Friday, August 16, 2013

Something About Rosehip Oil

  Natural and organic skincare has gained its popularity in recent years and I have heard many bloggers sang praises of rosehip oil. I was at Chemist Warehouse last week and found rosehip oil came with many different names, different types, different brands and organic or not. Confusing!
It inspired me to make my research online and seek answers of my questions. Although I am not a skincare expert by any means, I am happy to share some of my findings and my thoughts to you girls. 



What people rave about rosehip oil?
Every brand sells rosehip oil describes it as rich in omega 3 & 9, vitamins as well as antioxidants. A few research showed it had a skin regenerative effect, meaning it could be helpful in reducing wrinkle/ fine line, scar, pigmentation etc.


--------------------------- Some questions I had ---------------------------------
Rosehip oil? Rosehip seed oil?
I always read the ingredient list (and nutrition table if any) before I make a purchase. One of the first things I noticed was the product name. While some are called rosehip oil, some are called rosehip seed oil. What is the different between them? 

Both names represent the same kind of product as seeds are held inside fruits/ hips and manufacturers simply put the whole fruits in extraction.

Rosa Canina? Rosa Eglanteria?
Rosa Rubiginosa - official Latin name of Rosa Eglanteria or Rosa Mosqueta (often used in Spain and South America). 
  =>  Rosa Eglanteria = Rosa Rubiginosa = Rosa Mosqueta
It is native to Europe and famously known as Shakespeare's rose. 
However, it is identified as invasive species in the US(USDA) and Australia and planting is restricted (here).

Rosa Canina, native to Europe, is commonly known as the dog rose and its fruits are often used to make syrup, tea and marmalade in Spain or other countries (here). It is seen as an invasive specie in New Zealand (here).

I have been trying to look for any evidence but cannot find any research or proof identifying Rosa Eglanteria rosehip oil superior to Rosa Canina rosehip, or the other way around.

Kobashi claims both oil share almost identical properties. 
In Jeanne Rose's book 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols, she only included Rosa Rubiginosa as one of the source of making rosehip oil but left out Rosa Canina. Dr. Steve Esomba's 21st century's fuel sufficiency road map also only included Rosa Rubiginosa but no Rosa Canina. Cloverleaf Farm on the other hand excluded Rosa Rubiginosa as a source of rosehip oil. 



Any scientific evidence about effectiveness of rosehip oil?

Most so-called research does not sound solid to me as either I cannot actually find the articles themselves through my university library (connected to other academic database) or I failed to access it. Even if research did take place, I would not know which companies funded the researches and if there was any affiliation.

The official website of Rosehipplus, which is an Australian brand selling rosehip oil, listed a few research on regenerative effect of Rosa Rubiginosa (details here: http://www.rosehipplus.com.au/rosehip-oil-scientific-evidence/ ). Yet I searched my university library database and I have never found the exact research paper mentioned. There were a few other research related to rosehip but irrelevant to beauty and skincare. 

I also found an article written by Marc Cohen where he used Rosehip oil (made out of Rosa Canina fruits) on his experiment objects who suffered from osteoarthritis. The trial suggested Rosehip oil had an excellent anti-inflammatory effect. I was not able to find the exact research paper from my university library database and the article was only thing. I question if it is a scientific research after all. 
The only paper that looks legitimate to me was a review paper called A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles . However, I could not access the library of US National Library of Medicine.

Extra: Any interesting thing?
  Often product description on the box describes rosehip as 'rich in Vitamin C'. Yet, it is a question whether rosehip oil actually retains its natural Vitamin C after cold pressing or CO2 extraction. Vitamin C oxidizes when exposed to light, heat and air and it is almost impossible to assure How much Vitamin C loses/ is retained after manufacturing process (AromaWeb claimes none is left after extraction.)

**********************************************
How to pick?


First - Quality of rosehip used makes a big difference. Unfortunately, most companies do not state where their oil comes from or how the oil is extracted.

 -> Buy from a brand that has confidence to disclose where the oil is from
 -> Buy a rosehip oil made from CO2 extraction or cold pressing.


Where is it from??
  When I looked at options available at Chemist Warehouse, I could not find information about where brands sourced their rosehip oil. They only stated the product was made with imported ingredients...


