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Organic Borage Oil Uses for Skin and Hair

Overview of Organic Borage Oil

Borage oil is really promising in soothing inflammation on the skin. This oil is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin and nourish it layer by layer. Read on to find out more about this therapeutic oil.

Table Of Contents

What Is Organic Borage Oil?

Borage carrier oil is obtained from the seeds of the borage plant, well known as Starflower and scientifically named Borago officinalis. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, this plant has been introduced in many other areas such as China.

The whole plant possesses medicinal uses, but the oil is derived specifically from the seeds. Borage oil is promising in calming inflammation on the skin thanks to the high amount of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) present. GLA is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own, thus we need to get it from external sources. Inflammation is one of the underlying reasons for various skin conditions, including eczema and atopic dermatitis.

To create this nourishing carrier oil, the seeds undergo an extraction method known as cold-pressing whereby they are compressed until they become a pale to golden-yellow oil. This method catches the "essence" of the plant's beauty benefits for skin and hair. The oil is known as an antioxidant and hydrator and is often found in skincare products, particularly moisturizers. Borage oil has a high linolenic acid concentration, making it an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient in many skincare products today.

Name Organic Borage Oil
Botanical Name Borago officinalis
Native to Mediterranean region
Properties Cardio-protective, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Main ingredients Gamma linoleic acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid, nervonic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid
Aroma Mild Nutty
Blends well with Most carrier oils
Category -
Substitute Evening primrose oil
Borage Plant

Organic Borage Oil Benefits

Borage oil is most known for its anti-inflammatory benefits but this super oil can do so much more!

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Promotes The Health Of The Skin Barrier

Borage oil decreases water loss from the skin by replenishing the lipid content of the epidermis due to its high linolenic acid content. It helps promote a healthy skin barrier for a flawless and youthful complexion.

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It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It exhibits promising benefits for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis because it has a high GLA or linolenic acid content. This substance acts like a hormone in your body, helping reduce inflammation tied to the skin.

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It Reduces Skin Infections

By improving the health of the skin barrier, borage oil also reduces the chance of skin infections. Our skin is made of different layers, and the skin barrier is the outermost one. Its job is to keep bad things like irritants out and good things like hydration in.

It’s Ultra-Hydrating

Borage oil is incredibly hydrating to the skin and is an ingredient in many facial moisturizers, serums, and oil blends. Boosting the skin's hydration levels helps preserve a dewy and youthful appearance.

It May Shield DNA from Damage…

…And in doing so it may provide a solution for cancer. Research has proven that the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content in borage oil protects any alteration to the DNA. (It is one of the richest sources of GLA.)

As per a research article published in 2013, borage oil shields DNA as it can modulate oxidative genetic damage. (1)

Breathe Easy with Borage

Infections and congestions in the respiratory tract is mitigated and treated by borage oil because of its mucilage. Not only does it soften the mucus and eliminate it, but it also treats the underlying cause of infection. It is also used to relieve sore throats.

Oil for Pain Relief

Borage oil for pain relief is used to overcome excruciating pain caused by injuries and in the aftermath of surgeries. It is also used by women to mitigate breast pain. How does borage oil control pain? Borage oil causes the body to release certain hormones and blocks the pain receptors. This eases the tension in the affected region and ceases/mitigates pain. The oil is used by those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism for its pain-reducing effects. The gamma linolenic acid (sometimes spelled linoleic acid) and essential fatty acids in the oil lubricates the joints and provides relief. The rich content of omega acids in the oil inhibits the production of pain causing prostaglandins. (Uses of borage oil and evening primrose oil are identical; however, borage oil has more gamma-linolenic acid and has hormone regulating properties.)

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000 published a study that shows the benefits of evening primrose oil and borage oil in treating rheumatologic diseases. (2)

Oil for Heart Health

The abundance of omega fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) makes this oil good for the heart. It also helps regulate the cholesterol level in the body because of its anticoagulant and hypotensive properties. Its benefits extend to the cardiovascular health as it is useful against atherosclerosis and strokes.

Weight Loss Oil

Borage oil has been used for many years as a supplemental treatment for weight loss. It is said that borage oil reduces hunger and increases metabolic rate. It prevents the buildup of cholesterol which reduces fat deposition, thus leaving the body with more energy to burn excess calories.

In 2000, the Institute of Gerontology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany conducted a study to evaluate the use of borage oil in weight loss. It concluded that the use of the oil improved the metabolism of fatty acids. (3)

Another research on gamma-linolenic acid is also on weight loss and how it affects the uncoupling protein 1 mRNA level in brown adipose tissue. Since borage oil contains one of the highest amounts of GLA it was used in the research. (4)

Borage oil For Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Women who experience pain during menstruation use borage oil. The oil regulates the hormone secretion during menses, reduces cramps and breast tenderness, and eliminates delay in menstruation.

Oil For Dry hair

Borage oil is a carrier oil that can be applied directly in the scalp and hair, especially on dry hair type. It soothes the scalp and prevents hair loss. It negates the oxidative stress on the scalp and acts as a natural remedy in hair health. However Mix it with carrier oil before applying borage oil topically.

The British Journal for Nutrition published a report on the effect of flaxseed and borage oil on the skin of women. Out of a few other benefits, transepidermal water loss prevention was one of the benefits of the oil. (5)

Another research titled “Protective effect of borage seed oil and gamma linolenic acid on DNA: in vivo and in vitro studies” published in 2013 also looks into the subject. (6)

Diabetic Control Oil

Borage oil can be used as a natural and supplemental treatment for maintaining blood sugar level and halting sudden drop in sugar level.

