Rose hip seed oil has been successfully used in the treatment of skin conditions derived from overexposure to solar rays, including photoaging (dermatoheliosis); these conditions are more likely to develop in patients residing in countries of warm climate. This solar influence can be the origin of several and grievous changes in the skin. Dermatoheliosis severity ranges from surface wrinkles to active keratosis and variation in the distribution of the melanin granules.

Rose hip oil benefits were demonstrated in a test where volunteers were selected among people who usually spent the 3 months of summer in resorts by the sea or who go to the beach every day. The tests included a group of 20 women in the range of 25 to 35 years old who were assessed and controlled during the summer of 1988. The most commonly noted cutaneous symptoms were brown spots, eyelids, surface wrinkles and, in some cases, a noticeable tan. During four months, all applied rose hip oil on the face (May to August, Autumn 1988).

Reports were made periodically every eight days to observe the effects of the treatment. Significant changes were noted from the third week on. First, surface wrinkles started to disappear, spots started to fade until, when the fourth month was ended, the blemishes had almost completely faded. Skin had a fresh and smooth aspect without noticeable spots.

Treatment of Surgical Scar

For this test, scars with equal features were selected. Ten women aged between 45 and 68 were selected, who had suffered a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy.

Applications of rose hip seed oil were made, starting on the day when the surgical stitches were removed. After cleansing the area using tepid water and soap and gently drying, a soft massage was used to apply the oil. After 12 weeks of using it two times a day (morning and evening) it was noted a softening in the visibility of the scars, with improved skin elasticity and without lumps; also, a significant improvement in the color of the area was observed.

After four months of observations systematically performed after the operations, treating specialists noted that the skin conditions of patients following this skin care routine were improving considerably, allowing implantation of prosthesis or plastic surgery in far better conditions than with patients who had not been treated.

These tests along with years of empirical evidence from indigenous people, have led many to believe in the natural skin care benefits that rose hip oil has. Not only has it been used for scars caused by surgeries, but also for acne scars and stretch marks and other skin blemishes.

An extensive research of rose hip oil properties has been performed by Dr Hans Harbst, surgeon and radiotherapist residing in Chile. Dr Harbst specializes in radiology, radio-oncology and nuclear medicine at the Nuclear Research Centre of the University of Heidelberg, Germany and is head of the Department of Radiology of the Chilean Air Force Hospital in Santiago. He is also head of Radio-Oncology Department of the Indisa Clinic in Santiago.