Sesame oil is derived from the seeds of the sesame plant. It is also known as Sesamum indicum (1). Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, sesame oil helps protect the skin cells from environmental damage caused by UV radiation, pollutants, and toxins.
What Does Sesame Oil Do For Your Skin?
Sesame oil has three strong properties- it is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-oxidant. It means sesame oil can reduce the inflammation and swelling, kill microorganisms that are harmful to the skin and stop their growth and can fight free radicals and unstable molecules, which harm skin cellular growth.
At the same time, sesame oil has a moderately low rating on the comedogenic scale. It means that the oil doesn’t clog the pores. Although studies on sesame oil are limited, especially about skincare benefits, there have been some discoveries about its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties-
- A study on animals conducted in 2005 (2) found that topical application of sesame oil may reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to cell or tissue damage. It also depicted that topical sesame oil helped heal second-degree burn wounds.
- Another study (3) found that sesame oil massage significantly reduced pain associated with limb trauma among emergency room patients.
- Besides, some evidence (4) suggests that sesame oil can save the skin from ultraviolet rays.
What Vitamins/ Nutrients Are Present In Sesame Oil?
Sesame oil contains vitamins A, B, and E. It has several phenolic compounds. These compounds include:
- Tocopherol
- Pinoresinol
- Sesamin
- Sesamolin
- Sesaminol
- Sesamol
It also contains several essential fatty acids that are effective moisturizers and help keep skin supple, soft, and hydrated. These are:
- Oleic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Stearic acid
- Linoleic acid
Benefits of Sesame Oil for Skin
Ayurvedic Massage
Sesame oil is one of the best for an Ayurvedic massage. According to a study, light-pressure stroking massage with sesame oil helps alleviate acute traumatic limb pain (5).
Additionally, it offers the following benefits-
- Promotes physical strength.
- Supports the comfortable joint movement.
- Promotes sound sleep patterns.
- Nourishes the bones and muscles.
- Boosts the body’s ability to handle stress.
Treats Skin Conditions
It’s rich in vitamins B and E, which help remove skin rashes and fade scars. It also treats skin conditions like inflammation, eczema, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, and redness (6).
Prevents Skin Pigmentation
Sesame oil makes an excellent barrier against the sun’s harmful rays (7). Its SPF properties help in preventing hyperpigmentation in the skin. Application of a generous amount of sesame oil on the skin for 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun can protect it from sun damage. Its antioxidant properties will form a protective layer on the skin and shield it from the penetrating harmful UV rays.
Heals Cracked Heels and Wounded Skin
Applying the oil to the cracked soles on the feet before bed and leaving it overnight gives amazing results. Sesame oil works as an excellent moisturizer (8). When applied on cuts and cracked skin, the oil leads to rapid recovery of the damaged skin. The quicker the oil’s application, the less likely the wound will leave scars or marks on the skin.
Removes Dead Skin Cells
Sesame oil helps gently remove sebum, dead skin, toxins, and other pollutants from the skin. It acts as a natural cleanser. Moreover, it helps brighten the skin and make it supple and smooth.
Moisturizes the Skin
Sesame oil acclimates the skin to soft, smooth, and radiant. The oil’s powerful combination of linoleic acid and fatty acids makes it a natural moisturizer for dry skin (9). It forms a thin protective layer on the skin to trap moisture.
Helps Prevent Premature Aging
The antioxidant properties of sesame oil have an age-reversing effect on the skin (10). It helps prevent premature aging while keeping the skin young.
Helps Treat Acne
The antibacterial properties (11) of sesame oil make it a perfect home remedy to treat multiple skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads, and other kinds of stubborn acne.
How To Use Sesame Oil For Skin?
Owing to multiple benefits, sesame oil can be employed to transform the skin for good. It can be used for skin in multiple ways such as-
- Moisturizer: Take a few drops of sesame oil and apply it to your skin while massaging gently. Leave it overnight and rinse off the next morning. The linoleic acid and fatty acids will nourish the dry skin.
- Massage oil: As already mentioned, sesame oil has therapeutic benefits. It can be used to massage tired and dry skin and improve blood circulation. It can be massaged on the face or used for full body massage.
- Sunscreen: The anti-tanning properties of sesame oil makes it an excellent ingredient to use before stepping out in the sun.
Is Sesame Oil Safe For All Skin Types?
Yes, sesame oil is generally safe for most people to use with no side-effects. However, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before using it.
Steps are for lowing to do a patch test:
- Wash and dry the upper part of your inner arm near your elbow.
- Apply a small amount of the oil with a clean cotton ball to the area.
- Cover for 24 hours with a gauze pad.
- If you feel itchy, remove the gauze pad and the area, and discontinue its use.
- If you feel no sensation, leave the gauze pad on for 2 hours and remove it.
- If the skin looks and feels clear, you can use it freely on the skin.
- Don’t use sesame oil if you have a sesame allergy.
Side Effects of Sesame Oil
Usually, sesame oil is safe for almost all skin types with no side effects. However, some people, especially those with sensitive skin may get allergic reactions. Skin rashes are one of the symptoms of allergic reaction to sesame oil.
Other Uses of Sesame Oil
Besides being effective for skin, sesame oil has many other benefits such as-
1. Hair Growth Treatment
Sesame Oil is nutrient-rich, helping in scalp nourishment. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, keeping follicles healthy and promoting more robust hair growth.
2. Mouthwash or Oil Pulling
It cleanses the teeth well and nourishes the internal tissues of the mouth. A study on oil pulling for oral hygiene concluded that sesame oil effectively controls plaque-induced gingivitis and free radical injuries in the oral cavity.
3. Nasya
In Ayurveda, sesame oil is used in Ayurvedic formulations for Nasya kriya (nasal installation).
4. Panchakarma
Sesame oil is a base oil used to prepare several Ayurvedic medicated oils used for the Panchakarma procedure.
5. Constipation Treatment
Sesame oil has effective laxative properties. If anyone has a constipation problem, then consuming diluted sesame oil can help get relief.
6. Cooking Oil
In Indian households, sesame oil is used regularly as cooking oil, pickles preparation, or salad dressings. Sesame oils in foods may help control the body’s cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure.
Conclusion
Sesame oil is good for skin care, but a patch test is necessary before face application. It can be an alternative to many creams and moisturizers.
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