Flax oil is a unique product obtained by processing flax. It is assumed that its homeland is the eastern Mediterranean (Latin “Linum” - flax and “usitatissimum” - useful). It has a rather viscous consistency, a characteristic aroma and a golden, even sometimes amber color.
Flaxseed oil is used in cosmetology:
- for the face: thanks to its antibacterial, moisturizing and skin rejuvenating qualities, it is added to creams and masks;
- for hair and nails, used externally and internally to combat dandruff and dry hair, as well as excessive brittleness of nails;
- for the skin: due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used for psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, to heal the skin and reduce swelling.
In addition, flax seed oil treats frostbite, burns, and wounds. Added to after-sun products and anti-aging facial cosmetics. And experts recommend using flax oil in tandem with vitamin E or oils containing tocopherol in large quantities.
Description and characteristics
The use of flax was found 9 thousand years ago. Initially, people learned to make durable fabric from this modest plant blooming with blue flowers. Later, flour was obtained from its seeds, and valuable oil was extracted using cold pressing. On an industrial scale, raw materials are pressed at temperatures up to approximately +43 °C. This allows you to maximize the benefits of the herbal product.
By the way. At home, you can try to obtain the same oil using, for example, a hand press or a mortar and pestle.
High-quality oily liquid extracted from flax has a characteristic aroma and taste. In this case, there should be no bitterness. Color - golden brown, varying degrees of saturation. It also depends on whether the oil was refined in production or not (the second option is considered more useful). The texture of the oil is transparent, without sediment or impurities.
The natural remedy is used internally to heal the body. Such a product is marked “food” or “for food purposes”. An extract from flax seed, which is recommended for use in skin, hair, and nail care, is designated as “cosmetic.” It cannot be consumed internally, while edible oil, on the contrary, is often taken for homemade beauty recipes.
Does it help or not?
Reviews of flaxseed oil are mostly positive. Those who have used the product for cosmetic procedures or taken it internally highlight the following benefits of the product:
- naturalness, because it is better to treat acne with oil than with antibiotics;
- improving the condition of not only the skin, but also the nail plate and hair;
- no side effects when applied externally, except for allergies to the active substances of the product, which is extremely rare;
- accessibility – the pricing policy is quite acceptable;
- The skin is effectively cleared of acne and becomes smooth and velvety.
Negative opinions are mainly associated with the side effects of the oil when taken orally, that is, rashes that appear as a result of cleansing the body. Many noted that when using capsules, the negative consequences are much less than when using the pure version.
Flaxseed oil is a truly unique “gift of nature.” Its healing qualities allow it to be used to solve various health problems, in particular, to combat pimples and acne on the face. But it is important to consider that this product is a powerful allergen and has a number of side effects, so before starting cosmetic procedures or taking it internally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the advice of specialists regarding the correct use of the product.
Composition and benefits
Flaxseed oily liquid consists of a large amount of vitamins, microelements, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These components are of great value for the whole body and for the skin in particular:
- B9 – This vitamin is known as folic acid. Eliminates inflammatory processes in cells, helps fight acne, protects the skin from negative environmental factors;
- B3, aka niacin. Has a tonic effect, tightens the facial oval;
- B1, or thiamine. Responsible for elasticity and moisturizing of the skin, making it smooth and silky, smoothing out wrinkles;
- B4, which also has another name - choline. Soothes irritated epidermis;
- vitamin A, or ritenol. Solves a lot of problems: from improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, dry dermis to age spots, acne and wrinkles;
- vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone. Restores healthy skin color;
- Vitamin E normalizes the lipid balance of the epidermis and has a rejuvenating and antioxidant effect. Improves the absorption of retinol;
- omega-3, omega-6. Fatty acids are essential for skin regeneration. Smoothes wrinkles, stimulates collagen production, and other components.
What's useful?
The unique composition of plant origin provides flaxseed oil with a lot of beneficial properties. The product contains:
- retinol;
- vitamin K;
- vitamin E;
- omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid – more than 50%;
- omega-6, linolenic acid – up to 14%;
- omega-9, oleic acid – up to 20%;
- calcium, phosphorus.
IMPORTANT! Most of flaxseed oil is linolenic acid.
