Good afternoon, dear readers!
I have already talked about the benefits of cranberries for the face, and now I want to share with you information about the very valuable oil from the seeds of this berry. Natural cranberry oil is not easy to find and its price is high, but it is worth it.
What kind of cranberry oil is there?
The unique and richest components of cranberries are also found in cranberry seed oil. It is obtained in two ways:
- by cold pressing
- by extraction with carbon dioxide
In their composition, the extracts do not differ from the base unrefined oil, and in terms of the amount of microelements they even surpass them. Therefore, both oil and extract can be used for cosmetic purposes. For home cosmetics (as well as for medicinal purposes), I prefer cold-pressed cranberry oil.
How to spot a fake
The product is rarely falsified, since it is quite difficult to even approximately restore its composition. However, fakes are rarely found on the natural cosmetics market.
They say about the originality of the product:
- high price compared to other oils (the substance cannot be cheap due to production difficulties);
- sealed packaging;
- compliance with physical characteristics (light consistency, odorless, transparent color, easily absorbed).
Where to buy cranberry oil?
Planeta Organica Arctic Cranberry Oil. 50 ml. Price - approx. 4 dollars Rating 3.8 out of 5 on irecommend Spivak cranberry seed oil - 10 ml. Russia. Price approx. 5.5 dollars Rated 4.9 out of 5 on irecommend
Unrefined Cranberry seed oil - Olesya's Workshop.
Great Britain. Mustaeva - rating 5 out of 5 on irecommend Cranberry oil for skin aroma-zone. France. 10 ml - 2.5 euros. My rating is 5. The cost of unrefined oil is about $2 per 5 grams. For comparison, Arctic cranberry oil from Planeta Organica 50 ml. costs about 4 dollars. The composition of Planeta Organica cranberry oil most likely includes this extract, although the manufacturer lists organic Arctic cranberry oil , vitamin E, Parfum (that is, a flavoring agent) and Linalool (also a flavoring agent often used in the perfume and cosmetic industries) in the composition.
Natural cranberry oil has a very high concentration of gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), but Planeta Organica additionally adds Vitamin E to the composition. What is confusing about Planeta Organica cranberry oil is the presence of flavorings. I do not welcome fragrances in leave-in products and believe that this is not necessary, because the main purpose of the oil is to improve the health of the skin and not to perfume it. Therefore, I have not yet been able to figure out what is meant by the term “ organic cranberry oil” and why it should be flavored with synthetic fragrances.
That's why I prefer to buy such expensive oils in cosmetics stores, Aromazon or iherb. If you look for it in foreign stores, it is called Cranberry Seed Oil.
Before purchasing, I carefully study the composition, reviews and certificates (if any).
User reviews
People are more often satisfied with the performance of organic cranberry oil. The product meets expectations. The product is often used in mixtures. Some are not happy with the high fat content of the substance. When oil is partially introduced into the mixture, such shortcomings are not found.
The consumer is not satisfied with the poor absorption of the product.
Positive impression of the product.
Positive opinion about the use of the product in the mixture.
Noticeable hydration and strengthening of tissues when using the product in the mixture.
Benefits of cranberry oil for skin
Cranberry oil has virtually no aroma; fresh oil has an aroma with a sweet trail or bitterness.
Cranberry oil is one of the most powerful natural plant antioxidants that literally work “miracles” both inside the human body and on its external condition. It contains not only a lot (70%) of Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9 fatty acids, but also an equally large amount, i.e. their composition is naturally balanced. Cranberry oil also contains:
- Tannins - tone the skin and improve complexion
- Phytosterols - effectively restore and protect the skin from UV radiation, strengthen the skin, and inhibit the enzymatic destruction of dermal fibers. The Germans call them the most physiological anti-aging product in cosmetics!
- Phospholipids are an essential cosmetic component that restores and strengthens the lipid barrier. Violation of this barrier causes conditions such as dry, sensitive or hyper-reactive skin.
- Tocopherols (vitamin E). In terms of tocotrienol content (223 mg/100 g), cranberry oil is in first place among all oils.
- Tocotrienols (a specific form of vitamin E, significantly superior to it in power as an antioxidant and as a preservative). Cranberry seed oil, raspberry seed oil, and blueberry seed oil contain high levels of g-tocotrienol, making these oils very powerful antioxidants. Moreover, the most powerful antioxidant is cranberry oil, since it contains the highest percentage of g-tocotrienol - 0.18%. Research shows that if you apply oils that contain g-tocotrienol before going out into the sun, they will protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun.
