oil!

Omega-9 and Omega-6 Benefits

Omega 9 from sea buckthorn too has been shown to have heart protective properties. Among other research, Omega 6 has shown many important benefits for skin health- particularly for acne prone skin and dermatitis.

Palmitic Acid Benefits

Although palmitic acid has been unfairly scrutinized in recent years, studies show many benefits for the human body from the palmitic acid that can be found in sea buckthorn oil. It’s been shown to play a role in fighting the inflammation that comes with vaginal atrophy.

Palmitic acid has also been shown to support positive effects in liver health and diabetes. It’s even been studied for its use in skin health for hyper-pigmentation and infections.

Omega 7 Benefits

Omega-7 for Heart Health

An animal study showed that omega-7 lowered triglyceride levels and bad cholesterol plaque for mice on high fat American style diets. It also helped to keep the glucose levels of the mice in the healthy range and lowered insulin levels.

Although these tests were done on animal models, it’s thought that omega-7 from sea buckthorn shows promise for heart health in people too.

Omega-7 Promotes Collagen Synthesis

Scientists found that omega-7 was able to support collagen regeneration in skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the way they function in the skin. These findings show that omega-7 supplementation is likely an excellent option for improving overall skin health and fighting the effects of aging.

Omega-7 for Wound Healing

Once again, omega-7’s suspected anti-inflammatory properties came into question when scientists guessed that it could help when it came to wound healing.

They found that omega-7’s anti-inflammatory action aided in healing wounds and specifically during the phases of tissue rebuilding. This study showed that omega-7 actually accelerated wound healing.

3) Hair Health

Omegas + antioxidants feed hair and the scalp from the inside out!

Hair care specialists have been recommending sea buckthorn oil blend supplements to help their clients rejuvenate dry hair and combat breakage.

Many users have reported that after taking our supplements they saw drastic improvements in the health and even thickness of their hair.

Celebrity Stylist Lori Goddard LOVES Sea Buckthorn Oil for Hair Health

2) Skin Health

Cellular health also means skin health. SBT oils make the perfect skincare products and can support your skin internally with supplements.

Why are Fatty Acids Important for Skin?

Your skin is a living, breathing organ and in order for it to perform its essential functions, one of the things it needs is fatty acids.

One of the most important functions of fatty acids in the skin is its part in the protective outer layer of skin. Along with other key components, fatty acids protect and keep the skin looking hydrated and smooth.

Sea Buckthorn Oil and Skin Health

So, we know that fatty acids are great for skin, but why is sea buckthorn oil so great for skin?

Two of the lesser-known fatty acids in sea buckthorn oils have been shown to support skin in amazing ways!

Palmitic Acid Skin Benefits

Palmitic acid lacks a double bond in its chain because it’s a saturated fat, and there’s more of it in sea buckthorn berry oil than seed oil.

This makes it more solid than other fatty acids and thus a better occlusive (meaning it protects the skin with a protective barrier that seals in moisture). This is also part of what makes sea buckthorn oil feel so good on skin and in skincare products.

Keratinocytes are the main kind of cell that make up our skin. Within keratinocytes are organelles which specialize in maintaining the protective barrier of the skin called lamellar bodies.

Omega 6 Skin Benefits

As we age, the lamellar bodies produce less lipids causing skin to weaken and becomes drier. Omega 6 is thought to actually reverse this process by accelerating the production of lipids in the skin, boosting cellular metabolization, protecting from water loss, and strengthening the lipid barrier.

Can Sea Buckthorn Oil Help Psoriasis?

One study focused on patients suffering from psoriasis who used sea buckthorn to help calm their skin and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

The reality is that we are just starting to understand all of the amazing benefits that sea buckthorn oils can offer skin- but there are excellent products available now that can help.

A blend of undiluted sea buckthorn berry oil and sea buckthorn seed oil can actually help transform skin from the inside-out with regular use. Don’t just moisturize when you can NOURISH your skin on a cellular level!

1) Dryness Support

The top benefit of sea buckthorn oil as reported by its users is its ability to fight dryness throughout the body. A daily sea buckthorn supplement has helped many of our customers quell their dry eyes, dry mouth, feminine dryness, along with dryness in the skin and hair.

Customers Love Sea Buckthorn Oil to Fight Dryness

Users have reported that sea buckthorn oil has helped them with the dryness associated with Sjorgen’s Syndrome, chronic feminine dryness, and even with the dryness that comes after chemotherapy.

Scientists have been looking into why sea buckthorn oil is so beloved as a remedy- especially in the areas of dryness.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Dry Eye and Vaginal Dryness Studies

One study showed positive results when patients suffering from chronic dry eye used sea buckthorn seed oil. Another study looked at how sea buckthorn oil could help women with vaginal dryness uncovered that sea buckthorn oil may even be able to help those with vaginal atrophy.These are just some of the latest findings on how sea buckthorn oil can help quell dryness.

The latest research on sea buckthorn for vaginal dryness

Sea Buckthorn Oil for Health, Wellness, and Beauty!

There are so many reasons to try sea buckthorn oil. A sea buckthorn oil blend supplement or skin care infused with sea buckthorn oils are the perfect option for Anyone looking to boost their overall health, wellness, beauty and especially those looking for help chronic dryness.

References:

Solà Marsiñach, M., & Cuenca, A. (2019). The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health. Lipids In Health And Disease, 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s12944-019-1065-9

Yang, Z., Pryor, M., Noguchi, A., Sampson, M., Johnson, B., & Pryor, M. et al. (2019). Dietary Palmitoleic Acid Attenuates Atherosclerosis Progression and Hyperlipidemia in Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐Deficient Mice. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 63(12), 1900120. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201900120

Song, I., Gu, H., Han, H., Lee, N., Cha, J., Son, Y., & Kwon, J. (2018). Omega-7 inhibits inflammation and promotes collagen synthesis through SIRT1 activation. Applied Biological Chemistry, 61(4), 433-439. doi: 10.1007/s13765-018-0377-1

Weimann, E., Silva, M., Murata, G., Bortolon, J., Dermargos, A., Curi, R., & Hatanaka, E. (2018). Topical anti-inflammatory activity of palmitoleic acid improves wound healing. PLOS ONE, 13(10), e0205338. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205338

Chemical Components of Sea Buckthorn Oil

The humble sea buckthorn (aka sea berry) contains many health supporting properties. It is rich in fatty acids and A variety of other health supporting components. Sea buckthorn oil is better known for it's fatty acid content, but what truly makes sea buckthorn stand out is the complexity of it's nutrition. The complex network of antioxidants, fatty acids, and bio-active nutrients make sea buckthorn oil a great option for anyone looking for a natural immune boost.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are molecules that act as antioxidants and help regulate stress in the body. They can help our body function better while protecting it from everyday toxins and stressors.

Flavonoids are classified into many groups including anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanones, isoflavones and more. Some specific flavones that we’ve probably heard of before include kaempferol or quercetin, and these types of flavonols can be found in fruits and vegetables. There are well over 5,000 categories of flavonoids and they’re abundant in plant material. 

All the parts of the sea buckthorn plant are highly nutritious, even the leaves and bark. Sea buckthorn berries have been found to contain a variety of flavonoids, including flavones, catechins, flavonols and leucoanthocyanidins. Other flavonoids found in other parts of sea buckthorn include aglycones, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. 