Flaxseed oil is a preventative against neoplasms. It has a positive effect on the nervous system and increases the body’s resistance to stress, which is especially valuable for residents of megacities. Children are prescribed to take the oil for full development; it has a positive effect on the growing and developing body.
Can pregnant women take flaxseed oil? Will taking flaxseed oil help with weight loss?
Fatty acids in flaxseed oil
Indications for use
Flax seed oil nourishes, softens and moisturizes the dermis, so it is primarily suitable for those with dry, flaky or rough skin. If you suffer from frequent inflammation on your face, this natural product will also come in handy, as it has a bactericidal, anti-inflammatory effect on pimples and blackheads.
Other indications for use:
- loss of skin's former elasticity, decreased tone of the dermis;
- the presence of signs of aging, sagging skin;
- wrinkles, including around the eyes;
- unhealthy complexion;
- swelling, bruises under the eyes;
- microcracks in the skin;
- freckles, pigmentation.
The liquid product activates the production of your own collagen. It also promotes skin regeneration. All these qualities make the oil universal for different types of epidermis. Use it if you live in a dry region or, for various reasons, often expose your skin to adverse factors.
As a preventive measure, the oil is also suitable for people with a hereditary predisposition to the appearance of early wrinkles.
Attention! For the purpose of rejuvenation, flaxseed extract is most often used by women aged 30+ or 35+.
Goodbye crow's feet
For the sensitive dermis around the eyes, only gentle products can be used. Flaxseed oil is too heavy for this area. However, it is what effectively eliminates wrinkles around the eyes. Therefore, you should not completely abandon the product. To eliminate wrinkles in a delicate area, you can use this method.
- The basis. The basis is oil with a light consistency. It can be jojoba, grape seed or wheat germ oil.
- Additional components. To five parts of the base add one part of the flax product.
- Features of application. Using a cotton pad, carefully apply the mixture of oils to the dermis under the eyes and on the eyelid. After 15 minutes, blot the covers with a napkin to remove excess; it is not recommended to overload delicate fabrics with oil.
Related video Conversation about the benefits of flaxseed oil in Elena Malysheva’s TV show
Where to buy and how to store
Flax seed oil is freely available in pharmacies, shops, and supermarkets. The price is affected by the volume of the bottle, brand, and the presence of additional additives. There are these options:
- from the Len company - 0.5 liters of edible oil costing 125 rubles;
- from the Biokor brand - a flax product enriched with selenium, costs 150 rubles per 0.25 l or 100 rubles per 100 ml;
- from the company Mirrolla - a bottle of 100 ml at a price of 45 rubles, 250 ml - from 110 rubles;
- table oil from the Russka brand - a 250 ml bottle will cost about 115 rubles;
- product from Oleos - 350 ml for 140 rubles, etc.
In addition, at the pharmacy you can buy capsules with flaxseed oil, where the pricing factor is additionally the amount of active ingredient:
- from the company Realcaps - 120 pcs. 300 mg each (cost: 65–70 rubles) or 60 pcs. 1360 mg for 150 rubles;
- from RUSKAPS - 30 pcs. (500 mg), cost - about 70–80 rubles;
- from the Mirrolla brand - 100 pcs. for 60 rubles, etc.
If you purchase a liquid variety of flaxseed product, give preference to the one sold in a dark glass bottle labeled “unrefined” or “first pressed”. Convenient, hermetically sealed containers ensure the safety of the oil for 12 months. at temperatures up to +25 °C.
After opening, it is recommended to use the product no longer than 2–4 weeks, since due to access to fresh air it quickly oxidizes. The product is kept in the refrigerator. You should not drink the oil or lubricate your facial skin with it if you notice cloudiness, sediment, or feel a bitter aftertaste of the oil.
General recommendations
Masks, lotions, and tonics made independently should be used immediately after preparation. Otherwise, they will quickly spoil even in the refrigerator. It is advisable to conduct home cosmetology sessions not while running, but in a calm state. Apply the composition to the skin and lie down. This way the extract from flax seeds will be better absorbed.
Attention! Natural oil cannot be heated or subjected to heat treatment. You risk getting a product that can harm the skin and the entire body. Therefore, drink the oil raw, add it to salads, and for homemade masks, lightly heat it in a water bath (not higher than 40 °C) or place it in a container with hot water.
