Learn why and how to use rosehip oil for babies while considering all the side effects and precautions mentioned in this article to avoid mishaps.
Rosehip is the name given to the fruit of the rose bush. It is an aromatic oil extracted from the seeds of the wild rose bush known as the Rosa moschata in the Chilean Andes. Nowadays, the species of rose known as Rosa canina grown in South Africa, and Europe is also used for rosehip oil extraction. It has also been used for thousands of years by the Incas.
This oil is extracted from seeds using the cold-press method and it is also one of the few essential oils that you can safely use without having to dilute with a carrier oil.
Owing to its skin health benefits, it is prized in the cosmetic industry. It is suitable for all skin types, and is also safe for use on babies’ skin and helps treat their unique skin conditions. Keep reading to know how you can use rosehip oil for babies.
Properties and Uses of Rosehip Oil
- Natural vitamin A in the oil combats premature aging due to excessive sun exposure, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and treats mild acne.
- Antioxidant vitamin C reduces the damage due to UV light and supports collagen production, thereby increasing skin elasticity, promoting wound healing, and preventing dry skin.
- Antioxidants lycopene and beta carotene protect from damage due to free radicals.
- The oil is rich in fatty acids like omega 3, 6, and 9, which improve skin health. They help prevent or fade fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
- It is non-greasy, easily absorbable by your skin, and hence, acts as a good moisturizer.
- It helps skin glow and prevents dry skin and conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- It’s fatty acids and vitamin content help skin cell renewal and repair. It also helps in fading scars, stretch marks, chickenpox scars, and other skin blemishes.
- Its anti-inflammatory property helps heal burns.
- It’s aromatic, calming scent reduces stress. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for aromatherapy.
Rosehip Oil for Babies
The oil is mostly safe for topical applications directly on your baby’s skin. It is an effective moisturizer for their delicate skin. Pat dry your baby’s skin after a bath and massage it with a few drops of rosehip oil.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Babies
- It helps soothe skin irritations, itching, and inflammations.
- Helps prevent dry skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and cradle cap.
- Alleviates baby acne, which develops in months old babies, like red or white bumps on the face, neck, or upper back.
Storage and Usage Guide
- Store pure organic rosehip oil in the refrigerator or in a cool and dark place.
- Store in a dark-colored bottle to minimize exposure to light.
- You can add Vitamin E to the oil as a preservative.
- You can either use it directly without dilution or as a carrier oil for other potent essential oils.
DIY Rosehip Oil Remedies
Cradle Cap Remedy
What You Need
- 30ml fractionated coconut oil
- 30 ml castor oil
- 5 drops rosehip seed oil
- 2 drops sandalwood
- 2 drops immortelle
- Add the above ingredients to a small bottle with one drop dispenser and shake well.
- Apply one drop of the mixture directly for cradle cap, minor eczema, or other small irritations.
Rare Side Effects Include
- Rashes
- Breathing Difficulty
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
Precautions
- Do skin patch test: Apply on wrist, elbow, or jawline and leave for 24 hours, if your baby does not develop a rash; you can use it.
- Do not use this oil internally.
- Use this oil only for short periods.
- Seek your doctor’s advice before using it on your baby.
- Use this oil with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- There is a reported risk of increased bleeding, and hence, do not use this oil before surgery or if you are on any blood clotting medication.
Rosehip oil can thus do wonders on your baby’s skin if used right! Let us know your feedback after using this on your baby’s skin and following all recommendations and precautions.
