When it comes to skincare, everybody likes to use all sorts of creams and oils to improve its elasticity, glow, and texture. However, you don’t want to put everything on your skin, especially synthetic products that can cause negative side effects. That’s why people all over the world are giving more natural alternatives like black seed oil a try.
Are you intrigued by the potential of black seed oil? Then you’ve come to the right place! This article will take a deeper look into the black seed oil benefits for skin and how you too can take advantage of them. But first, let’s learn more about black seed oil.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Image source: Pinterest
Black seeds originate from Nigella sativa, a small plant with pale blue, purple, or white flowers that grow in Western Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Also known as black cumin, black caraway, and kalonji, these seeds are often used to flavor pickles, curries, bread and can also replace oregano in most dishes.
But what makes them so interesting is their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. More specifically, black seeds feature a variety of fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and flavonoids, which can positively affect your overall health. In fact, ancient texts state that black seeds are a cure for everything but death.
5 Black Seed Oil Benefits for Skin
Image source: Pinterest
As previously mentioned, black seed oil features all sorts of natural acids and vitamins, all of which are beneficial to your skin. And while its effectiveness depends on a variety of factors, such as your skin type, you’ll still be able to take advantage of at least some of the following benefits.
• Reduces Acne Scars: Black seed oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it reduces the redness and scarring related to acne and other skin inflammations. So, make sure to give it a try, especially if you are dealing with acne and rosacea.
• Prevents Dry Skin: Since it is rich in essential fatty acids, black seed oil helps maintain your skin’s lipid barrier. In other words, it nourishes your skin and prevents it from drying out.
• Helps Against Rashes: Eczema and psoriasis are common rashes that affect millions of people. Thanks to its anti-microbial and anti-histamine properties, black seed oil can soothe itching and irritation.
• Fights Off the Effects of Aging: Free radicals damage your skin cells through oxidation, which makes them wither. Over time, that causes sagging skin and lines. Fortunately, a key component of black seed oil is thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals. Thus, you can use it to reduce the effects of aging and make your skin look younger and healthier.
• Maintains Scalp Health: Black seed oil can address issues such as dandruff while also keeping your scalp moisturized. Simply put, since it is high in fatty amino acids, the oil helps your hair shafts seal moisture.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Image source: Pinterest
Even though black seed oil offers a variety of health benefits, it doesn’t replace medicine. In fact, people taking medication should contact their doctor before using any herbal supplements.
They will be able to advise you on possible interactions and discuss the benefits and side effects of black seed oil. Remember that, as with any supplement, breastfeeding or pregnant women should to consult with a doctor first.
It’s important to note that serious side effects are rare. Yet, taking it as an oral supplement can sometimes cause:
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Indigestion
• Low blood sugar
• Burning sensations
When it comes to topical use, black seed oil can trigger a severe allergic rash in some people. So, before using it, test it on a small patch of skin to see if it causes any allergic reactions.
Additionally, you should avoid contact with nostrils, eyes, and other sensitive areas of your body.
And lastly, thymoquinone can inhibit some drug-metabolizing enzymes. Therefore, your medication might be less effective when you combine it with black seed oil.
How to Use Black Seed Oil
Generally speaking, you can find black seed oil in pill or liquid form. However, you’ll need to make sure that you choose a high-quality product without any added ingredients. And since the FDA doesn’t test supplements and cosmetic products for their safety, you should be careful with what brand you go for.
But usually, you’ll find a variety of reputable brands that produce and sell black seed oil by searching the database of the USDA.
Recommended Dosage
Unfortunately, it’s hard to give a recommendation, as the ideal dosage varies from person to person. As a rule of thumb, you should apply it topically to your skin and hair once or twice a day. But if you decide to use black seed oil pills, you’ll need to consult with a healthcare provider, as it can be dangerous to try different dosages all by yourself.
Featured image source: Pinterest.com
