I wouldn't usually write about beauty products, but I've been experimenting lately creating my own facial oils, massage oils and herbal teas. I'm also learning to forage and create my own remedies! One thing I've learned is how to make Rosehip Oil, which is a bit of a gem in the skincare world. I've created batches of Rosehip Oil to use on my face with the addition of a few radiance-boosting and anti-aging essential oils.
What is Rosehip Oil?
So let's take a closer look at Rosehip Oil. The oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes; I get mine from the Dog Rose bush in my garden. These are the same bushes that give us those lovely rosehips in autumn. Rosehips look a bit like berries, but are longer.
Rosehip Oil has numerous benefits for your skin - firstly, it's packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and Vitamin A (in the form of retinol). Vitamin C helps brighten your skin and fade dark spots, whilst retinol can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Rosehip Oil is also full of essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. The omegas do wonders for hydrating your skin and locking in moisture. So, if you've got dry or dehydrated skin, Rosehip Oil might be your new best friend.
Rosehip Oil also contains antioxidants. These little warriors fight off free radicals which cause premature aging and skin damage. So, slathering on some Rosehip Oil can help protect your skin from those baddies too!
As if that wasn't enough, it also improves the appearance of scars and stretch marks, over time.
How to make Rosehip Oil
There are a few recipes online for making Rosehip Oil, I found one that sounded fairly simple and utilised things I already had in my house!
You will need:
Rosehips
A carrier oil, sweet almond or grapeseed is ideal
Pestle and mortar Slow cooker or oven Muslin cloth or similar
Bowls Dark glass bottle for storage*
Essential oils (optional)
*Dark glass is better as it preserves the oil by keeping the light away. I purchased a dropper oil bottle so I could squeeze out a small amount of oil each day.
1) Pick the rosehips when they turn bright red, in late summer/early autumn. Get as many as you like, I'd recommend a couple of handfuls. Bear in mind you'll need a lot more carrier oil if you pick more rosehips, so perhaps start with a smaller amount.
2) The rosehips may feel quite hard, so to soften them, freeze them overnight.
3) The next day, remove them from the freezer and defrost by running them under warm water for a few minutes.
4) Now they should feel a bit more squishy, you'll need to squash them in a bowl with a pestle. They won't squash completely, just do the best that you can. You're aiming to release the seeds from inside the hips.
5) Once they're mashed up, put them into a large bowl and add your base oil - you'll need 1 part rosehips to 2 parts oil. Example - half a cup of rosehips = 1 cup of base oil. Give them a stir.
6) Slowly cook them - either in the oven in a heatproof bowl on the lowest heat for 4 - 8 hours, or in the slow cooker on low heat for 4 - 8 hours. I only cooked them for 4 hours and that seemed long enough.
7) Once cooked, scoop out the rosehips and oil mixture. Strain them through a muslin cloth into a bowl so you end up with just the juice and none of the rosehips or seeds.
8) Pour the finished oil into a dark glass jar, adding a few drops of your favourite essential oils if you wish. I like to add a few drops of Frankincense and Geranium. Label it up and use it! I just use 3-4 drops on my face each morning and night. Personally I enjoyed making the oil as much as I enjoy using it, and after using it twice daily for around two months, my skin is looking and feeling fantastic!