Is black seed oil effective against wrinkles?

Reaching a certain age, it is entirely normal and natural to have wrinkles. These form in various areas of the face, particularly on the forehead, around the eyes, and around the lips. It's important to note that we refer to them as wrinkles when the depth of the grooves exceeds 1 millimeter. If the grooves have a depth between 0.2 and 1 millimeter, they are considered as fine lines. Several factors contribute to the development of wrinkles.

• Internal causes.

  As we age, many biological mechanisms slow down, or even stop. This is particularly the case for cellular renewal and fibroblast activity, which gradually decrease over the years. These dermal cells are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, molecules that respectively contribute to the suppleness, elasticity, and hydration of the skin. The decrease in the level of these compounds in the dermis contributes to skin sagging and the appearance of wrinkles.

• External causes.

  The appearance of wrinkles is also promoted by certain external factors to the body, such as pollution, UV rays and tobacco, elements that generate oxidative stress in the skin cells. This stress notably damages DNA, and collagen and elastin fibers. UV rays alone are responsible for about 80% of premature skin aging.

Theblack seed oil originates from the Mediterranean. Typically extracted by cold pressing black cumin seeds, its richness in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids gives it nourishing and protective properties. Once diluted in another vegetable oil, black seed oil (INCI: Nigella Sativa Seed Oil) can be used on both the skin and the hair. It notably possesses virtues that allow it to prevent skin aging.

• The nigella oil prevents the onset of fine dehydration lines.

  Black seed oil contains unsaturated fatty acids that work simultaneously to ensure skin hydration. These compounds indeed form a veil on the surface of the epidermis, similar to the hydrolipidic film naturally present, in order to protect it from dehydration and external aggressions. This botanical extract thus helps to prevent the appearance of dehydration fine lines, small superficial streaks that form on the face when the skin barrier is weakened.

• The oil of black cumin protects the skin from oxidative stress.

  The antioxidant properties of black seed oil come from thymoquinone, its active ingredient. This molecule operates at multiple levels within skin cells to prevent damage from free radicals. Due to the double bonds present in its chemical structure, thymoquinone can particularly neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, before they attack cellular components.

  This molecule also enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase, which are antioxidant enzymes that play a key role in eliminating free radicals. SOD catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anions O2- into oxygen O2 and hydrogen peroxide H2O2. GPx, on the other hand, facilitates the transformation of organic hydroperoxides before they can damage cells. Finally, catalase catalyzes the dismutation of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

• Nigella oil contributes to the elasticity of the skin.

  Black seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid that plays a role in the synthesis of acylceramides, a family of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids of the epidermis that act as intercellular cement and ensure the cohesion of the stratum corneum. When this layer is strengthened, the skin becomes more supple and resilient, but also less prone to skin sagging.

Note : Black seed oil should always be applied diluted in another vegetable oil, typically at 10%. It's also worth noting that while black seed oil can help delay skin aging, no study to date has shown that it has an effect on already formed wrinkles.

• ANWAR F. & al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine (2013).

• KIM B. & al. Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients (2021).