Thanks to its moisturizing properties, the oily extract is perfect for the cold season. The product will protect the skin from peeling, chapping, and redness. But there is no ban on using oil in summer, since in its pure form, without additives, it does not provoke pigmentation under the influence of the sun.
When rubbing and massaging, the flax extract is distributed over the face, moving along the massage lines. The frequency of external use is determined by the needs and skin type. For dry skin, you can do cosmetic procedures up to 2 times a week, for oily skin - half as often, unless otherwise indicated in a specific recipe. The course usually lasts up to 2 months, then take a break for a couple of weeks.
If you use oil for eyelashes or eyebrows, additionally consider these tips:
- do not rub the skin of the eyelids - it is better to apply the product with gentle patting movements;
- for convenience, use a brush from under an old mascara;
- keep the mask on your eyebrows or eyelashes for about an hour;
- After washing off the flaxseed extract, take cosmetic discs. Gently apply them to your closed eyes, after moistening them in warm water.
Terms of use
To use flaxseed oil effectively and safely, you need to follow the recommendations:
- Check expiration date and quality before use. The product should be even yellow in color, without sediment.
- Store the product in the refrigerator. Scrubs, masks, creams with the addition of flax oil should be used immediately.
- Before use, warm the product slightly in your palms. Apply it with gentle massage movements.
- Upon completion of cosmetic procedures using this product, washing is recommended - preferably with a decoction or infusion of herbs.
Methods of application
Due to its dense, heavy texture, flaxseed oil is rarely used in its original, undiluted form. This technique is especially contraindicated for oily skin, as well as areas under the eyes. Apply all masks, avoiding the eyelid area, unless otherwise indicated in the recipe. As a rule, there are products for the area around the eyes.
It is advisable to use undiluted oil only on the face with an abundance of fine wrinkles. A compress will do: heat the flaxseed liquid in a water bath to room temperature and soak a small piece of cloth or gauze folded several times in it. Apply to your face, and after 15 minutes, carefully remove any remaining oil with a dry cloth.
You can do the same with individual problem areas of the skin. Apply a cosmetic disc soaked in flaxseed extract to them. For all other cases, homemade lotions, masks, etc. are suitable.
Products for dry skin
The toner prepared according to this recipe is suitable for everyday use. It does not require rinsing and does not leave an oily film on the skin. Algorithm of your actions:
- Cleanse your face with your regular cleanser. Wait for it to dry naturally.
- Add 3-4 drops of flax seed oil to a small amount of thermal water, sufficient to treat the skin. If desired, replace the main component of the tonic with mineral water without gas.
- Wipe your face with a cosmetic pad. Pay special attention to problem areas (where there are fine wrinkles, peeling).
- After 10 minutes, treat your skin with moisturizer.
A mixture of banana and avocado will help eliminate dryness and flaking Take half of the ripe fruits and turn them into puree. Pour in 1 tbsp. l. linseed oil. Keep on skin for no longer than 30 minutes.
Masks for mature skin
The following recipe will help saturate the skin with vitamins, increase its tone and give it elasticity
- Pour boiling water over a bunch of fresh nettles. Since this ingredient is not available in winter, plan your course of treatments for the summer.
- Using a blender or other kitchen appliance, puree the herb into a paste.
- Pour in 1 tsp. linseed oil.
- Spread over your face, cover with a piece of gauze.
- After 15 minutes, wash your face.
A mask prepared according to this recipe will improve the condition of aging dry skin and slightly smooth out wrinkles:
- Combine several oils: flaxseed, olive, corn, and hazelnut. Proportions - 1:1:1:1.
- Heat gently in a water bath until barely warm.
- Distribute over cleansed skin.
- After half an hour, blot the remaining mixture with a dry cloth.
To moisturize, nourish the fading dermis and smooth out wrinkles, two options for potato-based masks are suitable.
1st:
- Grate the medium peeled tuber on a fine grater;
- squeeze out the juice;
- Immediately add 1 tsp to the grated mass. linseed and almond oils;
- spread over moisturized skin;
- after 30 minutes, wash off.
2nd:
- wash the potato, boil it in its skin (“in its jacket”);
- without waiting for it to cool, peel and mash;
- combine with flaxseed extract, which will need 15 ml;
- If the mixture is too thick, dilute it with warm milk, if necessary;
- Apply to face, wash after half an hour.
