We all know raspberries as fresh, fruity bursts of yummy goodness that are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or as a garnish for your favorite desert. But did you know just how nutritious they are for you and your skin, especially when they come in the form of raspberry seed oil?
What is a Raspberry?
Of course, everyone knows what a raspberry is in general. But to really dive into how amazing they are for overall health as well as your skin, a little background is in order.
Raspberries are actually part of the rose family. They are perennial fruits with woody stems and rich color. They appear all over the world and are one of the most consumed fruits globally. Their cultivation dates back at least 2,000 years in Europe. There are approximately 400,000 metric tons of this berry that are produced worldwide, mostly in the U.S., eastern Europe and Chile [1].
Raspberry Nutrition Facts
Raspberries provide protection against diabetes and help to regulate mechanisms that can lead to obesity [2]. They are heart healthy and boost the immune system. According to many studies, raspberries have also been known to contain cytotoxic properties, which means that they can be cancer-preventative as well [3].
Raspberries are rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Some of these include vitamins C and E, many kinds of B vitamins, selenium, tocopherol, ellagitannin, resveratrol and quercetin [4]. Raspberries are unique because they also contain omega fatty acids 3 and 6 as well as unsaturated fats [5].
And then, of course, there is their antioxidant load. The ORAC is a way of measuring antioxidant levels in whole foods. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbancy Capacity. The ORAC measurement of raspberries is pretty much off the charts [6]. According to some experts, one cup (about 100 grams) of berries has an ORAC value of approximately 6058 µmol.
Raspberry leaf, berry and seed have been known to help with digestive issues, menstrual regulation, immune system boosting, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions, and infections of all kinds.
Raspberry Seed Oil for the Skin
While raspberry leaf and berry are normally consumed for internal health and certain conditions such as the ones mentioned above, raspberry seed oil can be applied to the skin, with some pretty amazing results!
We normally consume the tiny seeds of the raspberry when we eat a whole berry since there are hidden within the complex matrix of the actual fruit. In fact, each “berry” is made up of dozens of juicy beads called “drupelets.” There are about 100 to 120 drupelets (fruit beads) centered around a receptacle, which holds the berry to the plant. This also means that each berry contains about 100-120 raspberry seeds [7]!
Raspberry seed oil that is cold-pressed and made from organically-grown, non-GMO raspberry plants is going to have all the benefits that are found in the berry, but in super concentrated, more robust amounts. The best type of raspberry for skin health is Rubus idaeus, according to health and skin experts. Oil gathered from these seeds is super high in antioxidants, rich omega-3 and 6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats, along with skin-nourishing vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A [8].
Raspberry seed oil is an amazing emollient that can leave skin feeling soft while at the same time smoothing out wrinkles. It is a great moisturizer since it helps to retain water and is deeply penetrating [9]. And the high levels of vitamins A & E in the oil help in the natural production of collagen, a substance that is absolutely necessary for skin health, wrinkle prevention and anti-aging [10].
Raspberry seed is a super antioxidant [11]. When put directly on the skin, studies have shown that it can provide powerful protection against harmful UV rays [12]. A study done in 2000 at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in British Columbia found that red raspberry seed oil made from Rubus idaeus can have a SPF level of up to 50 for UVB rays and between 6.75-7.5 for cancer-causing UVA rays [13].
What Research Says: Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Skin Conditions
It is clear that raspberry seed oil can really be a benefit for skin in general. But what kinds of specific conditions can it help with? Here are just a few that science has confirmed:
Scarring
Vitamin C is an essential component in the formation and repair of the body’s tissues, especially in the layers of the tissue that make up the skin. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties while vitamin A is known for its ability to regenerate cells. Raspberry seed oil has high levels of all three of these key vitamins.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Vitamin E and alpha-linoleic acid are both highly anti-inflammatory. These two ingredients are the main reasons why raspberry seed oil can be so beneficial for reducing the swelling, itching and redness often associated with these two often painful conditions. A UK study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a characteristic of eczema was low alpha-linoleic acid levels [14].
Acne
Red raspberry’s high antioxidant properties in the form of resveratrol and other phytonutrients are also anti-bacterial. This characteristic in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties make it a viable natural substance for reducing acne.
Dry, Itchy Skin
Red raspberry contains natural phytosterosis, which is designed to hold in moisture and prevent water loss transepidermally [15]. This makes it ideal for skin that tends to be dry, flaky, or itchy. It also is considered a noncomedogenic substance, which means it will not clog pores [16].
Wrinkle Prevention
Ellagic acid found in red raspberry seed oil has been shown in studies to protect collagen matrices, which usually deteriorate as a rest of sun damage or aging [17]. Healthy collagen levels are the key to wrinkle-free, supple skin!
Quality Absolutely Matters When It Comes to Raspberry Seed Oil for the Skin
If you are considering red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) seed oil for skin health, it is imperative that you choose a high-quality product that is free of toxins. This means picking a brand that guarantees all cultivated raspberries are non-GMO, organic and cold pressed during manufacturing.
AnnieMak Clean Skincare Reverse Anti-Aging Serum contains 100% non-GMO, organic raspberry seed oil from the Rubus idaeus plant, which guarantees the highest phytonutrient and antioxidant count available. Our formulation is truly unique. We combine the healing powers of raspberry seed oil with other ingredients such as argan stem cells, caprylic acid and tremella mushroom extract for a product that gets results for you.
You CAN have beautiful skin again, and you can do it naturally with pure, super protective red raspberry seed oil found in AnnieMak’s Reverse Anti-Aging Serum!
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