The benefits of sunflower oil for the skin?

Sunflower oil is particularly concentrated in vitamin E (about 40 mg per 100 g), a popular fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. Indeed, these unstable molecules are associated with a wide range of problems, from cancer to the acceleration of the skin aging process to hyperpigmentation.

Besides nuts, spinach, whole grains, and olive oil, sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of Vitamin E.

Although many other factors may contribute to the aging process, sunflower oil could potentially help prevent and minimize the signs of aging, even though these claims are not yet supported by scientific evidence. However, the best strategy for wrinkle prevention is to limit exposure to direct sunlight and to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

In addition to Vitamin E, sunflower oil also contains other antioxidants, such as selenium, phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid), and flavonoids (rutin).

Several studies have reported that sunflower seeds possess antibacterial activity. They are believed to be capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms by increasing the permeability and fluidity of the cytoplasmic membrane, which causes its lysis. Indeed, they contain secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds and linoleic acid) that combat certain bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus. However, in vivo studies should be undertaken to confirm the current in vitroresults.

A small animal study also demonstrated the beneficial effects of topical application of sunflower oil on the healing of open wounds. Indeed, this study was conducted on 18 young male lambs, which were divided into three groups based on the duration they were observed post-operatively (7th, 14th and 21st day). On each lamb, two superficial thoracic wounds of 4 cm2 were surgically created. While one of the wounds was treated with pure sterilized petroleum jelly, the other was treated with high linoleic acid sunflower oil (65%).

The study demonstrated that the topical application of sunflower oil has been able toaccelerate the healing process on the 7th and 21st days by reducing the wound surface area, which is an increase in wound contraction. Furthermore, the results highlighted an increase in the development of granulation tissue on wounds treated with sunflower oil with a high concentration of linoleic acid. The epidermis of the treated wounds was completely recovered compared to the control wounds. This current study suggests that sunflower oil containing a high concentration of linoleic acid may be indicated as an alternative therapy for wound healing.

Sunflower oil is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce redness, inflammation, and itching, and soothe irritated skin when applied topically. This is thought to be due to its high content of essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. These acids could reduce inflammatory markers and mobilize inflammation cells. Moreover, its high concentration of linoleic acid helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. A compromised barrier can lead to inflammation and redness. Furthermore, as it hydrates the skin, sunflower oil can provide temporary relief from irritations.

Studies have even established a link between topical sunflower oil and the reduction of psoriasis symptoms. In 2021, a study was conducted by POLICARPIO B. O. and his team in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner, involving 51 patients suffering from psoriasis with mild to moderate plaque, who were treated either with sunflower oil and a placebo cream, or with a betamethasone valerate cream (local corticosteroid) and a placebo oil, or with a betamethasone valerate cream and sunflower oil, for eight weeks. After just four weeks, they noticed an improvement in psoriasis in the group treated solely with sunflower oil.

According to the same study, the linoleic acid found in sunflower oil is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects in lesioned skin as mentioned above. Indeed, this unsaturated fatty acid would induce the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway involved in the inflammation process, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. The correlation between the application of sunflower oil and the clinical manifestations of atopic skin suggests that sunflower oil could be useful for soothing certain skin conditions. However, additional research is needed to confirm these findings and support the use of sunflower oil as an anti-inflammatory.