Flaxseed Oil
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Serums, creams, oils
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Serums, creams, oils
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED OIL?
Flaxseed oil has shown multiple benefits in both oral and topical applications. It has been shown to have antibacterial activity. Furthermore, flaxseed oil has been shown to improve permeation of creams via nanoemulsion, whereby the presence of fatty acids is thought to enhance the permeation of creams, particularly in CoQ10 in one study. An oil-in-water microemulsion with flaxseed extract has been shown to have significantly improved elasticity, less sebum, and less melanin and erythema in skin compared with a control. Along the same line, the presence of flaxseed oil fatty acids is key in the suppression of UVB-induced skin lesions, which was shown in hairless mice. Another study in rats showed decreased ultraviolet C oxidative stress and apoptotic byproducts with application of flaxseed oil. Another study used flaxseed oil to demonstrate a decrease in skin sensitivity, roughness and scaling. One study specified that 1% or 5% application in excisional wounds allowed reepithelialization in treated animals; in wounds, the rate of wound contraction was found to be higher in burns with flaxseed oil treatment, with fewer inflammatory cells, reduced and discrete fibrosis and enhanced neovascularization with increased collagen, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In some treated animals, histopathologic correlation of carcinogen-treated control animals revealed that oral flaxseed oil was able to modulate the level of epidermal hyperplasia, keratinized pearl formation, and acanthosis in skin and tumors. In some studies of rats, intraperitoneal, oral or intravenous doses of flaxseed oil derivatives have been shown to have immunosuppressive activity. Maternal intake of flaxseed oil showed decreased contact hypersensitivity. Finally, it is thought to reduce wrinkling through its anti-oxidative effect, which is expected to provide anti-aging activity in vivo.
WHAT IS FLAXSEED OIL?
Flaxseed oil (i.e., linseed oil) is a derivative of the Linaceae family of plants. The extracts are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, but their most important attribute is a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which make up a majority of their use in cosmetic ingredients. Its antibacterial and antioxidant effects are likely related to its high protein, lipid and mineral content. It is an important source of alpha-linolenic acid and has a rich supply of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, a naturally-occurring chemopreventive agent.
IS FLAXSEED OIL SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Flaxseed oil is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. However, there are reports of contact dermatitis related to flaxseed oil; thus, products containing it should be used cautiously by those with such a predisposition or reaction.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of flaxseed oil. Some studies report occupational asthma caused by flaxseed; thus patients with atopic disease, including asthma, should exercise caution when using flaxseed, though this is likely based on non-topical application.
Sources:
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