This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
As we grow older, it’s not uncommon to begin the search to find the best products on the market for preventing telltale signs of aging from appearing on our face. Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t solutions for slowing their development and protecting the skin’s barrier to preserve younger looking skin for longer. Although retinol and it’s more gentle cousin, bakuchiol, are often touted as the powerhouse anti-aging serums every skincare lineup needs, there’s one more formula that has risen the ranks for its skin-preserving properties: sunflower oil.
We consulted with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Joshua Zeichner and Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine to determine the effectiveness of integrating this firming oil into your skincare routine, and this is what they had to say.
What is sunflower oil?
Quite simply, sunflower oil is an oil extract which has become popular in the skincare realm for it’s smoothing and strengthening benefits. According to Zeichner, sunflower oil contains ample fatty acids which can help to protect and hydrate the skin, while simultaneously fighting against irritation as well. “Besides hydrating benefits, sunflower seed oil has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, and may be useful even in people with dry or sensitive skin,” he explains.
Does sunflower oil really have anti-aging benefits?
Protecting the skin’s barrier is essential for preserving your complexion from signs of aging, and according to Graf, sunflower oil can be useful in doing just that. The linoleic acid present in this oil is especially helpful in keeping the outer layer of your skin from dehydrating, which will allow for a fresher and more youthful appearance which doesn’t reveal dry skin and other irritation. “Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E that helps guard the skin from free radicals and sun damage, including fine lines and signs of aging,” she adds.
Who should be using sunflower oil?
If you struggle with dry skin or eczema in particular, sunflower oil could be a great addition to your skincare routine to strengthen the skin’s barrier and reduce visible cracks and flakes for a younger and healthier appearance. Fortunately sunflower oil interacts well with all other skincare products, so you don’t have to worry about subjecting your skin to further damage or causing irritation when using it in combination with moisturizer or even a retinol serum. “It is anti-aging and non-comedogenic, meaning it will hydrate the skin and not clog your pores. It can be used on all skin types including dry, normal, oily, or acne-prone skin,” says Graf.
How often/when should you be using it?
As the weather begins to grow colder it can be useful to start using sunflower oil to boost hydration and avoid the cracked, flaky skin that the winter often brings. While a preventative anti-aging routine is always the best bet for truly keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay, integrating sunflower oil into your routine in tandem with retinol if you already see signs of aging can only further help to rebuild and strengthen your skin’s barrier while protecting your complexion from free radicals. Ideally, Graf suggests using sunflower oil after you’ve washed your face but before you’ve applied your moisturizer for the best results.