- Polyphenols (quarcetin) - has a powerful antioxidant effect, cleanses the epidermis of free radicals that cause damage to cell membranes and aggravate skin aging. It also has an even more important property - it restores the protective barrier (hydrolipid mantle) of the skin and reduces the risk of DNA damage, which not only helps prevent aging, but also prevents malignant degeneration of cells.
- Retinol (vitamin A). Another antioxidant is found in cranberry oil, which is one of the three main vitamins of youth and beauty. The use of vitamin A guarantees healthy and beautiful hair, strong nails, increased immunity, improved blood circulation, strengthened blood vessels and stable metabolism.
- Beta-carotene is the head of the carotenoid family and an antioxidant. This antioxidant strengthens the protective barrier (hydrolipid mantle) of the skin and reduces the risk of DNA damage, which not only helps prevent aging, but also prevents malignant cell degeneration. Beta-carotene provides sun protection and prevents unwanted skin pigmentation.
Five of the most powerful antioxidants in one cranberry oil! This is an essential oil for skin after 30-35 years.
And this is not the entire list of benefits that make cranberry oil my favorite, especially in the summer.
Compound
Cranberry oil is considered a miracle cure in cosmetology. The reason for this is the composition, enriched with omega fatty acids and other organic elements.
Did you know? In the wild, cranberry bushes grow mainly in swamps, spreading out in a thick carpet.
Product contains:
- omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) - 22–35%;
- omega-6 (linoleic acid) - 35–45%;
- omega-9 (oleic acid) - 20–25%;
- palmitic acid - 5%;
- other acids (gadoleic, behenic, aceterucic and others);
- vitamins A, E;
- beta-carotene;
- antioxidants;
- tocopherols;
- phospholipids;
- tocotrienols;
- phytosterols.
The peculiarity of the product is its combination of omega acids. This is almost the only vegetable oil in which these components are contained in a complex and in almost equal quantities.
Properties of cranberry oil
Thanks to the richest natural complex of components, cranberry oil allows the skin (of any type) of the face to quickly absorb the beneficial substances it needs. Cranberry oil has an unusually gentle and effective effect on facial skin:
- Restores blood circulation to the skin;
- Improves intracellular metabolic processes, regulates inflammatory processes
- Nourishes, softens, soothes the skin from irritation, protects against peeling and dryness;
- Relieves rashes, pimples, blackheads;
- Relieves inflammation, heals scratches and wounds, reduces itching, removes flaking, smoothes the skin, helping cells renew themselves intensively;
- Smoothes wrinkles, gives elasticity and firmness to the skin;
- Normalizes the functioning of skin pores and sebaceous glands;
- Protects from sun rays;
- Absorbs free radicals and neutralizes their effects;
- Promotes metabolism at the cellular level and restoration of the skin;
- Promotes facial rejuvenation, evens out the relief of the epidermis;
- Retains moisture on the skin and significantly slows down the aging process.
Cranberry oil is one of my favorite light oils. It is perfectly absorbed, does not weigh down the skin and does not leave an oily sheen, moisturizes and softens the skin, regenerates, protects the lipid barrier, evens out the skin texture, vitaminizes, nourishes, and rejuvenates mature skin.
It is especially good to use this oil as one of the main components of summer cosmetics, because it perfectly moisturizes and protects the skin from the damaging effects of sunlight, nourishes and cares for the skin after sunbathing.
If you have a problem with split ends of your hair, or dry hair in general, then I also recommend including this oil in your hair masks. Cranberry oil gives hair softness, shine, moisturizes, makes it more elastic and restores split ends
It contains so many beneficial omega acids that it would seem that it should have a very short lifespan and quickly go rancid in its pure form. But thanks to the high content of tocopherol and tocotrienol (very powerful antioxidants in large quantities) it has a long shelf life (2 years).
Contraindications and possible negative effects
The only contraindication is an allergy to the product . Before use, apply the substance to your wrist. If redness appears, do not use the product. When used correctly, cranberry seed oil has a miraculous effect.
Important! The shelf life of cranberry seed oil is approximately 2 years.
After this time, the product loses its beneficial substances and can lead to irritation. The active substances in its composition improve skin condition, strengthen hair and fight brittle nails. In addition, it is a natural drug with virtually no contraindications. The product is definitely worth having in your home cosmetic bag.
Uses of cranberry oil
The unusually rich composition and rare properties of cranberry oil contribute to its widespread use in traditional and folk medicine, pharmacology, and in the production of soap products. This oil is used in the perfume industry, in cosmetology and is a very valuable product for caring for the skin of the human body and face. Cranberry oil is present in lipsticks, creams, lotions, balms, shampoos, and medicinal ointments. It is used by spa specialists - salons and at home for facial skin care.
Cranberry oil is used to treat problematic facial skin and any skin diseases (seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, burns, ulcers).
