What are the benefits of camelina oil?
Camelina oil, still little known, is a natural treasure with multiple virtues. Extracted from the seeds of the Camelina sativa plant, also called "bastard flax", this vegetable oil is distinguished by its exceptional composition of essential fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. Used for centuries, it seduces with its ability to meet various needs, ranging from hydration and skin repair to general health benefits. Its versatility and gentleness make it an essential ingredient in the fields of natural cosmetics and balanced nutrition.
In a world where attention to natural products and sustainable solutions is booming, camelina oil is establishing itself as a valuable ally. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerative properties make it a preferred choice for those looking to enhance their skin, strengthen their hair or improve their overall well-being. Let's discover in detail the many benefits of this still too little-known oil and the best way to integrate it into our daily routines.
What is Camelina Oil?
Origin and extraction
Camelina, or bastard flax, is a plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Native to Central Europe and Asia, it has been cultivated for centuries for its oil-rich seeds. Due to its historical popularity in Germany, it is sometimes nicknamed "German sesame".
The oil is obtained by a first cold pressing method, which preserves its precious unsaturated fatty acids and nutritional properties. This gentle extraction guarantees a high-quality oil, ideal for both food and cosmetic uses. Camelina oil is distinguished by its golden color and its light herbaceous odor, sometimes evoking notes of green vegetables.
Composition and key nutrients
One of the major assets of camelina oil lies in its exceptional composition, which makes it a real source of benefits for the skin, hair and overall health. This oil is distinguished by a particularly high concentration of essential fatty acids, essential nutrients that the human body cannot produce alone and must therefore draw from food or external care.
It contains in particular:
Omega-3 (35-45%) : Mainly in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), this fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its benefits on cell regeneration. ALA plays a key role in protecting cell membranes, which helps maintain healthy and radiant skin.
Omega-6 and Omega-9 : These lipids, present in balanced amounts, strengthen the skin barrier, promote skin elasticity and improve its hydration. Linoleic acid, a type of Omega-6, is particularly appreciated for its ability to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.
Specific acids such as eicosenoic acid, palmitoleic acid, and traces of other rare lipids that help to deeply nourish skin tissues.
In addition to its richness in unsaturated lipids, camelina oil is also an excellent source of vitamin E , a powerful natural antioxidant. This vitamin helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus slowing down the skin aging process. Finally, its low content of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic acid and stearic acid, makes it particularly light and suitable for daily use, without clogging pores or weighing down the skin or hair.
Thanks to this harmonious and balanced composition, camelina oil offers a synergy of restorative, moisturizing and protective properties, ideal for meeting the needs of the most demanding skin and hair.
Benefits of Camelina Oil for Skin
Deep hydration
Camelina oil is an ally of choice for dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its richness in essential fatty molecules, in particular omega-3 and omega-6. These lipids act in synergy to restore and maintain the hydration of the epidermis. By strengthening the skin barrier, it limits transepidermal water loss, leaving the skin soft, supple and perfectly nourished. Unlike some heavier oils, camelina oil is distinguished by its lightness and its ability to penetrate the skin quickly, without leaving a greasy film. It is therefore suitable for both normal skin and sensitive skin or skin prone to irritation.
Its moisturizing effect is particularly beneficial in winter, when the skin is put to the test by the cold, or in summer, after prolonged exposure to the sun. Combined with classic moisturizing treatments, it boosts their effectiveness while providing an extra touch of comfort.
Reduction of skin inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of camelina oil make it a natural solution to calm irritated skin or skin prone to chronic inflammation. Thanks to its high omega-3 content, it helps regulate the inflammatory mechanisms of the epidermis, thus soothing redness, itching and feelings of tightness.
Studies have shown that the essential fatty acids contained in camelina oil help reduce the symptoms of certain skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Its soothing action is enhanced by its light texture, which allows direct application to sensitive areas without the risk of aggravating irritation. It is often recommended by naturopaths as a gentle and effective alternative to pharmaceutical products.
Healing properties
Camelina vegetable oil is also known for its regenerative properties, which promote the healing of minor wounds and irritations. By deeply nourishing the epidermis, it stimulates cell renewal, which helps repair damaged skin more quickly.
It is particularly useful for treating skin weakened by external aggressions: cracks due to cold, minor burns, irritations caused by friction or allergic reactions. Its composition rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E also protects healing tissues against oxidation, thus reducing the risk of residual marks.
Anti-aging and antioxidants
Camelina oil is a valuable ally in the fight against the signs of skin aging. Thanks to its high content of vitamin E and unsaturated lipids, it acts as a powerful natural antioxidant. These compounds neutralize free radicals, the main cause of cell damage and premature aging of the skin.
Used regularly, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving the skin's elasticity and firmness. By boosting the natural production of collagen, it helps maintain a radiant complexion and smooth texture. In addition, its moisturizing effect strengthens the skin barrier, preventing the formation of new wrinkles linked to dehydration.
