Popular seed oil doubles as super hydrating skin care, skin cancer prevention

By Sari Huhtala

This popular seed oil found in grocery stories makes an incredible skin care oil, even when applied directly from the bottle, to significantly improve skin hydration, protect the skin barrier, aid in wound healing and even help prevent skin cancer.

Just for kicks, I googled skin hydrating oils. You can buy a 15 ml bottle of “superfood hydrating and nourishing facial oil” for $136 or, spend about $15 on a 750 ml bottle of organic sunflower seed oil and achieve the same results, and likely even better results. The latter has been scientifically proven to have anticancer effects. Not to mention, you know exactly what you are putting onto your skin.

Sunflower seed oil has been my go-to choice as a carrier oil when I am making herbal infused oils for skin care products, but I recently began using plain sunflower seed oil while doing lymphatic facial massage and was surprised at how incredible my skin felt. That’s due to its high linoleic acid content, which improves repair to the skin barrier, according to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. In the study, researchers studied the topical application of plant oils to determine their anti-inflammatory effect and skin barrier repair effect.

Taking a deep dive into scientific study, I discovered sunflower seed oil, which is high in linoleic acid and the antioxidant vitamin E and other antioxidants, not only induced faster wound healing, but was also found to have an anti-cancer effect in a murine model of stage two skin cancer. Sesamol, one of the natural components of sunflower seed oil, specifically, played a role in its anticancer effect, researchers concluded.

You can easily fill a small bottle with quality sunflower seed oil and keep it handy for skin care. Do not use the generic low-budget sunflower seed oil that is bound to be a blend of other vegetable oils to make it cheaper. Instead look for an organic, or cold pressed sunflower seed oil.

Or make an herbal infusion. Fill a small, clean jar half full with your choice of dried herbs. I like to use dried rosehips, which you an easily find at a health food store, but you can choose any herb. If you’re aiming to turn it into an antibacterial oil, then use an herb like bergamot – or use both. Then pour the sunflower seed oil over the herbs, filling the jar. Place a lid on the jar. Give it a good shake. Then place the jar in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. It’s a good idea to shake the jar daily to make sure the herbs are always covered, or every few days.

Once infused, completely strain all plant life out of the oil by pouring the oil through a cheesecloth. Make sure the container you are placing the infused oil in is clean, and your hands are clean. Store covered with lid, away from direct heat and sunlight.

(This information is not intended to replace medical advice and treatment from a health care practitioner).

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Find her at 
The Laughing Forest in Spanish, ON.