Sea Buckthorn Benefits For Skin, Hair And Health And How To Use It

Before we get into the benefits, it is important to take note of the nutritional content of sea buckthorn. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, the berries and leaves are chock full of vitamins C, E, and B, beta carotene, citric acid and malic acid. A couple of compounds that are of special interest are anthocyanins (antioxidants in nature) and palmitoleic acid (a component found in skin lipids). With the help of these nutrients, and some others, here's how sea buckthorn can be beneficial for skin, hair and health.

As seen above, sea buckthorn has multiple benefits for the skin. They are particularly coveted for protecting and revitalizing skin. They do this by boosting collagen levels in the skin, reducing inflammation caused by UV exposure and sun damage, help alleviate skin dryness and help heal from burns, frostbite and bedsores. Rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, sea buckthorn can help boost the elasticity of the skin - keeping early signs of ageing at bay. Consumption of preparations like sea buckthorn tea has also been known to rid your system of toxins and help maintain the integrity of your skin. When used topically, sea buckthorn can work as a strong hydrating agent for dry skin.

Sea buckthorn is a common ingredient found in shampoos, conditioners and hair supplements. This is because it has shown effectiveness in making hair healthier, both in appearance and alleviating certain issues. For instance, hairstylists use the regenerative properties of sea buckthorn as a treatment for damaged hair. It also helps restore elasticity, which is necessary to give your hair body, bounce and curl retention. It also helps make rough and coarse hair textures smoother and more manageable. The presence of folates and biotin also contribute to stronger hair follicles, thus inhibiting hair loss and shedding to a considerable extent. The oxidative effect of this remedy can help reverse ageing signs in your mane, delaying greying of hair and loss of texture.

Sea buckthorn has many health benefits that are multifold as well. Here are some to take note of:

The antioxidants present in sea buckthorn help manage concerns like blood clots, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Some studies have shown that the consumption of this plant helped reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. In humans, sea buckthorn has been known to manage blood sugar spikes caused by a carb-rich meal.

Sea buckthorn is rich in flavonoids which can increase illness resistance in your system and thus help boost the natural immune functions of the body.

Sea buckthorn is rich in compounds like healthy fats, vitamin E and carotenoids - which help protect against damage to healthy liver cells.

Regular consumption of sea buckthorn has shown to improve the digestive function of your body - thus keeping many aspects of your health in check.

There are a number of ways to incorporate sea buckthorn in your daily routine. Depending on your convenience and availability, these are some options to choose from:

Sea buckthorn oil is a red-orange hue, concentrated liquid derived from either the seeds or the pulp of the berries. For cosmetic purposes, they are available in their pure form and in the form of health supplements for regular consumption.

Sea buckthorn tea is made with the dried berries and leaves of the plant. They can be brewed like regular teas and consumed on a regular basis. The fresh berries can also be turned into a number of other kinds of beverages like juices, coolers and hot elixirs.

As mentioned earlier, sea buckthorn is used as an ingredient in a number of hair and beauty formulations. They are one of the easiest ways to incorporate the plant into your skin and hair care routine as they are formulated in safe and proper doses for topical use.

Apart from the ways mentioned above, sea buckthorn can be included in your beauty routine with the following homemade masks:

Mix equal parts of sea buckthorn oil, honey and fresh aloe vera in a non-metallic bowl. Apply on a clean face, keep for 10-15 minutes and wash it all off.

Take equal amounts of sea buckthorn oil and oat flakes and grind in a blender. Add this to the whisked egg yolk and apply on a clean face. Keep for 10-15 minutes and wash off with a mild cleanser, follow with a moisturiser.

Mix a tablespoon of clay with a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil in a non-metallic bowl. Apply on a cleansed face and keep for at least 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and follow up with a hydrating moisturiser.

**A. **Sea buckthorn is generally considered pretty safe for skin, hair and health use. However, people with high blood pressure have complained on very rare occasions of swelling, headaches, dizziness and heart palpitations with overuse of the same. Also, when used topically to treat burns, some have also indicated at getting a rash from the same. So make sure you are taking the proper precautions while using the plant for its many benefits.

**A. **Rich in carotenoids and fatty acids, sea buckthorn oil is able to penetrate deep into your skin and nourish it from within. It also fights free radical damage in your body - which can help keep ageing signs like wrinkles, fine lines and age spots at bay.

**A. **Yes, sea buckthorn oil is antifungal in nature and can be used for disinfecting surface wounds and infections on the skin. However, it is not recommended to self-treat open wounds and the oil should always be used as a natural alternative under the guidance of an expert.

**A. **Yes, sea buckthorn oil can be combined with other essential oils to improve its efficacy. Some of the popular oils that can be mixed with it for a glowing complexion are jojoba oil, tea tree oil, rosehip oil and grapeseed oil. When mixed with argan oil, the mixture can be used as an effective scalp massage oil for healthy hair.

**A. **The berries of sea buckthorn are tart, with hints of sour orange and mango in it. This is why the beverages prepared from the fruit are in the form of coolers and sweet shakes so that it is easier to drink.