How Flavonoids Support Immunity

The primary way that flavonoids support the body is through antioxidant action, and helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. They can help prevent inflammation, boost the action of vitamin C, and protect blood vessels, among other benefits.

Part of the body’s natural immune reaction includes inflammation, so flavonoids may be extremely helpful when we are trying to fight a bug. Try pairing a vitamin C supplement with a dose of sea buckthorn oil to boost the vitamin C effects.

Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme which works by breaking down harmful oxygen molecules in the cells. Although we need oxygen to live, on a cellular level, it gets a bit more complicated.

Oxygen splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons, which are unbalanced. These unbalanced electrons move through the body looking for an electron to pair with. This process actually causes damage to other cells like DNA in the body. When we hear talk about “free radicals”- this is what is being discussed.

What Free Radicals do

If you're having a hard time understanding free radicals, imagine that you have a strong magnet, which will represent an unbalanced electron (free radical).

Imagine that you have a backpack that's full of everything you need- your cell phone, your credit cards, and an assortment of other everyday items.

Now, imagine what would happen if you tossed the magnet into your backpack. It would try to attach itself to everything inside- causing damage to everything it touches.

Free radicals or unbalanced electrons work the same way in our bodies.

Superoxide dismutase helps to break down those free radical oxygen molecules in our cells. Because of this neutralizing effect, it’s thought that superoxide dismutase (SOD) can help prevent cellular damage in the body. There appears to be a link to harmful oxygen molecules and certain diseases.

Some studies have shown that SOD may also be extra supportive when the body is attempting to fight bacterial infections. Overall, SOD is great for subduing oxidative stress in the body and is only one part of the many components in sea buckthorn that could help our immune system stay healthy.

Omegas

Sea buckthorn oil is special because of its variety of omega fatty acids, including 3,6,9 &7. Sea buckthorn seed oil contains omegas 3,6 and 9  while sea buckthorn berry oil primarily has omegas 6 and 7. 

Sea buckthorn seed oil has a near perfect balance 1:1 ratio of omegas 3 and 6. This balance is excellent for human health, because there isn’t an overabundance in omega 6. Omega 3 and 6 help immune system function overall.

The omega 7 found in sea buckthorn berries is thought to have positive effects on the mucous membranes in the body, especially for helping with cellular dryness. While we only have a preliminary understanding or how omega 7 helps the body, many people love to use the oil as a supplement for dryness. 

The overall combination of omegas and antioxidants are excellent for fighting dryness and soothing mucous membranes.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant when it comes to effects on immune system health. One study found that vitamin E enhanced resistance against several pathogens. First, the study showed that in animals Vitamin E helped fight infectious diseases.

Next, they studied humans and had similar results. The conclusion was that vitamin E is an important part of keeping the immune system strong. Sea buckthorn oil is rich in vitamin E.

Adding Sea buckthorn oil to our daily routine is a great way to enhance our vitamin E intake. Since it is not always easy to add more new vitamins to our daily routine, this is a great thing! This super oil is the key to reaching healthier immunity efficiently.

Supporting Immunity Everyday with Superfood

Supporting a healthy immune system is something we will think about before we even get sick. The best way to keep our immune system strong is to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and include nutrient rich superfoods like sea buckthorn oil.

Sea buckthorn oil is an amazing option for daily immune support because of its vast pool of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other bioactive nutrients. For daily immune support we recommend Omega 7 Complete or a combination of our pure organic sea buckthorn oil products.

References

Gęgotek, Agnieszka et al. “The Effect of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Seed Oil on UV-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism of Human Skin Cells.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,9 110. 23 Aug. 2018, DOI:10.3390/antiox7090110

Gutiérrez, Saray et al. “Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,20 5028. 11 Oct. 2019, DOI:10.3390/ijms20205028

Lee, Ga Young, and Sung Nim Han. “The Role of Vitamin E in Immunity.” Nutrients vol. 10,11 1614. 1 Nov. 2018, DOI:10.3390/nu10111614

Mishra KP, Chanda S, Karan D, Ganju L, Sawhney RC. Effect of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) flavone on immune system: an in-vitro approach. Phytother Res. 2008;22(11):1490-1495. DOI:10.1002/ptr.2518

In these summer months, it’s hard to resist the urge to go out and enjoy the sunshine. However, as we all know, the sun can be more than just fun. There are real dangers involved with overexposure to harmful UV rays.

There are many skincare products to help heal sun-damaged skin. One of the best ways to naturally soothe sun-damaged skin is with powerful seaberry oil.

The Harmful Effects of Sun to Your Skin

Sun damage is a well-known problem these days to those concerned with the health of their skin. Overexposure to the sun unprotected has been linked to skin cancer. Sunburn is another problem that occurs from exposure to the sun, though it is less serious.

While getting vitamin D from the sun is important, skin health should remain a priority. That is why it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen. Another way to help cut back sun-damage to the skin is by following the best after-care methods.

The Soothing Properties of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn is well-known for its topical use on wounds and skin irritation. This is because it holds powerful chemical properties that help reduce inflammation. Sea buckthorn oil contains high amounts of linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and vitamin E.

These fatty acids are very important for skin health. Not only do they help nourish the skin, but they may also work to repair skin.

The carotenoids that give sea buckthorn its orange color may also prevent sun damage to the skin. Sea buckthorn oil also helps the skin hold water, which reduces premature signs of aging caused by overexposure to the sun.

Other Oils to Help Help Heal Skin

Sea buckthorn oil is a great choice when it comes to caring for skin overexposed to the sun. However, there are other natural oils that may also help. Many natural oils contain properties to heal skin and reduce inflammation. There are also plant-based oils that reduce signs of aging caused by harmful UV rays. This is crucial when it comes to sun-damaged skin.

Lavender Oil

In a 2016 study, researchers found that lavender oil promotes the healing of skin tissue. Thus, it may be helpful when used on sun-damaged skin. Lavender oil also naturally reduces inflammation and lessens pain.

Therefore, lavender oil is a perfect option for treating sunburned skin. Especially combined with aloe, lavender is a great way to naturally support sunburned skin.

Olive Squalane

Olive squalane oil is believed to fight free radicals in the skin caused by UV rays from the sun. These free radicals lead to premature signs of aging. Oftentimes dark spots on the face and hands are caused by long-term exposure to the sun. Olive squalane oil could fade these marks over time due to its reparative properties.

Olive squalane oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it may reduce redness and pain in skin afflicted with a sunburn.

Our Best Oil for Sun Damaged Skin

Our new Enhydro Calm Oil combines lavender, olive squalane, and our famous seaberry seed oil. These ingredients make it the perfect soothing oil for use after a long day in the sun.

This oil contains nature’s best oils for repairing and replenishing sun-damaged skin. Olive squalane reduces premature signs of aging caused by the sun, while sea buckthorn seed oil nourishes and repairs damage.

Lavender oil helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin. It is the perfect addition to any summer skincare routine!

Everyday Protection and Relief

Damage from the harsh UV rays of the sun should always be a concern. The best way to ensure your safety is by always wearing sunscreen. Another great way to care for sun-damaged skin is with the help of sea buckthorn oils.

It's clear that the properties of sea buckthorn, as well as a few other essential oils, are important to supporting the skin in summer time. They can help repair sun-damaged skin, and lessen the pain of sunburn. So the next time you enjoy a day in the sun, remember to use SeaBuckWonders oils after to help care for your skin.

