Rose hip seed oil has been successful in treating skin ailments caused by sun exposure such as photoaging (dermatoheliosis). These ailments are more likely to develop in people residing in zones of warm climates. Exposure to the sun can cause various negative changes in the skin. Dermatoheliosis' severity ranges from small wrinkles to active keratosis as well as can cause on alteration in melanin granule distribution.

To test the healing benefits of rose hip seed oil, volunteers were selected among people who usually spend three months of summer in seaside resorts or who go to the beach every day. A sample of twenty women, ages 25 to 35 were tested, controlled and analyzed during the summer of 1988. The most commonly recorded effects of sun exposure were surface wrinkles, age spots, and tanned skin. The group of women used rose hip oil on their faces during four months of Autumn in 1988 (May to August).

Observations were recorded every eight days to analyze the effects of the treatment. Changes in skin appeared as early as week three. Observations show that by the end of the fourth month, almost all sun induced problems had been reduced, for example lightened age spots and diminished wrinkles. Their skin had a smooth and fresh appearance without noticeable spots.

Treatment of Surgical Scars

For this test, scars with equal features were selected. Ten women aged between 45 and 68 having suffered un-litaleral or bilateral mastectomy were selected.

Application of rose hip oil began the day the surgical stitches were removed. The oil was softly massaged into the skin after a gentle wash with tepid water and soap. After three months of applying it two times a day (morning and night) a softening in the visibility of the scar was observed, with improved skin elasticity and without lumps; also, the color of the area had improved significantly.

These observations were carried out until four months after the operations where the treatment specialists indicated a significant improvement in the patients' skin conditions after this skin care routine. This treatment left these patients in better conditions to receive prosthetics and plastic surgery compared to those who had not received rose hip oil treatment.

These tests along with years of empirical evidence from indigenous people, have led many people to believe in rose hip oil as an effective natural skin treatment. Not only has it been used for surgery scars, but also for stretch marks, acne scars, and other skin blemishes.

Further testing of the properties and effects of rose hip oil has been carried out by Dr. Hans Harbst, surgeon and radiotherapist who resides in Chile. Dr. Harbst specializes in radiology, radio-oncology and nuclear medicine at the Nuclear Research Center of the University of Heidelberg, Germany and is head of the Department of Radiology of the Chilean Air Force Hospital in Santiago. Dr. Harbst also holds the position of the head of the Radio-Oncology Department of the Indisia Clinic in Santiago.