Can sea buckthorn skin creams make a difference?
Sea buckthorn (Hipphophae rhamnoides) is used to treat conditions like eczema and inflammation.
It’s also used to heal wounds, lower blood sugar, and for skin care.
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Sea buckthorn has very few risks and side effects, though gastrointestinal symptoms were found in one small study.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Sea buckthorn oil has also gained popularity as an ingredient in various skin care products.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
When applied topically, sea buckthorn oil is thought to have many benefits.
There is currently a lack of clinical trials testing both the medicinal and cosmetic effects of sea buckthorn.
However, preliminary research has looked at several potential uses.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Wound Healing
Some studies have suggested that sea buckthorn may promote wound healing when applied topically.
Sea buckthorn oils, in particular, appear to promote wound healing.
The participants had impaired glucose regulation (IGR), orpre-diabetes.
Human trials are needed before the potential anti-cancer effects of sea buckthorn in humans can be confirmed.
Skin Care and Cosmetics
A 2017 review reported various skin uses of sea buckthorn.
Research has shown that these compounds play a key role in fighting inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
The fruits also contain antioxidant properties.
Safety Considerations:Sea buckthorn may not be suitable for some populations.
The fruit is also likely safe when eaten for medicinal purposes, though side effects can occur.
Common Side Effects
Few side effects of using topical or oral sea buckthorn have been reported.
Severe Side Effects
No severe side effects of sea buckthorn have been reported.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting sea buckthorn or other supplements, especially if you take other medications.
Precautions
Sea buckthorn supplements, ointments, or cosmetics may not be suitable for everyone.
It’s especially important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using sea buckthorn in children.
Because of this, the complete list of potential precautions when using sea buckthorn is unknown.
Dosage: How Much Sea Buckthorn Should I Take?
There is insufficient scientific evidence about oral or topical sea buckthorn to determine safe or effective dosages.
This includesblood thinnersand blood-sugar-lowering medications.
Discard supplements and creams as indicated by the expiration date on the packaging.
If you use fresh sea buckthorn berries, store them like other food items.
It is unknown if sea buckthorn would interact with these or other supplements.
It’s also important to remember that supplements are not a treatment or cure for any health condition.
Although they may offer benefits, you should always follow your healthcare provider’s recommended treatment plan.
Often, a healthy, well-balanced diet provides plenty of the nutrients in sea buckthorn.
Food Sources of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is not widely found in foods sold in stores.
It is unknown which form of sea buckthorn is best or most beneficial, as research is still limited.
Sea buckthorn supplements are available online and in some natural-food stores.
it’s possible for you to also findskin-care productscontaining sea buckthorn in many specialty beauty shops.
Summary
Sea buckthorn is anherbal supplementsometimes used for specific health and skin conditions.
However, there is still little evidence that sea buckthorn is beneficial for these uses.
Often, a healthy, well-balanced diet provides plenty of the nutrients found in sea buckthorn.
Supplements are unregulated, so read labels carefully and look for independent seals of approval.
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