Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil is a well-loved, nourishing oil that absorbs quickly. It is rich in linoleic acid, can help maintain the skin barrier, and can decrease transepidermal water loss.
Linoleic acid is the fatty acid that all skin types crave thanks to its unmatched anti-inflammatory abilities. It’s the major lipid that converts to arachidonic acid in the skin. Arachidonic acid leads to prostaglandin E2, which is an inflammatory modulator.1 This means linoleic is one of the most prized fatty acids for reducing inflammation in the skin. In fact, many acne-prone skin types are found to be deficient in linoleic acid.2
references
[1] Lio, M.D., P. (2015). Skin barrier benefits of sunflower seed oil. Retrieved 8 February 2020, from https://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatology/skin-barrier-benefits-sunflower-seed-oil
[2] Strauss, John S. (1986/02/01). Essential fatty acids and acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 14, 221-225. doi: 10.1016/S0190-9622(86)70025-X