For the aging epidermis, the following mask is also recommended:
- Prepare a tincture of dry chamomile. If desired, replace the dry ingredient with thyme.
- Dilute 2 tbsp with this liquid. l. kelp seaweed powder to make a paste.
- Let it swell, and then pour in 1 tbsp. l. flaxseed oil, stir.
- Do not remove from face for about 40 minutes.
Scrubs
This product cleanses clogged pores well and has one of the simplest preparation options. All you need to do is add to 1 tbsp. l. coffee grounds 5 drops of flax seed oil. The paste is applied to the skin and a facial massage is performed for a couple of minutes. The composition is left for 10 minutes, then washed off. The coffee-linseed mixture is also used for body scrub.
Another scrub recipe is suitable for any skin type. With consistent use once a week, it will help reduce pores and improve complexion. The product also nourishes and softens the skin. Recipe:
- Grind 1 tbsp. l. oatmeal.
- Fill with a small amount of water and let it swell.
- Drain the liquid.
- Combine oatmeal with 1 tsp. flax extract and the same amount of honey. If the sweet product is very thick, measure a little less - 2/3 tsp. and bring to the desired volume with warm water.
- Turn all ingredients into a homogeneous mixture.
- Apply the scrub to clean, makeup-free skin. Distribute over face and neck, performing a light massage.
Advice. You can do it even simpler: mix oatmeal and flax extract in equal proportions. Apply as a mask to cleansed and moisturized skin. The scrub will help get rid of inflammation on the face.
For oily skin, this option is suitable:
- mix 1 tbsp. l. the finest salt (extra type) and soda;
- add the same amount of linseed oil;
- dilute with milk to obtain a paste;
- spread over the skin and massage for 5 minutes;
- leave on for another 5 minutes, then rinse off.
Mixtures against acne and acne
The first remedy will reduce the number of rashes and also nourish the skin with beneficial microelements. Preparation procedure:
- Brew green tea.
- Using a mortar or any other kitchen utensil, grind 3 g of parsley seeds and 15 g of bodyaga. It is advisable not to use metal utensils.
- Dilute the resulting powder with green tea. You should end up with a thick paste.
- Pour in 5-6 drops of linseed oil and stir.
- Using a brush or cosmetic disc, spread over the skin, avoiding areas under the eyes.
- After 15 minutes, rinse your face with warm water.
- Treat your acne with an anti-acne product.
You can prepare a mixture of fresh parsley. Measure out 1 tbsp. l. chopped greens. Add 10 g of bodyaga, 1 tbsp. l. sour cream and flaxseed oil extract. Leave on face for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Attention! After applying bodyagi, the skin may turn red. Do the procedures at night. They are also not suitable for sensitive epidermis.
Yeast masks
The following composition provides nutrition to the skin. How to cook:
- Melt 1 tbsp. l. butter with a fat content of 72.5%.
- Stir in 2 tsp. fresh yeast and 2 tbsp. l. flax concentrate.
- Turn everything into a homogeneous mass.
- Apply over face for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with warm water.
Attention! No additional cream is required.
There is another recipe for a yeast-based mask that reduces the appearance of pores and makes the face matte:
- to 2 tbsp. l. yeast add 1 tbsp. l. warm milk;
- add 0.5 tsp. flax seed extracts;
- let it brew for 10 minutes;
- spread over skin for 10 minutes;
- rinse with cool water.
For fading, flabby epidermis, this version of the yeast mixture is suitable:
- Dissolve 1 tbsp in a small amount of warm milk. l. yeast.
- Add 10 ml of sour cream, lemon juice, honey and flaxseed oil.
- Mix well.
- Distribute over problem areas of the skin.
- After 15–20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Compositions for oily, problematic dermis
A kefir mask dries out pimples, eliminates greasy shine, nourishes the skin, and has a calming effect. After regular use (4-6 times a month), the epidermis will become smoother, silkier, and more even. Recipe:
- Combine 3-5 tbsp. l. kefir with low fat content and 1 tbsp. l. flour.
- Add 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice.
- Pour in 0.5 tsp. up to 1 tbsp. l. flaxseed oil (the more sensitive the dermis, the less of this ingredient you take).
