Rose hip seed oil has been successfully used in the treatment of dermal ailments derived from overexposure to sun radiation, like photoaging (dermatoheliosis); these ailments are more likely to develop in people living in zones of warm climate. This solar exposition can be the cause of varied and serious alterations in the skin. Dermatoheliosis severity ranges from small wrinkles to active keratosis and alteration in the melanin granules distribution.

Rose hip oil benefits were demonstrated in a test where volunteers were selected among people who usually spent the 3 months of summer in resorts by the sea or who go to the beach every day. The tests included a group of 20 women in the range of 25 to 35 years old who were assessed and controlled during the 1988 summer months. The most frequently observed cutaneous signs were brown spots, surface wrinkles, eyelids and, in some cases, a noticeable tan. During four months, all applied rose hip oil on the face (May to August, Autumn 1988).

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

Treatment of Surgical Scar

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

Applications of rose hip seed oil were made, starting on the day when the surgical stitches were removed. After cleansing the zone with tepid water and soap and gently drying, the oil was applied by soft massage. After three months of applying it two times a day (morning and evening) it was observed a softening in the visibility of the scars, with improved skin elasticity and without lumps; also, a significant improvement in the color of the area was observed.

These observations were carried out until four months after the operations and the treating specialists noted that the skin conditions of patients following this skin care routine were improving considerably, allowing plastic surgery or implantation of prosthesis in far better conditions than with patients who did not receive this treatment.

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

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