How Black Seed Oil Can Help Your Skin

What is Black Seed Oil?. 

According to ancient sciences, black seed oil, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, is a superfood. This plant, which is native to Asia and the Middle East, has been used to treat a number of ailments. You might know black seeds by other names, such as black cumin, kalonji, and black onion seeds.

Black seed oil is a therapeutic oil. The benefits of black seed can be linked to a particularly potent active compound called thymoquinone. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and immune-supporting properties. Black seed oil has several applications in Ayurveda. It has been used to treat gastrointestinal issues, arthritis, psoriasis, etc.

Black seed oil is rich in 

• Amino acids, 
• Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9, 
• Vitamin A (Retinoids), 
• Nigellone Thymoquinone.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil (skin, health) 

Black seed has traditionally been used to treat headaches, toothaches, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (pink eye), abscesses, and gastrointestinal issues such as gas, diarrhoea, dysentery, constipation, and haemorrhoids. Gastric health correlates to your outer appearance quite a bit. A well-functioning digestive tract can help clear acne and other skin problems.

1. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant molecules that help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules. These molecules are known as free radicals. Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial for your health since they lower inflammation. You might have come across this term very often as antioxidants are the key to promoting healthy skin cells. Black seed oil, in particular, is high in thymoquinone, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. As a result, research suggests that this compound may help with chronic skin diseases. Thymoquinone fights against free radicals. They damage skin cells through oxidation. This happens when free radicals damage the skin's healthy cells causing cellular degradation by stealing oxygen from healthy skin. This causes it to wither, leading to fine lines and sagging skin over time. Black seed oil combats these ageing processes.

Did you know thymoquinone can help with your mental health too? A pilot polysomnography study found that thymoquinone-rich black seed oil improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety/stress in people with sleep disturbances.

2. Rich in Vitamin A

Black seed oil benefits include fighting ageing signs of the skin. Retinoids are also beneficial for acne and ageing when applied topically to the skin. Vitamin A stimulates the production of skin-firming collagen and elastin, which helps in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. UV exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and spots. One of the many advantages of vitamin A is that it aids in the repair of this damage. It has mild exfoliating properties that aid in the removal of dead skin cells, preventing acne and clogged pores. Vitamin A stimulates fibroblasts, making the skin look younger and more radiant. It aids in the normalisation of oil production, making the skin less oily and preventing breakouts. It is also known for boosting the immune system of the skin by promoting natural moisturising factors. Apart from these, the wonder vitamin promotes the health of the skin's dermis and epidermis, the two protective layers.

Black Seed Oil for Treating Skin Diseases

Black seed oil is excellent for immune system support. It has natural antihistamine and anti-microbial properties, making it ideal for treating rashes, eczema, and even psoriasis. Although eczema is not a histamine problem, antihistamines appear to affect it. Black seeds are rich in plant acids and essential fatty acids. This helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier and keeps it from drying and flaking. Other studies have found that applying black seed oil topically speeds up wound healing, which in turn may help reduce blemishes and scarring. Use black seed oil for skin, in general, to keep it healthy and glowing.

Side effects

Although black seed oil is safe, large doses can harm the liver and kidneys. If you have highly sensitive skin, then the topical application can cause skin irritation. It can sometimes interfere with allergy medication. Contact your healthcare provider if that is the case. It is always better to do a patch test before using it. Short-term use of three months or less has not been linked to any serious side effect of black seed oil.

5 Best Black Seed Oils Available @Purplle

1. Greenwood Essential Pure Black Seed (Kalaunji) Oil 30ml  

Helps combat a variety of health problems. Promotes healthy skin and hair.

Explore Greenwood Essential Facial Oil.

2. Deve Herbes Pure Black Cumin Seed (Kalaunji) Carrier Oil 

This can  be used with other oils to get the maximum benefit of black seed oil. 

Explore Deve Herbes Facial Oil.

3. Good Vibes Blackseed And Neem Cold Pressed Oil 

This oil is  loaded with the goodness of black cumin and works as a skin conditioner.

Explore Good Vibes Carrier Oils.

4. Inatur Black Seed Oil

This Oil can be used topically to treat achy joints.

Explore Inatur Facial Oils.

5. Avnii Organic’s Cold Pressed 100% Pure & Natural Black Seed Oil 

This Oil can be used for skincare, haircare as well as aromatherapy.  

How to Use Black Seed Oil 

Black seed essential oil can be used with a carrier oil. 

• If you are using it for eczema, do a patch test before applying.
• Apply a small amount of the oil to your skin and wait for 24 hours. 
• Avoid using the oil if you experience irritation. 
• You can keep using it if you don't develop any symptoms.

Here's how you can use black seed oil to treat eczema:

Put two or three drops of black seed oil on your palm. Warm the oil by rubbing your palms together. Apply the oil to the affected area of the skin. Avoid rubbing it in because it may irritate your skin. If you are looking for some more good facial oils, then check out these best facial oils for face massage and enlightenment.

FAQs

Q1. Is it safe to apply black seed oil directly to your skin?

Ans. Black seed oil can be used topically on your face, skin, and hair, as well as consumed to treat a variety of ailments.

Q2. Can black seed oil be used to treat rashes?

Ans. It has been used to treat rashes, psoriasis, and skin inflammation. According to research, black seed oil may be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.

Q3. Can I use black seed oil on a daily basis?

Ans. You can use it every day in small amounts and proceed to use it alternatively when the condition improves.

Q4. How long does black seed oil take to work?

Ans. As black seed oil works naturally with your body, it may take some time to see visible results. It will typically take three to four months, so patience is key.

Q5. Is it okay to leave black seed oil in my hair?

Ans. It can be used directly on the scalp or diluted to reduce inflammation, stimulate hair growth, and curb flakiness and sensitivity. Even if you don't have any scalp issues, regular use can help make your hair healthy, soft, hydrated, and shiny.

Read More:
- Sesame seeds: Skin Benefits & its uses