Borage for use on problem and acne skin

Borage has a cooling, saline, diuretic effect on the skin, which is very welcome, as it soothes damaged and irritated tissues and skin, such as in the case of problem or acne skin. It furthermore helps to soothe the skin while having an anti-inflammatory action.

Borage is used in the following of our products Problem Skin Face Wash Problem Skin Day Gel Problem Skin Night Lotion Problem Skin Face Mask Problem Skin Spot Treatment

On this page

• Cosmetic use of borage in problem and acne skin
• Compounds found in borage oil
• Classification of borage as a cosmetic ingredient

Cosmetic use of borage in problem and acne skin

Borage is very emollient and soothing and helps to reduce reddening of very sensitive skins. It has a skin clearing and lightening effect and promotes healthy skin growth. It furthermore has good anti-inflammatory action and also acts as a hormonal balancer.

Taking the above-mentioned properties into account, it is easy to see why it is a great ingredient to use on problem skins, especially when acne, pimples and blemishes are present.

Topical application of borage oil has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating inflammatory conditions and skin disorders, such as eczema and dermatitis, in both animals and humans. ^{REF 21& 22}

Compounds found in borage oil

Although essential fatty acids are important in your diet, they can play an important role when applied topically to the skin. Borage is the richest known source (24%) of an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

These polyunsaturated essential fatty acids are essential for the structure and flexibility of the cell membranes and also play an important role in the construction of the epidermal lipid barrier. They therefore help normalize trans-epidermal water loss.

It is extremely high in mucilage and also contains pyrrolizdine alkaloids. The main constituents of the oil are vitamin C, saponins, tannins and minerals.

It is a regenerating oil, especially when skin disorders are present. The essential fatty acids contained in the oil help treat rosacea, by reducing inflammation, controlling the cells' metabolism and by producing prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.

The tannins in the oil have a slight tightening effect on the skin and the oil helps to restores moisture and smoothness to dry skin, soothing irritated and damaged skin. Borage also helps provide relief to people who suffer from chronic skin disorders, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis.

The borage plant is grown and harvested for the valuable borage oil found in its seeds. The leaves are not harvested, since they contain small amounts of pyrrolizdine alkaloids that may cause liver damage.

PLEASE NOTE - this pyrrolizdine alkaloid is not present in the seeds, and therefore use of this oil poses no threat when it is correctly used in skin care.

Classification of borage as a cosmetic ingredient

Borago officinalis seed oil is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Borago officinalis. Borage is classed as a fat and oil. It is used as an emollient skin-conditioning agent and is known as borage oil.

For clarification of the above, please click here.