Sea buckthorn oil is a highly valued medicinal ingredient, offering an impressive nutritional profile, including high concentrations of omega-7 that has been shown to have unique therapeutic benefits for skin health.

When it comes to skincare, often the focus is on topical options and we can get caught up in the aesthetics of it all because ultimately, how we look can really affect our wellbeing. But have you ever considered caring for this organ actually could be more than surface level?

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is a good indicator of internal health. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis at the surface, the dermis beneath it and the hypodermis at the base. The outer most layer of the epidermis, serves as the physiological barrier protecting the underlying skin layers against water loss, irritation and infection.

The skin layers

The epidermis is a lipid-rich structure containing up to 10-20% of free fatty acids which serve as important precursors to ceramides, a predominant skin lipid species critical for moisturising and strengthening the protective barrier of the skin. When this layer is compromised, water from the lower layers of the skin can pass through the epidermis and evaporate into the air causing the skin to appear dry, scaly, wrinkled, irritated and lacklustre. Factors that can weaken this barrier include:

• Ageing
• High oxidative stress
• Poor nutrient status
• UV-radiation damage
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Dry weather
• Excessive washing or exfoliating.

The ultimate dry skin rescue plan

• Hydrate from the inside. 
  Drink plenty of water—aim for at least 8 cups a day and eat omega-3 rich foods like salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts and chia seeds.

• Gentle natural cleansing.
  Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid hot water; opt for lukewarm to prevent drying out your skin.

• Moisturise with plant-based oils.
  Apply coconut oil, jojoba oil (non-comedogenic), sea buckthorn oil or sweet almond oil to damp skin.

• Exfoliate gently.
  Try a homemade scrub made with oats and honey, or sugar or used coffee grinds and olive oil. Exfoliating 1–2 times per week helps to remove dead skin.

• Add moisture to your environment.
  Use a humidifier, especially in winter or dry climates or place a bowl of water near your heater to naturally increase humidity.

Tried everything for dry, flaky skin and nothing works?

We get it—it’s frustrating when no amount of moisturising seems to help. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not out of options. Enter Sea buckthorn oil – a skin-loving powerhouse known to support skin hydration and bring your glow back.

The skin hydrating effects are likely due to the omega fatty acids. Omega-3, 6 and 9 help to lower transepidermal water loss and support skin hydration levels, whereas omega-7 is a key component of skin lipids that stimulates regenerative processes in the epidermis. Research shows that Sea buckthorn oil (at a dose of 2g per day) can support skin hydration[1].

Caring for your skin goes far beyond surface-level treatments, it’s about supporting your body from the inside out. By understanding the skin’s structure and what compromises its protective barrier, you can make more informed, nourishing choices.

Whether it’s through hydration, gentle routines, or skin-supportive nutrients like those found in Sea buckthorn oil, healthier, more radiant skin is within reach.

References:

[1] Yang, B., Bonfigli, A., Pagani, V., Isohanni, T., von-Knorring, A., Jutila, A., & Judin, V. P. (2009). Effects of oral supplementation and topical application of supercritical CO2 extracted sea buckthorn oil on skin ageing of female subjects. Journal of Applied Cosmetology, 27(1), 13.