References

Fatima T, Snyder CL, Schroeder WR, et al. Fatty acid composition of developing sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry and the transcriptome of the mature seed. PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34099. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034099

Gęgotek A, Jastrząb A, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Muszyńska M, Skrzydlewska E. The Effect of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Seed Oil on UV-Induced Changes in Lipid Metabolism of Human Skin Cells. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(9):110. Published 2018 Aug 23. doi:10.3390/antiox7090110

Olas B. The beneficial health aspects of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson) oil. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;213:183-190. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.022

Prashar A, Locke IC, Evans CS. Cytotoxicity of lavender oil and its major components to human skin cells. Cell Prolif. 2004;37(3):221-229. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2184.2004.00307.

Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017;16(1):95. Published 2017 May 19. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7

There are currently no certifications to deem products wildcrafted. Yet, there is a set of guidelines to follow to be considered wildcrafted.

While many of these qualifications are similar to Organic certification, there is a nuance when it comes to wildcrafted that doesn’t always apply.

What is “Wildcrafted”?

There are currently no certifications to deem products wildcrafted. Yet, there is a set of guidelines to follow to be considered wildcrafted. Our oils are certified organic, as well as wildcrafted. These are practices we follow that align with the wildcrafted guidelines.

Gain Permission from the Landowner

This is an easy one for us: we own our own crop of sea buckthorn plants! We grow them in the best possible environment, the high altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau.

This area produces the highest quality sea buckthorn plant. It is a native plant here, and isn't an invasive species. We chose the Tibetana sea buckthorn subspecies not only because it is native to the region, but for its superior nutrition.

Some studies have shown that sea buckthorn grown in the high altitudes and difficult conditions of the Tibetan Plateau are more nutritious than sea buckthorn grown elsewhere.

Leave Harvest Areas in Better Condition Than You Found It

Using a plant that is native to the area reduces environmental issues that arise when farming modified crops.

Our crops are all non-GMO and grow with very little interference from human hands. Thus, sea buckthorn is a natural part of that environment. In fact, the plant even contributes to the environment around it. Sea buckthorn crops naturally boost nitrogen levels in the soil they are grown in. 

Use the Correct Plant 

There are many subspecies and varieties of sea buckthorn and any other natural herb or plant. When the wrong species of an herb or plant is used as an ingredient, many problems can occur.

When adulteration in this form occurs, the quality of the ingredients might not match what the product claims to sell. This can happen by accident or because lack of knowledge, and is an easy mistake to make.

Sea buckthorn oil has become so popular an ingredient that many companies want to add the ingredient. Without the knowledge of the plant's species and lack of a great source, many companies use subpar or even false sea buckthorn oils in their products. We grow our own, exclusive crop of sea buckthorn plants, so this kind of adulteration simply can't happen.

If you're not feeling sure about the sea buckthorn ingredient in your product, you're not alone. This guide will help you learn more about what the label on your sea buckthorn product is really telling you.

Use Sustainable Harvesting

Our farm grows only indigenous sea buckthorn plants. So, they're not just better in quality, they are grown in a protected environment. The harvest occurs when plants are are healthy and abundant. Using sustainable growth methods in the plant's native region, we protect this native species and do not damage the land.

Farming with the natural seasons of the plant means that there is a limited amount of oil produced at harvest time. While it may not seem like a smart business move, it allows us to protect the environment and the crop itself. 

Don't Use Pesticides

Our farm on the Plateau is Organic Certified and must adhere to a strict code. No harsh pesticides or chemicals may be used. Our soil is also organically fertilized, so no chemical contaminants ever touch our crops. We do this to protect not only the plants but our workers on the farm as well. This is the safest and most ethical way to farm the sea buckthorn plant.

Create Ethical Farming Jobs

Our farm offers job opportunities to people in the small mountainous region of the Tibetan Plateau near our farm. In addition to fair wages, we only use safe methods of farming and harvest- with no dangerous machinery or harsh pesticides.

Collect Plants in the Proper Growing Phase

Sea buckthorn berries should only be harvested when the plants have reached maturity. We only source berries from sections of the plant, insuring its health for the next season. Harvesting only when a plant has reached maturity and is ready to release its fruit is important.

The Wildcrafted Difference

When you buy wildcrafted products, you support environmentally friendly farming operations. Choosing wildcrafted means you're choosing ethically manufactured products and supporting companies who are committed to doing the right thing.

Our Wildcrafted Oils

Seabuckwonders oils are 100% wildcrafted. We work hard to product the best quality oils in the most ethical and environmentally friendly way. Not only can sea buckthorn oil improve your health, you can feel good about your purchase when you choose Seabuckwonders products.

Hair Treatment

Some times, the simpler the better. If your hair is dry or damaged, a few drops of oil a day can go a long way. All our Enhydro oils contain the powerful sea buckthorn seed oil. This oil is high in fatty acids like omega 3. Omega 3 may be able to prevent split ends and improve dullness and breakage in hair. Applying a few drops of the Enhydro Oil to your hands then working it through your hair is a quick way to pamper your hair with the nutrients it deserves.

Best Oil for the Job

When it comes to hair oils, we recommend our Calm Oil as the perfect all-over hair mask. Our Calm oil contains lavender oil. This oil can soothe the skin of an irritated scalp. Lavender oil may also be able to promote hair growth. Calm also contains apricot oil, which contains oleic acid. This improves the softness and shine in your hair. On top of that, our Calm Oil is infused with the relaxing scent of lavender. This makes it the perfect oil for a spa day staycation!

Hair Mask Recipes

For a special stay-at-home spa day, we recommend you try a hair mask. It gives you enough time to kick back and binge a few episodes of your favorite shows while treating your hair. Anyone of our Enhydro Facial Oil Serum oils can be used in these recipes to create the perfect hair mask.

While we love the many benefits of our Calm Oil, our Glow Oil and Revive Oil can also be used for these quick DIY recipes. No matter what oil you choose, any one of these hair masks is sure to make your hair look and feel amazing. Here are some of our favorite DIY hair mask recipes

De-Frizz Hair Mask

For this mask, you will need an Enhydro Oil of your choosing as well as a ripe banana and some Honey. Enhydro oils offer natural hydration, along with honey which helps to smoothen hair.

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps strengthen and heal damaged hair. Altogether, these ingredients make a powerful mask sure to keep frizz at bay.

Application

Start with the banana, peeled and chopped, then puree it in a blender. Next, add two droppers full of Enhydro Oil and blend again to get a smooth consistency. Finish with one tablespoon of honey. Wash your hair and apply the mixture on damp strands, focusing on the ends. Cover with a shower cap, leave it on for 30 minutes. Finally, rinse and condition your hair.

Strengthen and Nourish Hair Mask

For this mask, grab the Enhydro Oil of your choosing along with one egg and some greek yogurt. While it may sound odd, eggs are great for your hair! Eggs are packed with proteins that help strengthen hair.

These proteins also help prevent breakage and split ends. The yolk of the egg, combined with the yogurt, helps to nourish and moisturize hair naturally. Our Enhydro Oils are the perfect way to bring these ingredients together. The Enhydro Oils contain nutrient-rich fatty acids to ensure strong and replenished hair.

