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If haven't started introducing anti-aging products into your skincare routine yet, consider this a PSA: it's never too early to start. In fact, there's a skincare philosophy called pre-aging or preventative anti-aging skincare where you slowly introduce products with anti-aging ingredients into your regimen to stave off the appearance of skin aging. Yup, we're talking about preventing fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and lax skin before these even become a cause of concern. After all, prevention is better than cure—right? *wink*
But before you go gungho on introducing anti-aging products into your line-up, it's important to do your research. In fact, some of your skincare could already contain anti-aging ingredients—you just don't know it yet! Evening primrose oil is one of these ingredients.
What Is Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil (EPO or oenothera biennis) is a botanical oil derived from a yellow flowering plant native to North and South America, although you can also find it in some parts of Europe and Asia. One of the plant's unique characteristics is that every other year, the flowers open at sunset and close during the day, giving it its very apt name.
The oil is made by cold-press extraction of the evening primrose seeds. The process produces an emollient-rich oil that's packed with omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Why Is Evening Primrose Oil Good For The Skin?
Evening primrose oil has been used by Native Americans as a form of topical ointment to treat skin inflammation, bruises, and minor wounds. They crush the plant's stems and leaves to create a paste or juice that they can easily apply to their skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Evening Primrose Oil?
Evening primrose oil has multiple benefits for the skin.
- Evening primrose oil helps hydrate the skin. It's an emollient-rich skincare ingredient, which means it keeps your skin soft and smooth. There are also studies that show that this ingredient can help treat atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema that manifests as dry, flaky, and very itchy skin.
- It soothes irritated skin. Because of the rich fatty acids present in evening primrose oil, it leaves a comforting, calming effect upon application.
- It has anti-aging properties. Evening primrose oil is packed with linoleic acid, the most abundant fatty acid in the skin barrier. Fatty acids, along with essential vitamins and water, are responsible for maintaining the skin's overall structure and function. A strong skin barrier slows down the emergence of signs of skin aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
- It can help even out your skin tone. Because of the linoleic acid found in evening primrose oil, it's also shown visible effects in brightening uneven skin tone.
SHOP: Evening Primrose Oil Products To Try
Now that you're up to speed on the 411 of this underrated skincare ingredient, here are some products you can check out depending on your skin needs.
For Anti-aging: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This nighttime facial oil is beloved for its visibly anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. It's one of Kiehl's bestsellers for a reason! Lavender essential oil and squalane boost evening primrose oil's effects of moisturizing and soothing the skin.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, P2,500 to 3,500, Lazada, Kiehl's website and physical stores
For Brightening: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
While Vitamin C and turmeric are the main skin brighteners credited in this face oil, you will also find evening primrose oil in its ingredients list. Other botanical oils derived from red raspberry, jojoba, cranberry, pomegranate, cucumber, and sunflower seeds also lend their nourishing effect.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, P2,750 to 5,500, Sephora Philippines
For Moisturizing: LUSH Gorgeous Moisturizer
If you're looking for a luxurious way to moisturize your face before you head to bed, one of LUSH's most popular facial moisturizers contains evening primrose oil. There are other essential oils mixed in, of course, including avocado, olive, coconut, grapeseed, and neroli. It's not the most affordable moisturizer, given the sheer amount of botanical oils in its formula, but you'll wake up to soft and pampered skin the next day.
LUSH Gorgeous Moisturizer, P2,795, LUSH stores
For Exfoliating: Bath and Body Works Lavender Vanilla Shea Sugar Body Scrub
Now say you want to buff off the dry, flaky skin before applying your moisturizing products. This Bath and Body Works body scrub will do the trick without stripping your skin of its moisture. Thanks to the blend of botanical oils (including evening primrose oil, ofc!) and other moisturizing ingredients in its formula, your skin will feel soft and smooth by the time you step out of the shower.
Bath and Body Works Lavender Vanilla Shea Sugar Body Scrub, P1,350, Bath and Body Works
For Wrinkle-Smoothing: L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eye & Lip Contour
If you're on the hunt for a product with an alternative to retinol that's safe to use around the delicate eye area, this eye gel will end your search. It's formulated with the brand's signature Immortelle Super Extract—which provides a retinol-like effect in diminishing the look of wrinkles and fine lines, ICYDK—that's boosted by the presence of hydrating evening primrose oil.
L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Eye & Lip Contour, P4,200, Lazada and Rustans.com
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