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How Effective Is Rosehip Oil for Acne?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

In general, research indicates using rosehip oil for acne is not effective. In fact, many reports indicate that rosehip oil may make acne-prone skin worse, increasing the number of breakouts and the size of the individual pimples. Although using rosehip oil to treat acne is generally not recommended, many people have reported positive effects from using the oil for other skin issues, such as acne scars, dry skin, and signs of aging, and some isolated studies show acne-prone people with very dry skin might benefit from using the oil.

In most cases, dermatologists and practitioners of homeopathic medicine will advise people not to use rosehip oil for acne. They believe the oil is too rich and argue that it is much greasier than many other oils, such as almond oil. Typically, experts assert that the oil will increase the instance of clogged pores, leading to an increase in the skin infection that causes acne.

Rosehip oil may be beneficial for people with dry skin.
Rosehip oil may be beneficial for people with dry skin.

In a few cases, using rosehip oil for acne may be acceptable. For example, people with extremely dry skin may benefit from using the oil. In addition, some people argue that the antimicrobial properties of the oil outweigh the fear of additional breakouts, pointing out that the oil can help to kill the bacterial infection that often leads to acne. It also is important to note that rosehip oil contains retinoic acid, a known form of treatment for some types of acne.

Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
Acne can leave behind scars and marks.

Although it may not be effective for treating acne, rosehip oil is reportedly effective for treating the scars that result from acne. The fatty acids in the oil help reverse the damage to the skin, reducing the size and color of the scar. It is also known to moisturize the skin and fight the signs of aging.

To use rosehip oil for scars, simply clean the hands and the face, and apply a few drops of the oil to clean fingertips. The oil can then be applied directly to the scars. To use it to prevent wrinkles, it can be applied all over clean skin, keeping it away from the eye area. It typically takes about 12 weeks to see results.

Rosehip oil may actually make acne worse.
Rosehip oil may actually make acne worse.

If using rosehip oil for acne or for scars, a dermatologist should be consulted. Additionally, the oil should not be used in combination with prescription or over-the-counter acne or scarring medications. It also is important to note that its use may increase sun sensitivity, so using sunblock and wearing protective clothing is recommended.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon966068

I've used the oil and I got these rash like pimples (red and small) on my cheekbones. Very frustrating! If your skin is very sensitive, beware.

anon289317

I've been using trilogy rosehip oil for almost a week now and every time I use it, I ended up getting a rash like tiny pimples over my face.

It's such shame because I really love this product but I guess it does not work for my skin type (combination -oily).

Well, I still believe the good reviews on this product and would recommend it even though it did not work for me.

candyquilt

I love rose hip oil! I first tried it after a terrible sunburn and my friend recommended it. It worked so well! It relieved and moisturized my skin and I think my skin healed faster thanks to it.

I now use it regularly as part of my night regimen. The great part about rosehip oil is that it absorbs really well and doesn't leave an oily residue like other oils do. I tried using olive oil like that one time and my skin didn't absorb it all.

I use 100% pure organic rosehip oil which smells amazing. It doesn't break me out at all, on the contrary makes my skin look beautiful, even and supple. As for marks and scars, it definitely works, but don't expect to see any results until after several months of regular use.

burcidi

@ysmina-- Yea, it's okay, we all learn from our mistakes! I think rosehip oil makes people break out like 99% of the time. I've heard of two people so far who've said that it hasn't caused an acne breakout with them. Surprisingly one of them was suffering from cystic acne and used this oil along with two others and got good results.

So maybe it has to do with how pure the oil is? I wonder if mixing it with another oil like olive oil or avocado oil would have less side effects?

I also have a small bottle of this. I won't use it as a moisturizer because I do have acne-prone skin, it's very dehydrated, but still acne-prone. I have thought about using it as a spot treatment for marks and scars though.

Has anyone tried doing that? Does it work?

ysmina

Yes, I was one of the naive ones who bought and used rosehip oil after hearing that it fades scars. I have lots of scarring from past breakouts, some which have been there for years. An organic oil like rosehip oil seemed promising

Unfortunately, after just one use, it completely clogged my pores and I woke up the next day and stared at my face with about 8 new emerging pimples. It was a nightmare!

I still have the rosehip oil though, I'm using it for a burn scar on my arm so that I don't feel like I wasted my money.

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    • Rosehip oil may be beneficial for people with dry skin.
      By: Nobilior
      Rosehip oil may be beneficial for people with dry skin.
    • Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Acne can leave behind scars and marks.
    • Rosehip oil may actually make acne worse.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      Rosehip oil may actually make acne worse.
    • A specially formulated facial wash is typically more effective against acne than natural remedies.
      By: ipag
      A specially formulated facial wash is typically more effective against acne than natural remedies.
    • Prescription topical ointments are more effective at treating acne than rosehip oil or other herbs.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Prescription topical ointments are more effective at treating acne than rosehip oil or other herbs.