Application

Start by mixing all ingredients in a bowl with a whisk. Then apply the mixture to clean, dampened hair. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the product through your hair. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse away the treatment, and let your hair air-dry.

Hair Growth Mask

For this mask, you will only need two ingredients. Our Enhydro Oil, and some ground cinnamon. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that help your hair grow, helps with dandruff, and strengthens your hair. Cinnamon also contains capsaicin, which can stimulate circulation to the scalp. This improves blood flow to the hair follicles and can lead to hair growth.

Application

To start, combine two droppers full of the Enhydro Oil of your choice with one teaspoon of cinnamon. Then, combine the two in a bowl, mixing well. Finally, apply to your hair. Start by applying it directly to the scalp, and use your fingertips to massage the product in. Then apply through the rest of your hair. Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap. Let this mask sit for 45 minutes before rinsing with shampoo and conditioner.

Manicure and Pedicure

Of course, no spa day would be complete without a mani-pedi! When it’s time to do your nails, remember to always use cuticle oil. Cuticle oils are an important part of the manicure and pedicure process. Keeping cuticles hydrated with oil leads to healthy nail growth. Another benefit of using cuticle oil is its ability to help strengthen your nails.

When to Apply Cuticle Oil

The best way to let your nails absorb nutrients from the oil is by applying it last. Start with clean, dry nails. Next, prep your nails with a strengthening base coat. Afterward, you can liven up your nails with a fun, bright polish. Finally, seal in the polish with a topcoat. Once your manicure is complete, you can finish your pampering by applying the cuticle oil.

The Perfect Oil for the Job

Our recommendation for a great cuticle oil is our Enhydro Glow Oil. This oil contains our famous seaberry seed oil, which is rich in Omegas 3 and 6. Glow also contains powerful nutrients and antioxidants, which absorb quickly into the skin. Our Glow Oil contains almond oil, an oil-rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is well-known for having nail benefitting qualities. These include its ability to help prevent nails peeling and cracking, as well as cuticle dryness. Glow also is rich in coconut and avocado oils. These oils help to moisturize and hydrate the nail beds and cuticles. Our Enhydro Glow oil is also infused with the scent of rich European rose. This magical aroma is sure to transform any home to a five-star spa resort!

Night Time Face Mask

To complete your stay-at-home spa day, we recommend using Enhydro Facial Oils as a nighttime mask. Simply pat a few drops in over the top of your regular nighttime skincare products.

It's best to apply face oils last, according to estheticians, because it can help seal in your other night-time products. It is also important that you do not rub the oil in, as a patting motion helps the oil absorb into the skin better.

For a thicker nighttime mask, mix four drops of your facial oil in with your moisturizer. This can be worn to bed during times when you need deeper hydration and a more radiant glow.

Best oil for the Job

All our Enhydro Oils make great night time masks, depending on your skin type. However, we especially recommend our Revive Oil for this purpose. Our Revive oil includes jojoba, an oil known for its incredible moisturizing abilities. Jojoba oil has special properties that help seal moisture in the skin.

Revive also contains frankincense, which is famous for its wrinkle-fighting abilities as well as its use in deterring acne-causing bacteria. Since Revive is a richer, thicker oil it is the perfect oil for a nighttime mask.

Spa Day Every Day

With our new Enhydro Facial Oils, it’s easier than ever to make every day a spa day. These amazing oils can multitask to become the perfect skin, hair, and nail care items for everyday use, all in one bottle! And for those special days when you want to DIY a stay-at-home spa, there is no better oil for the job than our Enhydro line.

Find the Perfect Enhydro Oil Serum for your Unique Skin Type Today

According to Maggie Qiu, Director of Marketing, “The Enhydro Line is a natural extension of the SeabuckWonders brand. For over 20 years, we’ve been producing only the highest quality, 100% pure Himalayan sea buckthorn oil products known in the world."

"Our Enhydro line starts with this very same organic sea buckthorn oil, but is blended with rich, wildcrafted plant based oils including rose hip, olive squalane, moringa, tea seed oil and several others that provide extra layers of effectiveness and breakthrough benefits that complement any skincare regimen.”

Tibetan Crystal Inspired

We were inspired by  a kind of enigmatic crystal found in Tibet – the enhydro quartz. Enhydro crystals have bubbles of trapped water, formed thousands of years ago.

Our serums help trap moisture within the skin and were inspired by the alluring ancient crystals found in Tibet. The Enhydro packaging expands on the colorful and rich tradition of Tibetan culture and art. 

Who Can Use Enhydro Facial Serums?

In short, everyone can use Enhydro Facial Oil Serums! We reached out to our customers to get a better understanding of what they need when it comes to skincare. One of the most important things for our customers is finding products that match the needs of their unique skin type.

All Ages, All Skin Concerns 

No matter what your age or skin type, we have a serum to keep your skin nourished and balanced. We sourced the top all natural, vegan oils to complement your skin.

Seaberry Seed Oil

Enhydro Facial Serums have their own unique formulation, and all start with seaberry (sea buckthorn) seed oil. Seaberry seed oil provides a skin soothing, nutrient base to help support all skin types. It’s rich with Omega 3, Omega 6, as well as a host of bioactive nutrients and antioxidants.

Seaberry seed oil is non-comedogenic, light weight, and falls on the “dry” spectrum of plant oils, meaning that it’s quick to absorb on most all skin types. We have spent over two decades perfecting the art of pure sea berry seed oil and ours is  unique in the industry.

Glow for Everyday Moisture

Our Glow Serum is the go-to oil for those with Dry to “normal” or combination skin. We focused on gentle moisture, and fatty acid rich ingredients for this everyday formula.

Camellia, avocado, coconut, almond, seaberry seed and rosehip oils come together to create a perfectly balanced daily moisturizing serum. This serum is perfect for anyone with easy to care for skin or anyone looking for a balanced daily pick-me-up for their skin.

Calm for Irritable Skin

We wanted to help those with sensitive, easily irritated skin with a specialized oil serum. Calm is a blend of the top soothing ingredients, to help tame red, sensitive skin types.

Olive squalane oil is nearly identical to the squalane produced in our own skin. This means that it helps skin that is out of balance get back to normal. 

With antioxidants and its natural fatty acid content, squalane also prevents the occurrence of transepidermal water loss. So, it’s wonderful for calming and trapping moisture in the skin where it belongs. 

Revive for Renewal

All natural retinol helps support collagen production in the skin, making revive an excellent option for skin that is starting to show signs of aging. Anthocyanins are an excellent source of antioxidants and might even help skin that’s been damaged by the sun.

We found powerful sources of Vitamin C like moringa to even out skin tone and texture. Revive oil rejuvenates the skin while restoring a balanced appearance and fighting aging.

Wellness Inspired Beauty

We want your skin to look great. The true goal of our skincare and supplements is to help our customers achieve health and wellness. Once you’re feeling healthy and balanced, you’ll glow from the inside out. Enhydro Facial Oils are no different and we found the freshest plant oils to help revive the health and beauty of your skin. This line of cruelty free, all natural serums was made for you and your skin type.

Our newest product line Enhydro Face Oil Serums, was developed by listening to our customers to find what was missing in their everyday skincare routine. That input was the basis for creating a hydration-forward line of pure oil serums to nurture skin daily with all the natural and luxurious ingredients our customers are looking for. 