Camelina oil is therefore particularly recommended for mature skin, but its preventive properties also make it an excellent choice for young skin wishing to preserve its natural radiance. Integrated into a daily routine, it provides real overall care, combining protection, repair and radiance.nts help to soothe irritations, reduce redness and relieve itching. Naturopaths recommend its use to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis.
Cosmetic uses of camelina oil
In skin care
Camelina oil can be used as a moisturizing serum or added to facial creams. Applied after cleansing, it deeply nourishes and leaves the skin soft without a greasy feeling. Thanks to its lightness, it penetrates quickly into the epidermis and does not clog pores, making it suitable for combination to oily skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin, prone to irritation or redness, providing immediate soothing.
In addition to daily use, camelina oil can be incorporated into specific treatments, such as homemade masks. Mixed with clay or other vegetable oils, it creates tailor-made treatments to moisturize, purify or soothe according to your skin's needs.
In hair care
For hair, camelina oil is a real restorative and nourishing treatment. Applied as a mask before shampooing, it revitalizes dry, damaged or brittle hair by providing it with essential fatty molecules. It can also be used in small quantities on the ends after styling to reduce frizz and protect hair from external aggressions, such as pollution or heating appliances.
For sensitive or irritated scalps, camelina oil offers a natural solution. A gentle massage with this oil helps to calm itching and improve blood circulation, thus promoting healthy hair growth. Camelina Oil Application Tips
Camelina Oil Application Tips
How to Incorporate Camelina Oil into Your Routine
Camelina oil is easy to integrate into a skincare routine. For the face, apply a few drops to clean skin, morning and evening. For hair, mix it with other oils such as coconut or argan oil for a complete treatment.
Precautions and best practices
Before regular use, it is recommended to test camelina oil on a small area to check for an allergic reaction. Choose an oil from the first cold pressing to ensure an optimal composition.
Compare with other cosmetic oils
Distinct Benefits of Camelina Oil
Camelina oil stands out for its richness in omega-3, which makes it particularly beneficial for its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. Compared to jojoba or sweet almond oil, it offers lighter hydration and rapid absorption.
Synergy with other oils
Combined with oils such as argan oil or linseed oil, camelina can enhance its restorative and moisturizing effects. Mixed with essential oils, it becomes a personalized treatment to meet specific needs.
Conclusion
Camelina oil, extracted from the seeds of Camelina sativa, is a vegetable oil with remarkable virtues. Its composition rich in essential fatty molecules, particularly omega-3, makes it a key ingredient for skin and hair care, but also for overall health.
Its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and antioxidant properties make it an essential ally in cosmetic and dietary routines.
Incorporating this oil into your daily routine, whether for a facial treatment or a simple touch in your recipes, will allow you to fully enjoy its unique benefits. So, why not try it today?
To go further, discover our other articles on vegetable oils:
FAQ:
How to use camelina oil?
Camelina oil is a versatile product that can be easily integrated into different routines, whether for skin care, hair care or cooking. For cosmetic use, it can be applied directly to the skin, ideally after cleansing to maximize its absorption. A few drops are enough to moisturize the face or dry areas of the body.
It can also be used as a massage oil or mixed with creams or serums to enhance their moisturizing and soothing properties.
For hair, camelina oil is applied as an oil bath before shampooing to nourish the lengths and soothe the scalp. A small amount can also be used on dry ends to restore suppleness and shine.
In cooking, camelina sativa oil is ideal for cold seasonings. A teaspoon a day, added to salads, green vegetables or other dishes, is enough to enjoy its nutritional benefits, especially its omega-3 content. It is important to note that this oil should not be heated, as this could alter its essential nutrients.
What are the benefits of camelina?
Camelina Oil Benefits: Camelina oil offers a wide range of benefits, both externally and internally. Its main benefits include:
Deep hydration : It nourishes and softens the skin while strengthening the skin barrier.
Anti-inflammatory properties : Thanks to its high omega-3 content, it soothes irritation and reduces redness.
Healing properties : It promotes cellular regeneration, ideal for repairing minor injuries or irritations.
Anti-aging effect : Its natural antioxidants, such as vitamin E, help prevent skin aging by neutralizing free radicals.
Nutritional benefits : In dietary use, camelina oil contributes to cardiovascular health, proper brain function and the reduction of internal inflammation.
How much camelina oil per day?
For dietary use, it is recommended to consume one to two teaspoons per day. This allows you to benefit from its richness in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), which play a crucial role in maintaining good cardiovascular, cerebral and immune health.
If you are using camelina oil as part of a nutritional program or on the advice of a naturopath, the amount can be adjusted according to your specific needs. It is important not to exceed the recommended doses to avoid any danger and imbalance in lipid intake, especially between omega-3 and omega-6.
In cosmetic use, the amount depends on the application. A small amount is usually enough to moisturize the face, while a tablespoon is ideal for a hair oil bath.