- Season lightly.
- Having received a homogeneous mixture, apply it to the skin.
- After 15–20 minutes, rinse off.
The curd mask improves complexion, removes redness, and gives the face a matte appearance:
- Measure out 1 tbsp. l. low-fat cottage cheese.
- Pour in the egg white and 2 tsp. linseed oil.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Distribute over facial skin for 15 minutes.
- Wash your face with cool water.
If desired, part of the cottage cheese can be replaced with sour cream. In this case, take 1 tsp of each component.
To tighten pores, reduce the severity of wrinkles and provide oily skin with additional nutrition, prepare the following cream scrub:
- Measure out 1 tbsp. l. not too large oat flakes.
- Add the same amount of flaxseed oil and warm milk.
- Let it brew for 15 minutes.
- Apply to skin and massage lightly for a few minutes.
- Rinse your face with warm water.
Advice. You can cook thick oatmeal in milk (without spices), and then add flax seed extract. Proportions - 2:1. The composition is kept on the face for up to 20 minutes.
A minimum of effort will require preparing a mask based on blue clay. In addition to this, you will also need a linen hood. Measure out 1 tbsp. l. each ingredient, turn into a homogeneous mass. Apply to skin, after 15 minutes, rinse with cool water. This composition will dry out, but will not tighten the epidermis, and will help get rid of acne.
The following recipe for oily, problem skin will help with acne, and at the same time with uneven complexion
- Take 1 tbsp. l. rice flour, flaxseed oil, fresh lemon juice.
- Once you have a homogeneous mixture, spread it over your face.
- After 15 minutes, rinse your skin with warm water.
Mask against dry skin and post-acne
Method of preparation and use:
- Combine 1 tbsp. l. sour cream and fresh cucumber puree.
- Pour in 1 tsp. linseed oil.
- Distribute over skin.
- After 10–20 minutes, rinse off.
- Repeat once a week.
You can replace sour cream with 1 tbsp. l. heavy cream.
Recipe for wrinkles and flaking
To prepare a nutritious base, take the following ingredients:
- raw yolk;
- flaxseed oil (1 tsp);
- honey (10 ml).
Beat the yolk and then add the rest of the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a glass bowl and place it in hot water. When the liquid is slightly warm, spread it over your face. After 25–30 minutes, wash with a decoction of herbs. Moisturize your skin with cream.
Composition for normal dermis type
The mask will give the epidermis velvety smoothness, rejuvenate it and slightly smooth out wrinkles. Recipe:
- Make some fresh strawberry puree, measure out 1 tbsp. l.
- Add the egg yolk.
- Stir in 1 tsp. flour and the same amount of flax seed oil.
- Apply a homogeneous mixture to your face for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water. Do this mask weekly.
maintain well-groomed skin :
- Make fresh tomato puree, measure 25 g.
- Add 8 g of wheat flour, egg yolk.
- Pour in 5 ml flax seed oil.
- Turn into a homogeneous mixture and spread over your face for half an hour.
- Wash your face with warm water.
Anti-wrinkle products
Cream lotion prepared according to this recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 10 days. Prepare according to the instructions:
- Place the zest from a medium lemon in a convenient container, pour in 100 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 2 hours.
- After this, add 20 ml of honey.
- Separately, mix the raw yolk and 20 ml of flaxseed oil.
- Pour in 40 ml of cream and lemon juice.
- Combine both substances: lemon-honey and prepared from yolk, cream, flax extract.
- Add 25 ml of camphor alcohol.
- Mix and gently spread over your face.
- After 15 minutes, wash off.
To get rid of expression lines, dissolve the contents of 3 Aevit ampoules in a small amount of slightly warmed flaxseed extract. Soak small pieces of cloth napkins or gauze folded in several layers in this liquid. Apply to problem areas, after half an hour, blot the remaining mixture with a paper towel.
The following compress mixture will not only help to slightly smooth out wrinkles, but will also lighten age spots:
- Pour 1 tsp into slightly warmed linseed oil (about 1 tbsp.) fresh lemon juice.
- Soak a cloth or gauze with this liquid.
- Apply on face for half an hour.
- Remove any remaining residue with a paper towel (do not rub the skin, but blot lightly).
in the fight against early wrinkles :
- Grind some milk thistle seeds.
