Rose hip seed oil has proven to be useful in the alleviation of dermal conditions derived from overexposure to solar radiation, including photoaging (dermatoheliosis); these conditions are more likely to appear in patients residing in countries of warm climate. This solar influence can be the origin of varied and grievous changes in the skin. Dermatoheliosis severity ranges from surface wrinkles to active keratosis and alteration in the melanin granules distribution.

To test the healing benefits of rose hip seed oil, volunteers were selected among people who usually spent the 3 months of summer in resorts by the sea or who go to the beach every day. The tests included a group of 20 women aged between 25 and 35 who were assessed and controlled during the summer of 1988. The most frequently observed cutaneous symptoms were eyelids, brown spots, surface wrinkles and, in some cases, a noticeable tan. All applied rose hip oil on the face during four months (May to August, Autumn 1988).

Reports were made periodically every eight days to observe the effects of the treatment. Important changes were observed from the third week on. First, spots started to fade, surface wrinkles started to disappear until, at the end of the fourth month, the blemishes had almost completely faded. Skin had a fresh and smooth look without noticeable spots.

Treatment of Surgical Scar

This test considered scars with equal features. Ten women between 45 and 68 years old were selected, who had suffered a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy.

The same day the surgical stitches were removed, applications of rose hip seed oil started. After washing the area using tepid water and soap and careful drying, the oil was applied by soft massage. After 12 weeks of applying it two times a day (morning and evening) it was observed a softening in the visibility of the scars, with improved skin elasticity and without lumps; also, the color of the area had improved significantly.

These observations were carried out until four months after the operations and the treating specialists noted a significant improvement in the skin conditions of patients following this skin care routine, allowing plastic surgery or implantation of prosthesis in far better conditions than with patients who did not receive this treatment.

These tests along with years of empirical evidence from indigenous people, have led many to believe in the natural skin care benefits that rose hip oil has. Not only has it been used for scars caused by surgeries, but also for acne scars and stretch marks and other skin blemishes.

An extensive research of rose hip oil applications has been performed by Dr Hans Harbst, surgeon and radiotherapist residing in Chile. Dr Harbst specializes in radiology, radio-oncology and nuclear medicine at the Nuclear Research Centre of the University of Heidelberg, Germany and is head of Radio-oncology of the Indisa Clinic in Santiago. He is also head of the Department of Radiology of the Chilean Air Force Hospital in Santiago.