A group of amazing women who come from different areas of skincare, health & wellness, beauty, and more have come together to form a tribe to test our Enhydro Face Oil Serums.  This tribe of beauty and skincare professionals is here to lend their expert opinions on the new oils to help educate all of us from their perspective.

Be sure to follow our Enhydro Tribe on social media and look out for new posts and videos that will give you the scoop on our latest and greatest skincare line.

Stacy Cox

Stacy’s love affair with skincare began when she was 12 years old making face masks and cleansers in her parent’s kitchen.  So, it’s no wonder this licensed esthetician is celebrating 21 years in her skincare clinic and on TV as one LA’s leading authorities on acne, sensitive skin and aging gracefully. She contributes to health.com, US Weekly, Real Simple.com & talk shows such as The View, Dr. Oz and Access Hollywood. Virtually you can book a skincare psychic (Yes psychic) session with her on zoom or take one of her 6 weekly yoga classes on IG Live. She has the passion and experience to transform your skin, body and soul if you’re ready for an inner & outer reboot. 

Stacy Cox 

TV Beauty, Lifestyle & Yoga Expert

Licensed Esthetician & Skincare Psychic

www.stacycox.com

@stacycoxbeauty

Elaine Sir

https://elainesir.com/seabuckwonders/

Elaine Sir is a career mom and LA lifestyle blogger — and the founder behind SEOULFULL SKIN FOOD.  She is a participant in positive culture change, a semi-holistic mommy to two, attorney by trade, Nutritious Life Certified health coach and a second-degree black belt in taekwondo.

Stay tuned for her upcoming health and wellness podcast, KIMCHI + CHALLAH, hosted by Elaine and celebrity trainer and world-renown lifestyle expert, ASHLEY BORDEN.

This LA lifestyle blog is a reflection of her musings on mama stuff, health, wellness, beauty and all things cultural for the Gen-X crowd.

Instagram: @ladysir

Candy Washington

Candy Washington is an actor, author, influencer, and the founder of 1214 Media Productions where she provides insightful and empowering content across digital, television, film, and publishing platforms. Her latest book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Personal Branding, is an easy and tangible blueprint for building a profitable personal brand. She’s also been the keynote speaker at WellnessCon on self-care and social media brand building. 

She’s also the on-camera host for The Beauty Studio and has appeared in numerous Buzz Feed videos. Previously, she was an on-camera host for Disney Style and she’s appeared in the TBS show, Are We There Yet? and in You Rock, Let's Roll, on FUSE.

CandyWashington.com

@candywashington

 
What Makes our Oils Wildcrafted?

Romy Schorr

Romy is a Lifestyle Influencer & Digital Content Creator who focuses on creating meaningful content for midlife women. 

Romy has been in the social media and influencer space for well over ten years and the topics that she is passionate about include beauty, skincare, health and wellness, bold fashion, body positivity, travel, entertainment, culture and empowering midlife women to look and feel their best no matter what age or size. 

Romy also has a consumer market research firm and she has moderated hundreds of focus groups and conducted results driven market research projects for well over twenty years.

 

Lifestyle & Beauty Influencer for Women 40+

Blog: www.RomyRaves.com

Instagram: @romyraves

 

Jamie- Founder of Makeup Life Love

Skincare lover, esthetician and creative mind behind Makeup Life and Love. Always seeking the latest beauty and skincare finds and makeup trends - Jamie can often be found researching ingredients, beauty trends and so much more. Head over to her Instagram @jmelee1221 or website https://makeuplifelove.com to stay in the know! 

  

 

Sarah Baker 

I am honored to be able to educate and serve all who come across BalancedBabe.com since 2012 when it launched. Originally trained in holistic health coaching, and integrative and plant-based nutrition, I created BalancedBabe.com as an outlet to share my philosophy on how to incorporate holistic health practices in your life in a logical, approachable, and realistic way.

Now, I am an internationally accredited meditation teacher and holistic mindset coach, Post-partum doula (yes – there is a whole other community for new moms and moms to be, check it out!), and Reiki Level I + II attuned (as of April 2020), in addition to my nutrition and holistic health coaching credentials. 

My mission as a guide and teacher in the holistic health world is to incorporate all of these practices in a way that is supported in science, provide evidence based modalities, and deconstruct and show how various holistic health practices work in the real world, to make them a little bit less woo woo, and a whole lot more accessible to all.

If you’d like to learn more about my background, story, and my own services and offerings both in Chicago and remotely, please visit my personal website at Sarahnicolebaker.com

 Founder of Balanced Babe Media - Morning Show Health Correspondent

@balanced_babe

 

We've all purchased skincare at some point that we thought was good for our skin but ended up breaking out or was left incredibly dry and tight. It's not always that the products were bad, it's that they weren't ideal for our skin type.

When deciding on which skincare products are best for your specific needs, it is first important to understand which skin type you actually have.

Do you Really Know Your Skin Type?

Just because you get shiny throughout the day doesn't actually mean you have oily skin. There are a few skin type myths out there, and we are going to debunk them all. This post will take you back to basics and help you understand what skin type you actually have.

Find the Perfect Serum for Your Unique Skin Type Today 

Skin Type Myths

One of the most common skin type myths says that if you have excess oil topically, it is due to having an oily skin type. While occasionally true, this is not always the case.

Often when skin is excessively dry, it triggers oil production in an attempt to compensate for this dryness. The majority of "oily skin" I see is actually "dry skin" that is trying to

Lipids do Feed Skin

Another myth I hear is, "oily skin does not need oil." There is a fear among oily skin types that using facial oils will cause breakouts. Not all oil is created equal. The reality is that some oils, rich in specific essential fatty acids, are fantastic for oily skin and can even treat acne.

There is a saying that, like treats like. This is very effective in skincare. By using an oil topically, you can trick your skin into thinking it has enough sebum, and it will slow down its natural oil production.

Now that we've learned a little bit about how skin works, let take a closer look at our own.

Signs in Your Skin

The easiest way to unlocking your skin type is through your pores! Grab a mirror and take a closer look. Can you even see your pores? Are your pores so prevalent they are staring right back at you? Can you see pores in some places but not others?

No matter what skin type you have, pores are more prevalent through the center of your face. This area is often referred to as the T- Zone, which spreads over your forehead, nose, and chin. Keeping that in mind, look are the pores on your cheeks as a reference.

Pore Size

Pore size is not the only indicator of skin type. Let's now look at some other factors. How is the texture of your skin? Is it smooth, or is it rough? Can you see flaky spots of excess skin?

Skin Consistency

Does your skin feel tight when you move your face? The texture and consistency of your skin, along with pore size, will give you a better understanding of what type of skin you actually have.

The Four Skin Types: Normal, Oily, Dry and Combination

Oily Skin Type

If you have noticeable pores all over your face, more than likely, you have an oily skin type. If you can hardly see pores anywhere, more than likely, you have a dry or normal skin type.

Oily skin characteristics

• More noticeable pores over the entire face.
• Supple skin. Skin does not feel tight when you move your face.
•  Less noticeable wrinkles.
• Skin has a dewy finish and a light layer of sebum across the surface.
• As skin ages, wrinkles are minimal.

Normal Skin Type

If you can see pores through your T-Zone but not on your cheeks, more than likely, you have a normal or combination skin type.