- Fill with linseed oil.
- Place in a cool, dark place to allow the mixture to infuse.
- After 10 days, strain and apply to the skin as a mask.
Smoothing mask
The mixture is prepared on the basis of 1 tbsp. yogurt. It is advisable to take a natural product without dyes, flavors, etc. Add 2 tbsp to it. l. linen extract. If the skin is dry, beat in the raw yolk. For fatty women, lemon juice will be beneficial.
Distribute a homogeneous mixture over the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. To enhance the effect, cover the skin with a loose cloth or gauze folded in several layers. After a maximum of 40 minutes, wash off the mask.
For the eye area
This mask is aimed at eliminating dark circles and fine wrinkles, removing puffiness. How to cook:
- Combine raw yolk with 1 tsp. flax extract and the same amount of honey.
- Mix and distribute on areas under the eyes.
- After 10 minutes, wash your face and use a nourishing cream.
make the skin under the eyes fresher, as well as eliminate minor wrinkles:
- In 1 tbsp. l. linseed oil, pour in a few drops of sage, cinnamon or calendula ether.
- Soak 2 cotton pads in the mixture.
- Apply to eyes for 10–15 minutes.
Double the power of flax to combat the first signs of aging in the skin around the eyes in the following mask:
- Combine 2 flaxseed ingredients in equal proportions: oil and fiber.
- Leave it under your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
- After this, wash your face.
will also be useful :
- measure 2 tsp. ripe fruit puree;
- pour in 1 tsp. linen extract;
- spread the mixture onto cotton pads or small pieces of fabric;
- apply to eyelids for 30 minutes.
Advice. You can also add 1 drop of sandalwood and rose ether to 10 ml of flax seed extract. Dip 2 cotton pads into the mixture and apply to eyes for half an hour.
For lips
The method of application is very simple: moisten the sponges with flaxseed extract and let it absorb. The product perfectly moisturizes delicate skin, heals cracks, and eliminates peeling. You can use the oil to prevent chapped lips.
Options for eyelashes and eyebrows
Strengthen hair, protect it from negative factors, hair loss, and also enhance growth - all this can be done with flax extract. To do this, take note of the following recipes for medicinal compositions:
- Combine 0.5 tsp. oils with liquid vitamins A, B and E (1 ampoule each).
- Mix the flaxseed ingredient with castor oil or camphor oily liquid. Proportions - 1:1.
- Add 0.5 tsp to the aloe leaf crushed to a paste. flax extract.
- Or chop 3-4 sprigs of parsley in a mortar and pour in half a teaspoon of flax seed oil.
Advice. Apply products in the direction of hair growth. When processing your eyelashes, step back a little from the roots.
Ingestion
Flaxseed extract is called an effective natural remedy for various ailments and painful conditions of the body, including problems with the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, excess weight, etc.
The product normalizes hormonal levels, has a beneficial effect on brain cells, and helps to lose weight. In addition, by taking the oil internally in the form of liquid or capsules, you can significantly improve the condition of your skin, including reducing the number of acne. The capsule version is drunk as indicated in the manufacturer's instructions.
If you choose pure oil, do not take the maximum dosage right away. Let your body adapt. This takes 4 weeks. Approximate habituation scheme:
- 1st week of use: 1 tsp. 30 minutes before breakfast;
- 2nd week of use: 1 tsp. 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner;
- 3rd week of use: 1.5 tsp. half an hour before morning and evening meals;
- from the 4th to the 8th week of admission (inclusive): 1 tbsp. l. morning and evening, half an hour before meals.
Attention! Drink the product for longer than 2 months. it is forbidden. Take a break for 1-2 weeks.
Precautionary measures
Do not rush to smear flaxseed oil on your face as soon as you uncork the bottle. First, do a test for allergies and individual intolerances. Apply some liquid to your wrist or elbow area.
Monitor the condition of the skin in this area. If it begins to peel, turn red, hurt, or itch, flax seed extract is not suitable for you: neither in its pure form, nor as part of cosmetics. To be sure, you should wait up to 12 hours.
Other restrictive measures:
- Do not apply masks with oil at night, so as not to wake up in the morning with a swollen face. This will be due to the product’s ability to retain moisture.