(I never get paid, nor received any free products)
Some Australian brands I love: 
  Kosmea is one of the top rosehip oil brands and its rosehip oil is made of Rosa Eglanteria from South Africa. Its oil comes with a natural amber colour and nutty fragrance. Its consistency is also much thicker than the other two brands below. From my personal experience, I think it worked excellent. Radiance 24/7 Youth Boost works even better than regular rosehip oil.

  Trilogy is known for its rosehip oil antioxidant+ collection. Multiple antioxidants and ingredients were added to boost its effectiveness.
“Certified Organic Rosehip Oil , Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seed oil (and) caprylic/capric triglyceride (and) vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil (and) helianthus annuus seed oil (and) tocopherol, Lycopene, Acai oil, Oat extract”

  Sukin positions itself at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. Its certified organic Rosa Eglanteria oil, RRP $19.95 for 20ml, was a very affordable option. 
Yet, its oil has a light yellow colour and retains no fragrance. Very thin consistency as well. Its facial moisturizer retailed for $9.95 (125ml) uses Rosa Canina rosehip oil instead of Rosa Eglanteria oil. Unsure if it will make any difference, yet it is a very affordable option.


Bibliography (sorry I am too lazy to follow formal referencing system lol maybe someday I will edit it)



Do you girls try any rosehip oil? Which brand is your favourite? Let me know what you think about it below. Thank you for reading my post. Love you :*

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Some deals I have my eyes on

I love finding deals and getting the most from my money. Checking out catalogue every two weeks has been my habit so why dont I share my findings to people :D? The latest my chemist and priceline catalogue has quite a few deals, mainly gifts of purchase.


My Chemist



Priceline

Gift set for purchase over $20 on sally hansen products



Maybelline - 50% off entire range (MUST STOP BY!!!)
Maybelline Color whisper lipstick $7.5                 Nail polish $3

L'oreal Paris ViVe Pro line $2.99 each




Hauls

Since I am going back to Hong Kong for vacation, I try not to buy anymore makeup but it is hard to resist all the discounts and offers >_<


Priceline
If I add up all the time I have spent in priceline during lunch break or what, it probably will be days? LOL

I received a sister club coupon which would deduct $10 off from Pond's collection. I used mine and got the new flawless white BB cream for $1.2! What a bargain <3 nbsp="">


Models Prefer is a priceline home brand and honestly I am never crazy about it. But I saw this set at priceline for $5 only and thought Why not? 


 This set consists of a bronzer stick (sunkissed) and a powder bronzer (glowing). Packaging of the powder bronzer reminds me of NYX blush but minus the imprint.


Swatches are shown below. (left: powder blush Glowing, right: stick bronzer Sunkissed)
The shade of glowing is not too orangey nor muddy and it creates a natural, matte bronzing effect.
Although I am not a fan of shimmery bronzer, Sunkissed is really lovely and I like it! The shimmers in it help to create a glow and I can see myself wearing it with my summer tan. Alternatively I think it will work excellent to bronze up your legs! 

My skin always gets terrible in winter (part of the reasons why I dont like winter). It gets more serious this year and I have very noticeable dry patches + redness around my eye area. Sometimes I get up in the morning, I find cracks and bleeding in my inter corners. Doctor suggested that it might be mild eczema and recommended hydrocortiscone.


Myer
What a great deal! 4 full-size products and 4 deluxe samples for $69 only! I went to Myer in CBD but it was sold out already. Then I headed to Doncaster and found the last one on shelf !!! Highly recommended this set if you can still find it ;)

I know I am very slow to jump on the bandwagon. I got a Korres lip butter in pomegranate. I do like it but lip balm in pot is never convenient. 



Big W
I went to Big W thrice and finally I found Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink and Barely Branded! They are really beautiful and very comparable to MAC paint pot. Love them <3 font="">
I also got a soap and a lip balm from Neutrogena naturals for less than $2 each! Hopefully they work well :) 



Wednesday, August 14, 2013

A few updates

1. I cant believe last time I updated this blog was September 2012! Nearly a year ago!! I have less free time after moving to my brother place. Since it is so far from everywhere but the airport, it normally takes me 40 minutes to the city and 90 minutes to my uni. It is a TORTURE. Also it is difficult to live with my brother and his wife (major problem). I cant wait to move out again!!

2. I am now a university graduate :D! how exciting it is to be a fresh man LOL planning on doing my master degree next year :)

3. I am flying back to Hong Kong on 29th August and will stay there for 5 months. Havent gone back for 4 years and I eventually get my chance to update my identity card. Need to catch up with friends and a lot of shopping <3 font="" nbsp="">