Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Sunscreen Effectiveness, Plus Other Benefits

There's been plenty of research over the years confirming red raspberry seed oil's ability to absorb UV rays.

The different types of UV radiation include UVB, UVC, and UVA. The risk of skin cancer varies depending on the type of radiation:

• UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don't reach the earth's surface. For this reason, it's not a high risk factor for skin cancer.
• UVB radiation is linked to skin cancer because it can damage the top layer of skin and change the DNA in your skin.
• UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin. Unprotected exposure to these rays can lead to premature skin aging and increase your risk for skin cancer.

According to research, red raspberry seed oil can absorb UVB and UVC sun rays. But the oil offers limited protection from UVA. UVA rays increase the risk for skin cancer and other skin problems like wrinkles and premature aging.

Because raspberry seed oil doesn't offer UVA protection — which is responsible for 95 percent of UV rays — raspberry seed oil alone isn't recommended as a sunscreen. Given its other beneficial characteristics, however, it can be used as a healing agent for other skin conditions.

Here's a summary of the beneficial characteristics of red raspberry seed oil:

While some over-the-counter moisturizers, body washes, and facial creams can improve the health of your skin, you may prefer a more natural skin care regimen.

Some of the benefits of red raspberry seed oil for skin care include:

1. Anti-inflammatory

Red raspberry seed oil contains a high amount of antioxidants and essential fatty acids like alpha-linoleic acid. These fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.

Red raspberry seed oil also contains ellagic acid, a natural antioxidant found in different types of fruits including strawberries, blackberries, and cherries. It not only prevents inflammation and tissue damage but also promotes skin health.

2. Source of vitamin A and E

Red raspberry seed oil is also a source of vitamin A and vitamin E.

Vitamin A encourages healthy skin cell regeneration and growth, resulting in smoother, tighter skin.

Vitamin E offers similar benefits. As an antioxidant, the vitamin fights inflammation, reduces scars, and replenishes collagen levels.

3. High levels of phytosterosis

The phytosterosis in raspberry seed oil can also reduce transepidermal water loss. This helps your skin retain hydration and moisture. Hydrated skin has a healthier, glowing appearance.

4. Noncomedogenic

Red raspberry seed oil is noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Use it to moisture your face without blocking your pores.

Where to find red raspberry seed oil

You can find red raspberry seed oil in most health food stores or order online.

Because red raspberry seed oil has beneficial properties, it's sometimes included as an ingredient in face creams, shampoos, lipsticks, and lotions. Common uses for the oil include:

1. Antiaging

As a great source of antioxidants and vitamins A and E, red raspberry seed oil can slow the aging process, stimulate collagen production, and help your skin appear more youthful and vibrant.

2. Acne

A good skin care routine is the first line of defense against acne.

Traditional acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can effectively fight blemishes. But these acne ingredients and others can have a drying effect on the skin.

Red raspberry seed oil acts as a natural acne remedy because the linoleic acid in the oil helps rebalance the skin's natural oils. Less oil can lead to less acne. The fact that red raspberry seed oil doesn't clog pores also contributes to fewer breakouts.

3. Dry skin

Whether your skin is temporarily dehydrated or chronically dry, applying a few drops of red raspberry seed oil can help boost your skin's hydration level, softening dry patches of skin.

4. Skin inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effect of red raspberry seed oil also soothes symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

Dry skin is a symptom of these conditions, too. The oil can moisturize and soften skin, as well as reduce flares and irritation like itching, swelling, and redness. Raspberry seed oil has been shown to reduce inflammation.

5. Gingivitis

Red raspberry seed oil doesn't only benefit your skin. It can also benefit your oral health. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease characterized by inflamed gums caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

The oil can reduce bacteria in the mouth and calm inflammation around gum tissue, easing redness, swelling, and gum pain. You can use red raspberry seed oil as a mouth rinse, or pick up a toothpaste containing red raspberry seeds as an ingredient.

6. Sun protection

Even though red raspberry seed oil doesn't offer enough protection from the sun's harmful UV rays and skin cancer, you can use the oil along with sunscreen. Apply red raspberry seed oil underneath your sunscreen for added moisture to your sun protection.

The benefits of red raspberry seed oil range from reducing inflammation to slowing the aging process. But despite its many beneficial properties, it shouldn't be used as your only type of sun protection.

Red raspberry seed oil may not be right for everyone. If you're allergic to raspberries, you might be allergic to red raspberry seed oil, too. Signs of a reaction include redness, swelling, rash, and itching.

Apply the oil to a test patch of skin before applying over a larger area of your face or body.