If you’re one of the millions of people living with psoriasis, you know how frustrating it can be to find effective treatments. But what if help for your skin condition was a remedy hiding in nature all along? Rosehip oil is gaining attention as a potential treatment for psoriasis. With its anti-inflammatory properties and essential fatty acids, this oil can help soothe and moisturize the skin, reducing irritation and itchiness.

If you have psoriasis, you’re likely to experience a variety of symptoms. These will depend on the type of psoriasis you have, any triggers that might cause your condition to flare, and whether you’ve found treatments that help. Several MyPsoriasisTeam members are talking about rosehip oil to manage psoriasis symptoms.

“I swear by rosehip and castor oil,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member said. Another said, “I have found soaking in Epsom salts and using rosehip oil works well.”

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil comes from the fruit and seeds of the rosehip, a wild rosebush that grows across Europe, Asia, and Africa. People have used rosehips for years as a natural remedy for conditions like gastrointestinal issues and inflammatory diseases. In some cases, people eat the fruit, grind it into a powder, or make it into jellies and other edible products.

When rosehip seeds are pressed, the oil can be extracted. These essential oils can then be used in a variety of ways, including being rubbed into the skin.

What Are the Benefits of Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil has high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. When used topically (on the skin), it can help reduce inflammation and lock in moisture while also exfoliating. These benefits are largely due to the compounds found within the oil itself. It also can help with acne and lightening dark patches of skin.

Phenolic and Fatty Acids

Psoriasis is caused by abnormal immune system reactions that result in inflammation of the skin. Rosehip oil contains high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic acids, which can help protect the skin against inflammation.

Fatty acids help to moisturize the skin thoroughly without making it feel oily. People with psoriasis often need to keep their skin moisturized, and rosehip oil may help lock in moisture and preventing flaky skin and dry patches.

Vitamin C

Rosehip oil is high in vitamin C. This vitamin is an antioxidant (a substance that can prevent or slow damage to cells) that can protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and encourage the body to make more collagen — an important factor for skin elasticity. Although some formulations of rosehip oil can be consumed, most are for topical use only. Ingesting rosehip oil to increase your vitamin C intake is not recommended.

Rosehip oil also has vitamin E, which is anti-inflammatory.

Carotenoids

Rosehip oil is high in carotenoids, antioxidants that give your skin color and help protect it from stress. Carotenoids may help reduce tissue damage and speed skin repair for people with psoriasis.

How Does Rosehip Oil Help Skin Conditions?

No clinical trials have specifically investigated the impact of rosehip oil on people with psoriasis, but studies have shed light on rosehip oil’s safety and its effects on the skin in general.

One small study of 34 people tested the impact of rosehip seeds, though not the oil. The study found that the seeds, when ground into a powder and ingested, improved skin cell longevity and reduced fine lines around the eyes in the general population. Another study found that rosehip oil applied topically to postsurgical scars twice daily led to less swelling and redness than for untreated scars.

These studies show rosehip seeds and rosehip seed oil are relatively safe to use. However, researchers haven’t thoroughly investigated whether the oil is beneficial for psoriasis, so it’s important to talk to a dermatology professional before trying it on your skin.

What To Look For in a Rosehip Oil Product

If you’re interested in adding rosehip oil to your skin care routine, look for products that have high concentrations of undiluted oil, such as a certified organic pure rosehip oil.

It’s a good idea to buy rosehip oil that’s been packaged in a darker container to protect it from ultraviolet rays. This type of light can make the oil less effective. Raw, unrefined rosehip oil can stain clothing or other surfaces (like chairs and sheets). Organic, cold-pressed rosehip oil tends to stain less than unrefined oil, if you’re concerned about staining.

If your skin is oily and you’d prefer not to add oil to it, you might try a moisturizer containing rosehip oil. You can also add a few drops of the oil to any moisturizer you use.

“I use Plunkett’s Vita E High-Potency Intensive Vitamin E Oil with rosehip oil,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote. “This stuff clears up my blisters, helps with itching, and clears any scarring.”

Regardless of the product you choose, confirm that the ingredients list doesn’t include anything that has previously irritated your skin. Some lotions have ingredients you may not expect, and you don’t want to find out after you’ve used a moisturizer that it may cause your skin to flare.

How To Use Rosehip Oil for Psoriasis

Talk to a dermatologist before adding any new products or ingredients to your skin care regimen, including rosehip oil. Keep in mind that what works for one person with psoriasis may not work for you. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote, “We’re all different, so there’s a lot of trial and error involved with psoriasis.”

Once you open a bottle of rosehip oil, it has a shelf life of about six months. After that, you may find that it loses effectiveness. It may even have an unappealing smell, texture, or appearance once it’s past its expiration date.

Don’t Skip the Patch Test

After your dermatologist has given you the OK to use rosehip oil to treat psoriasis, it’s a good idea to patch test it to determine how your skin responds.

To evaluate whether the rosehip oil will irritate your skin, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area and wait 24 to 48 hours before adding it to your skin care routine. If you have dry skin, a history of allergic reactions to topical products, or sensitive skin, watch closely to see if you experience any side effects.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 116,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried using rosehip oil to treat your psoriasis symptoms? Was it helpful? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.