- For the same reason, wash off homemade compositions containing flaxseed liquid from the skin, unless the recipe suggests otherwise. The pure extract is carefully removed from the face.
- Be careful not to get the liquid into your eyes.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding are a reason to additionally consult with a specialist.
- For oral administration, the list is much more extensive: tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder diseases (including the presence of stones), etc. Women who do not want to gain weight should be wary of the following fact: oil is considered a fairly high-calorie product.
Consult your doctor regardless of whether you plan to use flax seed extract externally or internally.
Reasons for side effects
Negative manifestations as a result of taking the natural product internally are a sharp and multiple rash, redness and swelling. The rash may be the result of a cleansing process in the body where toxins are released through the skin. After the process of removing toxins is completed, the skin will quickly cleanse itself.
You should not use the oil together with oral contraceptives, the effect of which is reduced by interaction with it.
The red rash, in turn, can last for a long time. Side causes include:
- Failure to comply with storage conditions. It is important to keep flaxseed oil in a glass container in a cool and dark place (refrigerator).
- Oxidative processes. After opening the jar, the product must be used within a month. It should not be heated or exposed to sunlight.
- Exceeding the dosage. The oil must be used according to the instructions and treatment regimen. The principle of “more is more effective” can have the opposite result.
- Allergic reaction. Before use, it is necessary to do an oil perception test. Apply a small amount to the crook of your arm; if no rashes appear after a while, continue to use for cosmetic purposes. If you plan to use it internally, you should try a teaspoon and, if there are no side effects, begin a course of treatment within a day.
- Unscrupulous manufacturer. Often flaxseed oil is mixed with rapeseed or soybean oil, passing it off as a pure product. Choose trusted brands and carefully read the composition information on the packaging.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the product for facial skin:
- protects against drying out and peeling;
- fights the imperfections of oily, problematic, mixed dermis;
- reduces the severity of signs of aging of the epidermis;
- serves as a prevention of rapid skin aging;
- helps eliminate pimples, acne and post-acne;
- has few restrictions;
- sold at an affordable price;
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Flaws:
- short shelf life after opening;
- the risk of stumbling upon a low-quality product;
- in some cases - allergic reactions on the skin.
User reviews
The natural product attracts many women who use the oil to rejuvenate their faces and eliminate dryness and flaking.
A user named Lydia rated the effectiveness of the product for solving other problems.
But not everything is so rosy. For example, Tatyana does not recommend oil to women with oily epidermis.
And Irina had to deal with individual intolerance to the product.
There are stories testifying to the sad experience of using flax seed extract internally. The author of the following review, a practicing physician, noticed an increase in cholesterol levels in her tests. One of her patients had similar troubles.
Flaxseed oil is a controversial product. For some, it is ideal, while others suffer from the use of the extract and heal their skin after it. To minimize the risk of undesirable consequences, buy the product from trusted manufacturers, store the bottle correctly, and do not use the extract for too long.
It is better to buy oil in small bottles in order to use it up quickly and purchase a fresh product. Test your skin so that it does not give you an unpleasant surprise in the form of acne, clogged pores, itching, redness, etc. You should be wary of natural flaxseed extract in order to get the maximum benefit from it.
Experts' opinion
Cosmetologists classify flaxseed oil as a base oil: it is safe to use in its pure form. It is especially valued for its anti-aging effect and beneficial effect on problem skin.
Thanks to the high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins, flax seed oil restores the protective functions of the skin, saturates it, and prevents flaking. It is especially suitable for dry skin. It is better to use the product with caution on oily areas, preferably as part of other products.
An episode of the program “Live Healthy!” was dedicated to linseed oil. Professor Elena Malysheva believes that taking 1 tbsp. l. oil a day will allow you to live to 90 years.
She recalled that flax-based masks and compresses cleanse the skin, accelerate hair growth, make nails strong and promote the resorption of scars.
Cosmetologist-dermatologist Natalia Akulova notes that flaxseed oil has the most striking anti-aging effect - all thanks to the concentration of vitamin E.
A. Myasnikov also spoke about this in the medical show “About the Most Important Thing.” He drew attention to the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency: skin rashes, sagging, hair loss. According to the doctor, it is possible to restore the condition of the body in 2 months, provided that you consume flaxseed oil daily.