Normal Skin Characteristics

• Pores are minimal through T-Zone and almost non-existent over the rest of the face.
• Skin feels supple, smooth, and does not feel tight.
• Skin has a satin finish, not overly dewy or matte.
•   As skin ages, wrinkles are minimal.

Dry Skin Characteristics

• Pores are tiny and almost non-existent.
•  Skin feels tight when bare.
• Skin has a matte finish and a noticeable rough texture.
• In some parts of the face, there are patches of flaky excess skin As skin ages, wrinkles are prevalent.

Combination Skin Characteristics

• Pores are noticeable in some areas and non-existent in others.
• Some areas seem tight, rough, and have texture, while others are smooth. Often, cheeks are dry while T-Zone is oily.
• Some areas of the face are flaky with excess skin, while others shiny with excess sebum.

Skin Concerns

Now that you have a better idea of what your skin type might be, let's look at some of the most common skin concerns, things like acne, sensitivity, dehydration, pigmentation, and aging skin. These concerns can plague any skin type. Looking at this list, you might find you identify with one or even all of these skin issues. As you learn more about each concern, you'll come to find that dehydration is a precursor for almost every item listed.

Acne

Sensitivity -Redness and irritation topically, often accompanied by distended capillaries and visible blood vessels.

Pigmentation- Dark spots on the skin caused by an excess production of melanin due to extended sun exposure, inflammation, injury, or hormone stimulation.

Aging- Wrinkling, loss of elasticity, laxity, and rough-textured appearance due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Congestion- Comedones, pustules, and congested pores created by the build-up of dead skin and debris in the pore and often accompanied by inflammation.

Dehydration -Uneven tone and texture with exaggerated line depth, due to lack of skin     hydration.

Dehydration & Your Lipid Barrier

Your skin is pretty amazing. It has its own built-in defense system called the Lipid Barrier. The Lipid Barrier has two functions, to keep the outside world out and to lock moisture in preventing it from evaporating through the skin's surface in an activity called transepidermal water loss or TEWL for short.

When micro-particles of pollution sneak their way through the Lipid Barrier, they wreak havoc, causing inflammation, cellular damage, destroying DNA, and can even lead to premature aging. When skin's defenses are thinned, TEWL allows moisture to evaporate through the surface, leaving skin dry and dehydrated.

Dehydration

This dehydration left untreated evolves into larger issues like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. This means that one problem, dehydration, can actually cause all other skin concerns. So, what's the thing we should be doing everything in our power to stop? Dehydration! Okay, but how do we do that?

How to Protect your Skin

The best way to protect your skin from dehydration and all other dehydration derived concerns is to beef up your barrier! Your Lipid Barrier is the front line of defense against all your skin concerns. It locks in moisture, it prevents inflammation and age inducing damage, and it is home to all the resident microbiota that inhabit your skin's surface.

Harsh detergents and chemicals strip your skin of its natural barrier and kill necessary bacteria that helps keep breakouts at bay.

Use the Right Product for your Skin Type

Using products ill-fitting for your skin type, also weaken your skin's defenses. By having a better understanding of your skin type, you are now able to pick products appropriate to your skin's needs, aiding its incredible barrier!

About the Author:

Katie Sobelman 

2020 Delicious Living Body and Beauty Awards Winner

Omega 7 Complete won Delicious Living’s 2020 Body and Beauty Awards for hair care. Yes, that’s correct. Our classic supplement is also the perfect companion for your hair and beauty!

Delicious Living is a trusted voice for the natural health community for over 30 years. They've got up to date advice on natural health, the best personal care, and the healthiest recipes. We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this year’s contest.

Omega 7 Complete for Hair Health

More beauty care experts and stylists are recommending sea buckthorn oil every year. We now have a better understanding of how nutrition affects our outward appearance.

Scientists are learning the benefits of sea buckthorn and how it works on a chemical level. The findings apply to health, wellness, and even personal care products. A recent study looked at omegas 3, 6, and antioxidants and their effects on hair loss in women.

Studies on Omega Fatty Acids + Antioxidants

The study focused on oral supplements used in a six month period. Subjects showed improvement in the texture and fullness of their hair. They even reported less hair loss!

“A large majority of supplemented subjects reported a reduction in hair loss (89.9% of subjects at 6 months), as well as an improvement in hair diameter (86.1%) and hair density (87.3%).”

There are few initial studies about how sea buckthorn works on a chemical level. Still, they shine a light on why so many of our customers report improved, more lustrous, and stronger hair.

Antioxidants + Omegas Support Hair Health

The secret is the omega and antioxidant combination found in sea buckthorn oil. Sea buckthorn oil already contains everything you need to support your hair health. But did you know that it can even help tackle chronic issues like dryness throughout the body?

Another study looked at scalp health and the way antioxidants affected hair growth. A large amount of oxidative stress was bad for hair follicles. The healthy life cycle of hair follicle depends on nutrition. Antioxidants could help keep hair healthy on a cellular level.

Celebrity Hair Stylist Lorri Goddard

In 2019, we learned that celebrity hairstylist, Lori Goddard uses SeabuckWonders. She's been recommending SeabuckWonders supplements to her clients.

She now even carries our supplements in her studio. Goddard tried sea buckthorn oil herself. She noticed healthier hair and even fuller lashes. So it makes sense that she started to share the magic with her clients.

Overall Health + Beauty Support

Studies have shown that omega 3 can support your skin in many different ways. Omega 3 for has soothing properties that can help acne prone or sensitive skin.

Omega 7 Complete may help digestive health, heart health, and immunity support. It's a balanced beauty supplement and a natural way to support your health every day.

Sea buckthorn oil continues to grow as one of the best natural ingredients for health and beauty. We love seeing the new research and different ways that people are using sea buckthorn oil.

We love learning all the ways that Omega 7 Complete helps our customers. So please let us know how this product has helped you!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25573272

Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress
Trueb Ralph M, Henry Jim P, Davis Mike G, Schwartz Jim R
Year : 2018 | Volume:  10 | Issue Number:  6 | Page: 262-270

 Check out Torey's Segment on Fox’s Morning Mix.

How to use Sea Buckthorn oils to Boost Your Health

Fighting Dryness

Are you ready to deal with chronic dryness that’s been a nuisance in your life? Sea buckthorn oils are a great solution to help handle dryness in different areas of the body. Dry eye is something that challenges many people each year and can be associated with many different health disorders.

Recent studies have looked specifically at sea buckthorn seed oil and its ability to help with dry eye issues. One study concluded that the linoleic acid (omega 6) content did a lot of heavy lifting when it came to soothing dry eye in patients. They believe that the fatty acid helps reduce inflammation that causes dry eye.

In addition to sea buckthorn seed oil, sea buckthorn berry oil has been reported to help with dryness in the body. One study looked at sea buckthorn berry oil and if it could help women suffering from vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy.

Women in the study benefited greatly from oral use of sea buckthorn berry oil. The rich many bioactive nutrients in the oil helped to decrease inflammation and aid the dryness in the patients.

Customer Reviews

In addition to the latest research, we’ve heard many positive stories from our customers who also struggled with dryness.

