Understanding the Properties of Evening Primrose
Apart from having a wonderfully evocative name, Primrose Seed Oil (Oenothera Biennis) is a humble oil that has become a staple of cosmetics because of its various beneficial properties on health and wellbeing.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower, a very dainty yellow flower in spring and summer.
General Health Benefits
The properties of Evening Primrose Oil, and its beneficial effects on general wellbeing, are well documented. It has been shown, in multiple studies, to help with PMS symptoms, like headaches and cramps, and relieve symptoms of menopause when ingested.
The omega-6 fatty acid in the oil can help combat bloating, acne and irritability.
And it can also help increase fertility, reduce or relieve diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis symptoms.
Evening Primrose Oil on Skin
Health benefits aside, Evening Primrose is an absolute marvel for the skin.
The majority of evening primrose oil consists of glycerides such as linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.
These fatty acids work to effectively penetrate the skin surface and modulate its top surface layers make-up. By doing so, evening primrose oil was found to stabilise the top layers of the epidermis, causing an increase in water retention and an improvement in overall moisture levels.
As a result of improved skin barrier function, evening primrose oil can also help induce a soothing effect for dry, uncomfortable skin.
Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have shown that evening primrose oil helps with ageing effects on skin and even functional and structural changes in skin tissues, including redness, firmness, roughness, and fatigue resistance.
It is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin where the fatty acids reduce irritation and actively help skin cells to repair themselves. An anti-ageing ingredient of choice for mature skin and skin affected by menopause.
Menopause can bring some noticeable changes to the skin and hair. As hormone levels plummet, the skin can become dry, slack, and thin. With proper skin care and products, you can lessen these effects.
To get maximum impact on the skin, Phyt’s Laboratories have combined Evening Primrose with Borage Seed Oil (Borago Officinalis), Soya, Sage, Vanilla and Natural Vitamin E to create Phytonagre – a 100% natural certified organic moisturiser which leaves mature and menopausal skin healthier and instantly brightened and gorgeous.
Discover Phytonagre face moisturiser here