St Johns Wort oil
Description
St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum perforatum) is a macerate obtained by infusing the flowers in olive oil. It is an ideal cosmetic remedy for soothing skin prone to redness and discomfort. Its restructuring and purifying properties help revitalize the epidermis affected by environmental factors. It is primarily recommended for bruises, bumps, muscle soreness, scars, and irritated, dry, or cracked skin.
Folk tradition uses St. John's wort for pain relief and wound healing. The active compounds, hyperforin and hypericin, are liposoluble and are found in the macerate, but scientific literature shows that the traditional maceration process in sunlight decomposes a large portion of the hypericin, significantly reducing the risk of photosensitization compared to the dried plant.
Due to its rich texture and the bioactive compounds transferred from the flowers into the oil base, this oil is particularly valued by athletes and active individuals for massaging body areas that are tense after physical exertion. It also makes an essential contribution to alleviating the sensation of itching and restoring the skin's hydrolipid barrier.
Characteristics
- eco Obtainment: Maceration of St. John's wort flowers in olive oil
- water_do Appearance: Reddish oily liquid, specific herbal-balsamic scent, rich texture
- verified_user Quality: Cosmetic grade, natural macerated oil
Ingredients: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract
100% natural, free of preservatives or additives.
Main Properties
- checkSoothing, anti-redness: soothes the sensation of burning, overheating, and discomfort of skin with prolonged exposure to the sun.
- checkAnti-inflammatory: hyperforin, present in the macerate, has documented anti-inflammatory properties, useful for bruises and superficial skin inflammations.
- checkRegenerating, healing: contributes to stimulating the natural healing processes of damaged or scarred skin.
- checkSoothing for muscle and joint aches: folk tradition confirms its utility in massaging areas with muscular and nervous stiffness or discomfort.
- checkNourishing: the olive oil base provides extra emollience and protection for dry skin.
Usage & Synergies
Face care
On the face, St. John's Wort oil is useful for irritated, dry skin or skin with minor blemishes. Application is recommended in the evening to avoid potential sensitization to sunlight.
Practical recommendations
- Localized treatment for irritations: Apply a few drops in the evening to areas experiencing skin discomfort.
- Ingredient in soothing creams: Incorporate into night creams for unsettled skin.
Synergies in face care
For irritated skin, the synergy with Bisabolol and Aloe Vera Oil completes the soothing and regenerating effect.
Body care
This is the area of excellence for St. John's Wort oil: bruises, bumps, muscle aches, scars, and minor burns, including mild sunburns.
Practical recommendations
- Massage oil for muscle stiffness: Apply pure or diluted to areas with tension or muscle soreness, massaging gently.
- Treatment for bruises and bumps: Apply a few drops directly onto the affected area, on intact skin, twice a day.
- Ingredient in salves: Incorporate at 20-50% into formulas for cracked skin, scars, or minor lesions.
- Balms and ointments for athletes: Combined with vegetable wax and specific essential oils to create anhydrous massage balms.
- Localized body massage: Applied pure or blended with other vegetable oils for friction rubs and massage on tense body areas or strained muscles.
- Soothing after-sun care: Integrated into the oil phase of creams or used as it is on sun-affected areas to reduce the burning sensation (exclusively after exposure).
Synergies in body care
For muscle soreness, the synergy with Arnica Oil and Rosemary Essential Oil completes the anti-inflammatory effect. As a treatment for scars, the association with Centella Asiatica Oil and Pomegranate Oil supports regeneration. For regenerating after-sun care, use it in combination with Aloe Vera Oil and Lavender Essential Oil. For soothing skin prone to itching and irritation, use it alongside Calendula Oil and Chamomile Essential Oil.
Hair care
On the scalp, it can be included in treatments for an irritated scalp or one experiencing discomfort, thanks to its soothing properties.
Practical recommendations
- Soothing scalp treatment: Incorporate at 10-20% into a treatment oil for an irritated scalp.
Synergies in hair care
As a soothing ingredient for the scalp, the synergy with Burdock Oil completes the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it a photosensitizing oil?
The risk is lower than traditionally believed. Research shows that hypericin, the phototoxic compound, largely degrades during the traditional solar maceration process. However, as a precaution, it is recommended to apply it in the evening or avoid direct sun exposure immediately after application, especially for fair skin.
Why does it have a reddish color?
The color comes from the transformation of specific compounds within the St. John's wort flowers during maceration in sunlight. It is a characteristic sign of the traditional preparation process.
Bibliography and resources
- Schempp, C. M., Müller, K. A., Winghofer, B., Schöpf, E., & Simon, J. C. (2002). St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). A plant with relevance for dermatology. Published in Der Hautarzt.
- Tatsis, E. C., Boeren, S., Exarchou, V., Troganis, AN., Vervoort, J., & Gerothanassis, I. P. (2007). Identification of the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum by LC/SPE/NMR and/or LC/MS. Published in Phytochemistry.
- Schempp, C. M., Lüdtke, R., Winghofer, B., & Simon, J. C. (2000). Effect of topical application of Hypericum perforatum extract (St. John's wort) on skin sensitivity to solar simulated radiation. Published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine.
- CosIng Database. Regulatory status of Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract. European Commission.
Safety in use
Cosmetic product for external use only. Do not ingest. It is recommended to avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure after application. Do not apply to open wounds or broken skin. Not recommended for pregnant women and young children. A skin patch test is recommended before first use. Avoid contact with eyes.
Storage, preservation
Keep the bottle closed, in a cool place, away from direct light.
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