“I have Sjogren's and this helps with mouth and eye dryness and I have also lost weight without any change in diet or exercise.”- Amazon Customer

“I purchased these after doing research on vaginal dryness. I wanted something that wasn’t an antibiotic or prescribed by a doctor. After much research and reading many reviews on this, I went for it. I can honestly say that even after a week of being on these, I saw results. I am so happy with these results! It’s been almost a month now and I couldn’t be happier! Glad I didn’t have to have that embarrassing conversation with my doctor. I also have seen a difference in my skin and nails.” – Amazon Customer

The Best Products for Dryness

Since we know that there are many benefits to be had from both sea buckthorn seed and sea buckthorn berry oil, we highly recommend our Omega 7 Complete product.

It contains only 100% pure Himalayan sea buckthorn oil. Our oil is extracted with state-of-the-art technology to preserve the rich nutrients of the fruit and seed, making it the top choice for anyone looking for results.

It couldn’t be any easier, just take a few capsules daily. Based on customer feedback, we recommend taking the product for at least one full month for the best results.

Support Heart + Liver Health

Sea buckthorn oil is great for anyone who wants to support their overall health. Due to its omega content, it’s thought that sea buckthorn oil can be helpful in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. The antioxidant content of the oil is also thought to help keep our hearts healthy.

Lipids and bioactive nutrients found in sea buckthorn oil is nurturing to many systems in the body. The carotenoids and natural vitamin E found in sea buckthorn oil is thought to help protect liver cells, according to a study.

The Best Products for Heart and Liver Health

Our Pure Himalayan Seed Oil product is perfect for anyone looking for overall health support. Sea buckthorn seed oil has more Omega 3 than any other lipid and it’s naturally rich with antioxidants. Many of our customers choose pure seed oil as their go to, everyday health booster. We also have a pure sea buckthorn seed oil dropper bottle product for those who don’t like to swallow capsules.

Healthy Immune Support

Sea buckthorn oil has many fatty acids, but it’s also high in antioxidants and other bioactive nutrients. This could be why many of our customers use it to help keep their immune system in shape. 

“Ultimate flu fighter-This is our secret weapon for fighting flu in our family. No need to take any medication at all. We take 5 capsules x 3 a day with vitamin C when we feel the flu is going to kick off, throughout these 5 years, every time works. I. I 'd introduced Omega-7 Complete for many co-workers and friends, they are now keep taking this product as supplement. Thank you Seabuckwonders.” SeabuckWonders.com Customer

The Best Products for Healthy Immune Support

Omega 7 Complete is a great go-to for anyone trying to boost overall health, because you’re getting a blend of  seed and berry sea buckthorn oils with every serving. Our sea buckthorn seed oil products are especially rich with antioxidants, and so either the capsules or the pure oil would be suitable for this purpose.

Hair and Beauty

We’ve just won the highly coveted 2020 Beauty and Body Awards from Delicious Living for Omega 7 Complete. In 2019, the word about SeabuckWonders was beginning to spread in the beauty community thanks to many influencers that we’ve worked with and celebrity hair stylist, Lori Goddard. Goddard recommends our oil because it helps renew the health of hair from the inside out, and she now sells it out of her Los Angeles Studio.

Once again, the fatty acid complex found in sea buckthorn oil is likely why it’s so great for hair and skin. That’s because it can help hydrate and strengthen hair that may have been damaged or dry.

 The Best Products for Hair and Beauty

In addition to taking sea buckthorn oil orally, you might want to also try a sea buckthorn berry oil hair mask, or even simply adding a few drops of the pure oil to your conditioner. According to our customers, Omega 7 Complete is the best product to take orally for beauty support.

Stay Healthy in the New Year

We wish you health and happiness in the New Year! Be sure to check in with us for more tips on how to use sea buckthorn oil throughout the year!

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning that the body cannot make it on its own. Though oleic acid is made in the body, sometimes the levels within the skin can be off balance. These fatty acids play important roles throughout our bodies, with special focus on the cell membranes.

The Lipids in Our Skin

Our epidermis is a complex organ that uses a network of different lipids to function properly. Lipids are organic compounds made of fatty acids or derivatives of fatty acids. They’re made up of waxes and natural oils. The lipids found in the skin include sebaceous lipids, wax esters, squalene, diglycerides, cholesterol esters, sterol esters and of course, free fatty acids.

Oleic and linoleic acid are crucial for skin health, so much so that many common skin issues are related to imbalanced levels of the two. They are important in skincare ingredients. Having a good understanding of how they work will help you choose the best products for your skin type.

Linoleic Acid

Of the different kinds of polyunsaturated fatty acids present in the skin, linoleic acid (omega 6) is the most dominant. Omega 6 is a part of other lipids found in the ecosystem of the epidermis. Lipids called sphingolipids combine with fatty acids to create ceramides.

Ceramides are one of the most important components of the outer layer of human skin. Ceramides make long sheets and it’s thought that they’re the main reason the outer layer of skin has important protective properties.

Linoleic acid enables an important protective function, and there are high levels of it found in ceramides. The network of ceramides, powered by linoleic acid, prevents the loss of water in the cells and protects from outside pathogens.

Research shows that omega 6 can be especially helpful for sensitive skin and skin that suffers from inflammation related issues.

How Omega 6 Works in Skin care

We know that linoleic acid is important in our bodies and the composition of our skin. While science is still discovering much about the full function of fatty acids in skin, there is mounting evidence that linoleic acid (omega 6) plays a very important role in particular.

One study focused on acne sufferers showed that subjects with acne also had low levels of linoleic acid on the surface of their skin. Other studies suggest that having a balanced amount of omega 6 and omega 3 could be the key to better balanced skin.

Sea buckthorn seed oil has a balanced ratio of omega 6 and omega 3. Another sign that sea buckthorn seed oil could be appropriate for acne prone skin is its low level on the comedogenic scale. Because it ranks as a number 1, it can be considered non-comedogenic, meaning it’s not likely to clog pores.

Oleic Acid

Oleic acid is also called omega 9, it is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and it’s actually the most common fatty acid found on earth. Like omega 6, it can be found in many of the components that make up skin, like in wax or cholesterol esters.

On its own, oleic acid has a penetrating effect, meaning that it can break through different cellular layers in the body. Studies of isolated oleic acid imply that the fatty acid on its own could be disruptive or irritating for skin.

However, omega 9 is almost never isolated when it comes to natural oils and skincare. It’s commonly found in plant-based oils, and is usually paired with other fatty acids, like linoleic acid.

Natural oils that have high levels of oleic acid also have higher numbers on the comedogenic scale. Some oils that are especially high are coconut oil or olive oil. While these ingredients sound like a recipe for irritation, some plant oils have a healthy balance of oleic acid.

Sea buckthorn oil, especially the seed oil, has a nearly perfect ratio of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and even omega 3. The oleic acid in sea buckthorn seed oil is beneficial because it helps to deeply penetrate to help nurture skin cells.

In balanced oils like sea buckthorn seed oil, omega 9 can have hydrating and soothing properties for skin.

How to Use Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil on Your Face

We sell two versions of sea buckthorn seed oil: a dropper bottle of pure oil, and a gel capsule product. For imbalanced skin, or dryness, we always recommend doing an external procedure combined with an internal procedure. Using sea buckthorn oil as an internal supplement can produce great results. That’s where our “beauty from the inside out” slogan comes from.

Internal use of sea buckthorn oils in general can help cellular health and reintroduce moisture throughout the body, including skin. Pure sea buckthorn seed oil makes a good topical treatment. It also makes a great companion for other ingredients in our skincare line.