Cranberry oil is so safe that it is used to care for sensitive skin of the eyelid area, under the eyes, around the lips, nasolabial area and even for the skin of babies.
Dosage of cranberry oil and the possibility of purchasing it
It is enough to apply 2-3 drops of cranberry oil to previously cleansed and washed facial skin. This dose must be rubbed in with massaging circular movements. The drug is suitable for any area of the skin of the body.
High-quality natural oil is rare in pharmacies, since its production volumes are very modest. Most often, cranberry oil is sold by American manufacturers. This oil is expensive. As I already said, it is best to buy cranberry oil from companies specializing in aroma and herbal medicine and soap-making companies.
Nail and hair care
The product brings many benefits to hair and nails. The substance is recommended to be applied to the ends of the hair before or after washing.
Regular use leads to amazing results:
- hair softens and becomes manageable;
- a natural shine appears, like after lamination;
- The splitting stops and the hair takes on a healthy appearance.
If you are growing your nails or trying to get rid of brittle nail plates, cranberry oil will be your best assistant.
Rub the product onto your nails every day and after 2-3 weeks you will see the effect:
- the cuticle will soften;
- nails will stop peeling;
- fragility will disappear.
Features of Arctic cranberry oil
Arctic cranberry oil is produced from cranberries grown in the Arctic Circle. This oil contains the highest concentration of vitamins and a new class of unique antioxidants that help cranberries withstand and survive under very low temperature conditions and lack of sunlight.
The Scandinavian peoples have used Arctic cranberry for several centuries as a medicinal product.
Today, Arctic cranberry extract is considered as a new and better source for antiviral and bactericidal agents.
Arctic cranberry oil is used like regular cranberry oil. You can apply 2-3 drops of it to damp facial skin as a nourishing agent, or rub it into areas of skin problems.
Cranberry oils are suitable for any skin. They can be used for the face in pure form, or you can add a few drops to rose water, shaking it before use.
Cranberry oils are also used to combine several functional types of oils.
Most often, cranberry oils are used as a component of various cosmetic masks, enriching and enhancing their effect.
Anti-wrinkle oil serum
Active substances (ketone and vitamins) smooth the skin, evening out the tone. Enhanced with cyclomethicone for better application, Squalane penetrates deeply to deliver actives to your desired target.
- squalane - 1 ml (1%)
- parsley extract CO2 – 0.05 ml (0.5%)
- grapefruit seed extract - 0.02 ml (0.2%)
- argan oil – 4ml (40%)
- cranberry oil - 4.93 ml (49.3%)
Add oils and extracts to squalane. All components can be measured using a syringe. Mix thoroughly and preserve with your favorite preservative. Since there is no aqueous phase in the serum, I consider grapefruit seed extract and cranberry oil itself with its highest antioxidant content sufficient for preservation. I store in the refrigerator for 1 month. I apply the serum at night on a cleansed face for a course of 10-15 days (every other day). I have skin for 32 years. The effect is excellent, the skin becomes firm and elastic.
Recipes for cranberry oil masks for facial skin at home
Cranberry oil cleansing mask
- Honey – 1 tsp.
- Rose water – 3 drops
- Cranberry oil – 2 drops
- Cinnamon – ¼ tsp.
- Corn flour – 1 tsp.
Mix the ingredients, apply the mask to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Summer mask against photoaging
- Chlorella (algae) - 1 tsp.
- Aloe vera juice 1 tsp.
- Cranberry oil 1 tsp.
Mix all the components of the mask and apply to the face, neck, and décolleté.
This is a very effective mask in the summer. Helps skin recover after exposure to UV rays. This mask can rightfully be called a mask against photoaging. Firstly, it contains cranberry oil, the advantages of which I spoke about above. Secondly, aloe vera juice also has antioxidant properties, which means it is an “enemy” to free radicals that accelerate the aging process, restores the protective properties of the skin, damaged cells, protects against photoaging, stimulates collagen production and prevents sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles, improves blood circulation and strengthens blood vessels. Thirdly, the algae chlorella is still little known in our countries. You can buy it in online stores for a healthy lifestyle. The presence of protein, arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids, the natural antibiotic chlorellin and vitamin F in chlorella prevents skin aging and initiates the processes of tissue regeneration and rejuvenation. In addition, chlorella contains CGF factor (Chlorella Growth Factor) - nucleotides and a peptide complex that help strengthen the immune system, nourish the skin and even out its natural tone.
In general, this miracle mask is a powerful antioxidant blow to the photoaging process.
Nourishing cranberry oil mask
- Cranberry oil – 1 tsp.
- Oatmeal – 1 tbsp. l.
Mix the ingredients well, apply the mask to your face with your fingertips and massage in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes. Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.