According to the ancient texts of Ayurveda, Sunflower Extract is recognized as one of the top super-seeds that is extremely beneficial in calming Vata dosha (or dry/thin skin). They are excellent sources of Vitamin E and fat-soluble antioxidants.
Historical evidence exists to show that Native Americans were harnessing the beauty benefits of Sunflowers as early as 3000 BC! The amazingly beautiful Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) with it’s rays of yellow and red petals includes a heavily seed studded center. The tear-dropped shaped, grey or black sunflower seeds are an excellent source of natural polyunsaturated lipids. Sunflower seeds contain Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Omega 6 fatty acids, Copper, Vitamin B1, Phosphorous, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B3, Magnesium and Selenium.. all of which are boost skin and hair health. Depending upon their particular strain, Sunflower seeds also contain linolenic acid and oleic acid.
Sunflower Seed Benefits for Skin
1. Fights Acne & Inflammations
Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of fat-soluble antioxidants, primarily, Vitamin E and Beta Carotene (Vitamin A). Both Vitamin E and Vitamin A have the ability to cross the phospholipid barrier of skin cells and neutralize free radicals (or “cellular rust”..the primary cause of aging). By protecting these cellular and biomolecular components, these vitamins play a significant anti-inflammatory role, thus helping reduce the symptoms of rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, redness and other inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the magnesium in sunflower extract helps lower cortisol and stabilizes hormonal imbalances in your body. This allows skin to rid itself of of acne causing bacteria and also regenerate new skin cells simultaneously.
2. Detoxifies Impurities
Antioxidants in Sunflower seed extract work in conjunction with the enzyme glutathione peroxidase to neutralize a wide range of toxic elements in the skin. Since sunflower oil is very light weight and easily absorbs chemicals in the production process, it’s important that the oil be obtained from organic, wild-gathered, trusted sources in order to reap the maximum benefits of sunflower extract.
3. Reduces Signs of Aging
Sunflower seeds contain a high percentage of Selenium. Selenium plays an important role in DNA repair when it comes to damaged skin cells, by preventing cells from undergoing rapid apoptosis (programmed cell death). Additionally, the Vitamin E and Vitamin A in sunflower extract protects the collagen and elastin matrix of the skin, and thus reducing the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles, incluging crow’s feet. Sunflower oil also helps prevent scarring.
4. Natural Moisturizer to Treat Dry Skin
Lecithin obtained from sunflowers is a great natural emollient to soften your skin. Sunflower seeds have a high oil-content, which naturally repairs dry, sensitive, damaged skin. This oil when obtained by natural, cold-pressed methods has natural emollient properties which is an excellent deep moisturizing agent. Applied topically on the skin, it locks moisture inside skin cells, allowing the skin to remain hydrated for longer periods of time.
5. Sun Protection
Sunflower oil plays the dual role of protection and repair of UV damage. The Beta Carotene in Sunflower Extract significantly reduces lipid peroxidation caused by UVB rays, thus making skin less sensitive to the sun.
6. Skin Soothing Properties
Sunflower oil soothes and calms irritated skin. It is highly suitable for normal to dry skin (Vata dosha). It’s non-allergenic and emollient properties calm redness. Due to its mild scent and light texture, it makes an excellent carrier oil in aromatherapy.
Sunflower Seeds Benefits for Hair
7. Tames Frizzy Hair
Antioxidants and Essential Fatty Acids work together to repair damaged and frizzy hair. Oil of Sunflower extract helps to restore hairs’ natural oil balance, preventing dryness, thus facilitating manageable frizz free hair.
8. Conditions Hair
With it’s light texture, the emollient properties of Sunflower extract moisturize and deep conditions the hair, adding an amazing luster and sheen, and can even be used as a stand-alone chemical-free natural conditioner or hair serum.
9. Controls Hair-loss
Sunflower seeds contain Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and vitamins that prevent hair thinning and loss. Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp and assists in hair growth. The antioxidants in GLA and Vitamin E reduces the oxidative stress from hair follicles, which boosts faster & thicker hair growth. If you are experiencing hair loss due to dandruff, sunflower oil calms flaking and irritation.
The Best Organic Beauty Products that contain Sunflower extract as an ingredient:
- Anti- Aging – BioScience Peptide Complex, Rejuv Serum, Eyeline Prevention Oil, Aloe Eye Serum.
- Sensitivity (Pitta Dosha) – SBR Cleanser, SBR Serum
- Dryness – Vanilla Silk Body Butter
If our concentrated Sunflower extract enriched formulations work well for you, let us know in the comments section, and/or leave us a review and receive a gift voucher on your next purchase!