After washing and gently drying your skin, you can massage one drop of pure sea buckthorn seed oil into your face, focusing on areas that need it most. Because everyone’s skin differs, you might want to use more than one drop. Start with one drop and add more as needed.

For Dry or Oily Skin

Dry skin types will quickly absorb sea buckthorn seed oil, but oily skin types may also benefit from the stability bringing qualities of sea buckthorn seed oil, rich with linoleic acid. Those with sensitive and oily skin will want to try treatments with small amounts of sea buckthorn seed oil.

Start with one drop, massage it in and add more as needed. After about twenty minutes, use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil on the skin. It should be enough time for your skin to absorb nutrients from the oil. Some people like to leave in on for longer or may even be able to use it as a serum-base for under their daily moisturizer (for dry skin types).

We recommend experimenting to find the perfect regimen for your skin type, always starting with a very small amount. For those who simply aren’t comfortable using pure oil on their skin (you aren’t alone), we have crafted our Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream.

It’s light but deeply moisturizing and is designed to be balancing for all skin types- even sensitive. This product contains sea buckthorn seed oil and sea buckthorn berry oil along with other gentle ingredients.

Dry skin types might want to do a layer of seed oil and once its absorbed, another layer of Facial Cream, to help seal in moisture throughout the day. The key is finding the right balance of topical treatments and oral supplementation for your situation.

Learn how to use sea buckthorn berry oil on your face here.

Sea Buckthorn Provides a Host of EFAs

Linoleic and oleic acid are incredibly important to skin health and creating skincare products. While most plant-based oils contain these fatty acids, sea buckthorn oil has a perfectly balanced ratio of the two.

We only discussed these two components, but sea buckthorn oil has other important fatty acids, including omega 3, omega 7, and palmitic acid, which plays an important role for skin function. Because of its perfect balance of fatty acids and antioxidants, sea buckthorn oils can be extremely helpful for supporting many skin types.

How do you use sea buckthorn berry oil on your skin? This bright orange oil can be a bit perplexing for new users. No need to fear, we have created this guide to help you use sea buckthorn berry oil topically.

Why Should you try a Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil Mask?

Sea buckthorn berry oil can work wonders on skin because of its unique chemical properties. With omega 7, antioxidants, and a network of phytonutrients, this oil can help restore moisture, support aging skin, and even support cellular function.

Omega 7 is extremely rare in nature, and even more so in the plant world. After thousands of years in use in Asia and Europe, science finally figured out why the small orange berries from sea buckthorn trees were so amazing for health- omega 7 and a plethora of other nutrients.

So Many Lipids-Sterols, Liposomes, Ceramides

Sea buckthorn berry oil is made up of a group of complex lipids which work in the skin to support healthy function. It contains sterols, which support the protective barrier of the epidermis. These sterols help retain moisture on a cellular level which means that the oil can help restore firmness and elasticity in our skin.

It contains liposomes, which help the nutrients move through the skin, delivering nutrition to ceramides. In turn, ceramides help hydrate, support the skin’s natural regenerative properties, and help smooth the external appearance of skin.

Other lipids that can be found in sea buckthorn berry oil are glycolipids and phospholipids. These are relevant to skincare because they can help slow inflammation, support cell health, and ultimately help the skin to regenerate itself.

A recent study even showed that sea buckthorn oil helped in the activation of human stem cells- which is pretty cool.

Who Should use Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil Masks?

Nearly everyone can benefit from a sea buckthorn berry oil mask treatment. How often you do depends on your skin type and also what you are trying to achieve.

Dry and Damaged Skin Types

You might want to do this treatment more than once a week if you have dry skin or are recovering from a sunburn. Sea buckthorn berry oil is great to help decrease the appearance scars, so if you have newer acne scars, the omega 7 found in this oil could help.

If you have broken skin, make sure to sanitize skin by washing before applying the oil. Don't worry, sea buckthorn berry oil is great for assisting the skin while healing. Just be sure to keep it clean before and after your treatment.

Aging Skin Types

Omega 7 and the rest of the lipids found in sea buckthorn berry oil can help plump, hydrate, and help repair aging or wrinkling skin. If your skin is on the dry side, try twice a week. If it's on the oily side, try it once a week to start.

Oily Skin Types

Even oily skin types can benefit from sea buckthorn oil treatments. Did you know that in many cases, oily skin is caused by dry skin overcompensating?

Try to blend in some sea buckthorn seed oil into your mask. The linoleic acid in the seed oil is especially good for oily and sensitive skin types. Plus, combining the oleic acid in berry oil will help the seed oil penetrate deeper into your skin. Check out this post for more details on how to do a seed oil mask.

Start out by trying this mask once a month. You can do it more often, but just exercise caution as oily skin types can also be sensitive and or acne prone.

Worried that sea buckthorn oil might clog pores? Don't worry, sea buckthorn oil only scores a 1 on the comedogenic scale, which classifies it as non-comedogenic. This means it's unlikely that sea buckthorn oil will clog your pores.

Using the berry oil internally will also help balance oily skin types from the inside out over time. Try our Omega 7 Complete as an internal supplement companion. If you're not ready to try pure oil on your oily skin, start with our Facial Cream. It's perfect for anyone who is looking for balanced skin.

Pampered People

Even if you're already happy with your skin, sea buckthorn berry oil is a lux treatment that can keep your gorgeous skin happy. Try doing this treatment once or twice a month.

Need some extra tips for how to use sea buckthorn berry oil? Stop by here.

Big thanks to our model, Tracy Bush, the founder of Nutrimom Food Allergy Liason. Scroll down for more about Tracy!

Step 1

Start with only a drop of sea buckthorn berry oil on your fingertips. A little goes a long way, trust us.

Massage the oils right into the skin on your face, paying special attention to areas that need help.
 

Step 2

Just relax! You need to give the oil time to absorb into your skin, so chill for about 20-30 minutes.

Don’t do this treatment right before you rush out to work in the morning, give yourself a chance to relax and leave time to really let it soak in.

You can leave the oil on your skin for as long as you like, but start with 20 minutes.

Step 3

Either wipe off or wash off the excess oil with warm soapy water. Everyone’s skin will absorb the berry oil mask slightly differently.

Some have reported that their skin sucks up every drop but most will find that there will still be an orange glow and a thin layer of left over oil.

Notes:

Wash off any access oil before you go to sleep, especially on light colored bed clothes.

While some customer's have told us that they can sleep with the oil on their skin without incident, you're better off cleaning up before bedtime.

The oil washes out surprisingly well but you don’t want to take a chance with your favorite comforter!

Customize for Best Results

Since everyone's skin is different, feel free to customize your face mask. Try adding a bit of sea buckthorn seed oil, and see how pairing topical treatments with internal supplements helps your skin.

We always recommend starting slow to see how your skin responds. Sea buckthorn oils are balancing for many skin types and are very gentle oils, even when undiluted. So, experiment with a little at a time to see what's best for your individual skin type. Good luck and enjoy your journey to better skin!

Tracy Bush is a Food Allergy Consultant, Author, Blogger, Mother & Self-professed “Kitchen Geek”. Her website AllergyPhoods and media pages are a mixture of product reviews, recipes and advice mixed with a tinge of humor. Her mission- “I write, I cook and I laugh and I aim to make everyone else do the same.”