Seed oils have gotten a bad rap lately. If you run with the health-conscious crowd, you might already know that many seed oils are on the outs. Certain seed oils, like sunflower, safflower, canola, soybean and vegetable, are considered bad for our diets. Although you might not use these oils at home, they’re surprisingly prevalent in restaurants and store-bought foods. Yes, they can wreak havoc on our diet, but what about our skin? We asked experts what consuming and using skin-care products with these oils can do to our skin, and it’s not pretty.
Featured experts
- Elaine Kung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL
- Jennifer Hanway is a holistic nutritionist
Are seed oils okay in skin care?
While some seed oils have become commonplace in skin-care products, they’re more controversial than ever. “The use of seed oils in skin care has become a contentious topic, with varying opinions and claims. While some tout their benefits, others express concerns about their potential negative impacts,” says New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. The pros and cons should be weighed based on the specific seed oil and your individual skin type.
“Everyone’s skin is unique, and individual reactions to ingredients can vary widely. What works for one person might not have the same effect on another,” notes Miami, FL dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “It’s important to remember that a single ingredient can be beneficial for some and problematic for others.”
Some seed oils can be good for skin care
Some seed oils are included in skin care due to how rich they are in essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to hydration and protection, says Dr. Kung. “Furthermore, certain seed oils, such as those containing gamma-linolenic acid, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties,” she adds. “For example, rosehip oil has vitamins A and C, which can help with skin texture and has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, jojoba oil is similar to the composition of human sebum, so it can help balance oil production.” Dr. Longwill notes that some can also help repair and regenerate skin and balance oil production. Seed oils like apricot kernel, rosehip and jojoba oil are considered good ingredients for skin care when formulated correctly.
Others should be avoided in skin care
It’s important to remember that not all seed oils are the same. Some can clog pores and cause breakouts when applied to the skin or consumed. “Also, some oils can oxidize over time and form free radicals, so it’s important to store them properly,” notes Dr. Kung. Dr. Longwill recommends avoiding products that contain sunflower, safflower, canola or vegetable oil.
Do seed oils in our diet affect our skin?
More important than how seed oils affect our skin topically is what happens to our skin when we consume them. Dr. Longwill herself notes that she’s currently on a no-seed-oil diet as she believes today’s seed oils are best avoided. She recommends swapping canola, vegetable, sunflower and safflower oils for butter, ghee and olive or coconut oil. However, some seed oils are still in nutritionists’ good graces like flaxseed, hemp seed, pumpkin seed, chia seed and sesame seed.
“When seed oils such as canola, soybean and sunflower are heated to high temperatures during cooking, they can undergo chemical changes that make them potentially harmful to our health,” says holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway. When exposed to heat, they are prone to oxidation, “a process that generates harmful compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells in the body, leading to inflammation, contributing to various chronic conditions and skin health issues.”
These free radicals can cause oxidative stress and accelerate the aging process, resulting in dullness, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity and wrinkles. “Additionally, oxidative stress can impair the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to environmental damage, including UV radiation from the sun.” So whether you’re putting them on your skin topically or ingesting them, they can affect your complexion.
“These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, while essential for health, can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess. Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in skin aging, leading to the breakdown of collagen and elastin,” says Hanway. “This can result in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, can also worsen with a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids.”
