Blindly purchasing skincare products for its packaging or cheeky name may have been the case for beauty shopping in years past, but the skincare buffs of today want to know exactly what’s in their products. The main goal is to avoid harmful chemicals in favor of simple, active ingredients. Demand for natural, effective skincare and the discovery of formulas that fit those needs naturally go hand-in-hand. So when we catch wind of a new ingredient—or better yet, an oldie but a goodie that simply hasn’t made it mainstream yet—our ears perk right up.
We recently learned of black cumin seed oil, an ancient ingredient that’s been used in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia for centuries, and feel it deserves a spot in your collection. We’ll admit that oils are not a new category in the world of natural beauty. There’s argan, coconut, avocado, and jojoba —all of which have earned their rightful spots on the ingredient label
Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil
Black seed oil uses are a plenty—here are the main benefits for skincare.
- Fights acne, clogged pores, and inflammation: One of the most appealing benefits of this exotic black elixir is its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which work to reduce clogged pores and control oil, as well as tame redness and soothe irritation.
- Fills fine lines and wrinkles: You’ll be hard-pressed to find oil more nourishing than black cumin seed, which contains over 100 vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins A, B, and C, which help the skin retain moisture, maintain elasticity, and fight the damaging free radicals that age you faster. Plus, it boasts gobs of fatty acids, which reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fades dark spots and discoloration: With consistent use, black cumin seed oil can fade dark spots caused by aging, hormones, and sun damage. This is thanks to the vitamin A, amino acids, and fatty acids, which collaborate to regenerate skin cells, reducing the appearance of that discoloration over time.
- Combat eczema: Thanks to its healing properties, the black cumin seed oil is touted as a powerful eczema-fighter. One study depicted quick improvement of hand eczema among those who applied it topically twice a day for four weeks.
Side Effects of Black Cumin Seed Oil
There are no known side effects to using black cumin seed oil on the skin. However, as with all oils in skincare, a little goes a long way, and applying a small amount and layering as needed will help avoid over-application. Also, any product applied topically can trigger an allergic reaction, especially among those with sensitive skin types. Conduct a patch test if your skin is severely sensitive.
How to Use It
Ensure your face is properly cleansed before putting on a skincare oil. If you have dry skin, massage a few drops into your skin twice daily, morning and evening, letting it penetrate for a few minutes before applying other skincare products (or makeup) on top. If your skin errs oily, try applying once a day and build your way up as needed. You can expect to see acne-busting results quickly (as in, a couple of days).
