What does rosehip oil do?
Rose hips are the fruit of roses, and rosehip oil is commonly harvested from their seeds. Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids that help moisturize skin. Despite being an oil, it is generally lightweight and easily absorbed. General rosehip oil benefits also include possible improvements in inflammation, pigmentation and the appearance of fine lines. Those potential benefits are not a reason to expect Kosmea to deliver a particular result on a particular date.1
Who should consider it?
Consider rosehip oil if you want an additional moisturizing step. If your skin is already oily, you might prefer to skip it. Some rosehip oil formulas are made not to clog pores, but that description should not be assumed for Kosmea without checking the exact product. Keep expectations focused on hydration rather than asking one bottle to run the entire skincare department.1
Test the oil before using it on your face
- 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or in the bend of your elbow, where the oil will not be rubbed or washed away.
- 2Apply the amount and thickness you would normally use to that spot twice daily for seven to 10 days.
- 3Leave the oil on for as long as you would during normal use.
- 4If the test area remains free of redness, itching and swelling after seven to 10 days, start using the oil as directed on your bottle.
How often should you use rosehip oil?
General rosehip oil guidance allows use once or twice daily, and pure rosehip oil can be applied directly to skin. For Kosmea's drop count and position in your routine, follow the bottle's directions. There is no need to add other facial oils just to use pure rosehip oil. Choose dark amber packaging when buying rosehip oil, because ultraviolet light can make the oil less effective.1
What should make you stop?
If the oil causes a skin reaction, gently wash it off and do not use it again. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the affected area. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and these measures do not relieve it. If reactions keep happening and you cannot identify the cause, a dermatologist can arrange medical patch testing to find the trigger.2
A reaction does not always happen immediately. Cosmetic reactions can cause burning, itching, tingling, swelling or an itchy, scaly rash. Weaker irritants can take days or weeks of continued use to cause symptoms, and an allergy can develop even after years of using a product without problems. Redness can also be less obvious on darker skin, so pay attention to itching and swelling rather than redness alone.3
Can you use it during pregnancy?
Check the complete ingredient list on your Kosmea bottle before deciding whether to use it during pregnancy. A product's name alone is not enough to make that decision. Avoid skincare containing retinoids, including retinol, during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about your medications and prescription skincare so they can update your treatment plan if necessary.4
During pregnancy, prioritize gentle cleansing, a moisturizer suited to your skin type and sun protection. Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, alongside shade and protective clothing. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen is recommended during pregnancy to reduce irritation. Rosehip oil is an optional addition to that routine, rather than a replacement for its basic steps.4
Where this answer comes from
- 1Rose Hip Oil: Uses and Benefitshealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 2How to test skin care productsaad.org
- 3Cosmetics Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatmentdermnetnz.org
- 4Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin careaad.org