Carrier Oil for Anxiety and Stress

Many people massage their bodies or lymph nodes with borage oil to overcome stress and anxiety. Borage seed oil boosts mood and is often mixed with essential oils to control stress. The oil can be used as a supplementation for other treatments.

Study conducted in the University of California and published in 1998 found that dietary borage oil which was rich in gamma-linolenic acid could lower the blood pressure of hypertensive rats. (7)

Oil for Skin Conditions

Inflammation of the skin can be hard to tackle especially when it attacks suddenly. Research has shown that applying borage oil regularly on the skin affected with Eczema and psoriasis will prevent sudden skin flare ups. It also soothes the skin because of anti-inflammatory effects and hence good for skin health. It is also a natural eczema remedy.

Treat Hangover with Borage Oil

One of the rare benefits of using borage oil is its effect in overcoming hangover. Got a little too excited at the party last night? Use borage oil to boost metabolism and eliminate toxins from the body, thus detoxifying it. It is a natural way of getting relief from hangover.

Uses of Borage Oil

Soothing Body Lotion

Borage oil is mixed with beeswax, coconut oil and lanolin and applied on the body for a relaxing and soothing effect. This body lotion can be taken with you while you are on a vacation.

Borage oil also has skin-whitening effects. A randomized clinical trial on borage seed oil (Borago officinalis L.) enriched with linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and oleic acid resulted in skin brightness. The result published in 2020 proved that borage oil could be used as an ingredient in cosmetic products.

Relaxing Massage Oil

Mix borage oil with olive oil, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil as well as your favorite essential oil(s) and massage on the body for a relaxing feeling. Take a warm bath after a few hours to wipe off the oils. Do this on a Sunday afternoon, have a sumptuous meal and have a relaxing siesta.

Anti-inflammatory Power Mix

Borage oil is mixed with evening primrose oil and fish oil supplements and applied on the joints to reduce the symptoms of inflammation caused due to rheumatoid arthritis. This mix has a gradual effect and has to be used regularly for at least three weeks before witnessing signs of improvement.

Cure Hangover With Borage

Research has proven that supplements with prickly pear and borage oil can lower the symptoms and discomfort of hangover. To cure mild symptoms of hangover, ingesting or applying borage oil acts as a cure.

Apply For Skin Disorders

People with atopic dermatitis and eczema (two skin conditions) treat the conditions with borage oil. Research has proven that borage oil regulates the acidic skin pH value and balances the deficiencies of skin lipids. The improper production of oil by the skin has repercussions including sudden inflammation or flare-ups.

Research conducted at the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, and published in 2010 found that using borage oil on less severe atopic dermatitis could benefits some people. (8)

The 2018 repot on Nutrition Research shows that borage oil can restore the acidic skin pH. (9)

How To Use Organic Borage Oil

Organic Borage Oil isn’t super sought-after yet so it’s time for you to get ahead of the times and become a beauty trendsetter. Here’s the low-down on how you can use this amazing oil.

Organic Borage Oil For Irritated or Dry Skin

Give dry and irritated skin a fighting chance with this nourishing natural oil. All you need to do is apply the oil to the affected area in a thin layer twice a day. Optionally, you can also coat or spot-dab with the oil and wear an undershirt close to your skin. This is helpful for targeting dry and sensitive areas on the back. It might take several weeks or months for the oil to take full effect, so be patient and apply the oil consistently for desired results. Always perform a patch test first, to be on the safe side.

Organic Borage Oil For Hair

Rich in GLA, borage oil is frequently used for dry hair that lacks vitality. Adding fats like borage oil to the hair regularly helps lubricate the hair shaft, thereby increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage.

Borage oil can be applied as a hair care product on the ends and lengths of the hair. Massaging it into the roots of the hair helps the nourishing properties of borage oil penetrate the scalp. Once a week, give yourself an at-home hair treatment with borage oil to deeply moisturize your lovely locks and curb hair loss for a glorious and voluminous mane.

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Organic Borage Oil As A Face Serum

Pamper yourself with this all-natural DIY Face Serum for a fresh and youthful complexion! But as mentioned, always perform a patch test to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions.

What you'll need

Instructions

  • Thoroughly mix the borage and argan oil in a glass bottle. Then, add in all the essential oils. Shake the bottle for 1-2 minutes.
  • Apply on the skin after cleansing and before bed.
  • Store the bottle in a cool, dry place that’s safe from direct sunlight.

Organic Borage Oil As A Carrier Oil With Essential Oils

While many people love using essential oils topically, they can be quite sensitizing on the skin because they are so heavily concentrated. This is why carrier oils such as organic borage oil are often used to dilute essential oils.

We’d recommend pairing borage oil with essential oils that share similar benefits, such as cedarwood oil for hair growth, turmeric oil for scalp cleansing, or myrrh oil for flawless skin. As a good rule of thumb, one drop of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil is enough dilution for skin-safe topical application.

Apply Borage Oil on your skin

Safety When Using Organic Borage Oil

  • Potential side effects of borage oil include bloating, constipation and indigestion.
  • There are different forms of borage oil and some of it may harm the liver. Check the package to see whether the product is hepatotoxic PA-free certified.
  • It is recommended to consult a doctor before using borage oil.
  • Those taking medications aspirin or warfarin regularly must avoid the oil

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