Over 30 million people in the US have eczema, making it one of the most common skin conditions you can get. Eczema has many names, but if you have had the itching, red, and inflamed skin common to nearly all forms, then you know how important it is to find a remedy that can soothe and comfort your skin. Luckily, there is one easy and natural solution to helping treat your eczema, and that is rosehip oil.

What is Eczema?

There are many different forms of eczema, including atopic, allergic, or contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Most people with this disorder have atopic dermatitis, which is known to produce itchy and rough or scaly skin, redness and swelling, and sometimes a rash that weeps and forms a crust.

There is no cure for eczema, so the best you can do, if you suffer from this skin condition, is to treat your symptoms and provide your skin with the moisture and nutrients it needs to heal itself. That is where rosehip oil comes in.

What is Rosehip Oil?

Also known as rosehip seed oil, rosehip oil is extracted from the wild rose plants Rosa moschata or Rosa rubiginosa, which are indigenous to the Southern Andes and parts of South Africa and Europe. This plant oil is best when extracted using the cold-pressing technique, which preserves the many helpful phytochemicals and essential fatty acids that make it perfect for treating eczema.

The benefits of rosehip oil for your skin come from its naturally high concentration of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Rosehip oil is known to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help improve the elasticity of your skin, provide you with necessary moisturization, and help your body’s immune system fight the infection that is causing your itchy skin.

Rosehip oil has a natural pH of 5.1, which is close to the natural oils your skin produces. The essential fatty acids in this oil allow it to cover your skin in a fine film that holds moisture in and protects it from becoming scaly. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce redness and swelling, prevent itchiness, and reduce the risk of recurrent infection.

How do I Use Rosehip Oil?

It is easy to use this natural treatment for your eczema or other skin disorder. You can apply rosehip oil directly to your skin, just like you would a regular moisturizer or body lotion. If you have active eczema, it is best to wash the affected area twice per day with warm water and mild soap, pat dry (never rub), then apply the oil to the affected skin.

You can also use rosehip oil to prevent future outbreaks by applying it regularly to areas of your skin that are prone to breakouts. Most people with eczema experience relapses in symptoms periodically, and many will have patches in the same areas on their body. Apply rosehip oil to these areas regularly to prevent future flare-ups. Learning what triggers your eczema and help you reduce future breakouts, as well.

You can also create a healing treatment for your eczema by combining mixing Dead Sea salts with three pieces of Shea butter and one drop of rosehip oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area, allow it to dry for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

This oil is exceptionally gentle and considered safe, but it is always a good idea to test it on a smaller patch of skin before applying liberally or to broken, itchy skin. If you are unsure if this treatment is right for your skin condition, talk with your doctor or dermatologist before use.