Used since the dawn of time for the manufacture of textiles, Linen has other strings to its bow! Indeed, in addition to its fibers, it is its seeds, which are particularly rich in omega-3, which give flax many of its properties. Cold pressed, its seeds produce an incredibly beneficial oil for the body. Its dietary use contributes to our nutritional balance while participating in the protection of the cardiovascular system. But that's not all, Linseed oil can be useful in cosmetics, as a natural beauty ingredient for skin and hair. Latin name: Linum usitatissimum. Part used: seeds (first cold pressed)
This article was updated on 21/04/2024Main properties
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healing, soothing, regenerating, nourishing :
linseed oil is very rich in fatty acids. It will therefore quickly penetrate the skin for a hydrating and nourishing effect. It helps strengthen the skin barrier and soothe sensitive or damaged skin. In addition, it can be used to prevent skin aging thanks to its skin regenerating and healing benefits.
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anti-inflammatory :
flaxseed oil is particularly rich in omega-3. It thus participates in the inhibition of inflammatory processes in the body. These anti-inflammatory benefits are visible both on the skin but also on the whole body in the event of inflammatory disorders.
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nutritious :
linseed oil is recognized as one of the vegetable oils richest in omega-3. Among them, we find alpha-linolenic acid, a so-called essential fatty acid because the body cannot produce it, we must provide it through our diet. This fatty acid is the precursor of two polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Flaxseed oil thus contributes to nutritional balance and improves the omega-3/omega-6 ratio.
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hypocholesterolemic, cardiovascular protector :
the balanced proportion of omega-6 and 3 gives flax oil numerous beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
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laxative :
flaxseed oil seems to have laxative effects useful for regulating intestinal transit and particularly constipation.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: dry, irritated, all skin types, mature, sensitive.
- Hair type: dull, fine.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: fluid liquid
- Color: straw yellow
- Odor: discreet, reminiscent of cereals.
- Touch: discreet, reminiscent of cereals.
- Taste: bitter, strong.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, polyphenols.
- Comedogenicity index: 4 (=fairly comedogenic)
- Average saponification index: 190
- Oxidation stability: sensitive
- High temperature stability: sensitive
- INCI name: Linum usitatissimum Seed Oil
Fatty acid composition
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 11 to 24%
- linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): 45 to 60%
- palmitic acid (AGS): 3 to 9%
- stearic acid (SFA): 2 to 8%
- linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): 11 to 24%
- unsaponifiable: ≤ 1.5%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.910 to 0.940
- Peroxide value: 15
- Acid number: 4,000
- Iodine index: 186 to 194
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Linaceae
- Country of origin: Romania.
- Distilled part: seeds
- Obtaining process: first cold pressing
- Latin name: Linum usitatissimum L.
Precautions for use
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People with a thyroid problem or who are under hormonal treatment should avoid the consumption of flaxseed oil. This also applies to people undergoing treatment. anticoagulant or hypotensive.
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THE children under 3 years old should avoid its oral consumption.
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Linseed vegetable oil is very sensitive to oxidation due to its rich omega-3 composition. It can be stored for 6 to 8 months after opening in a cool place, preferably in the refrigerator, away from light.
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
Nutritional benefits
Coming from its seed, a rich source of vegetable proteins and essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3, Linseed vegetable oil gives its name to the essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family: linoleic acid. To promote a good nutritional balance, ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) has established food consumption benchmarks. Linseed vegetable oil is naturally composed of more than 45% omega-3, fatty acids essential for the proper functioning of the body. Indeed, ANSES recommends providing 4 times more omega-6 than omega 3, particularly after the age of fifty; However, at present it seems that we consume too much omega-6 compared to omega-3 (20 to 1, instead of 4 to 1). Thus, the consumption of Linseed oil helps to rebalance this ratio.
Also note that several studies prove the preventive role of omega-3 in the onset of diseases cardiovascular, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or other metabolic syndrome directly linked to their anti-inflammatory property.
Finally, in addition to its richness in essential fatty acids, Linseed oil contains vitamin E and flavonoids, natural antioxidants that help fight free radicals. This antioxidant property confers protective role vis-à-vis cell membranes, blood vessel walls.
- Usage tips :
1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil will be used to supplement the recommended daily intake of omega-3.
In the kitchen, we avoid heating it. Omega-3s are fragile and unstable when cooked. This is why we prefer to use Linseed oil only as a seasoning.
In case of Mature skin
Efficiency: +++
Made up almost exclusively of fatty acids but also composed of polyphenols and vitamin E, Linseed oil promotes skin regeneration. Vitamin E and polyphenols such as stigmasterol, beta-sitosterols and campesterol play the role of antioxidants: they fight against the free radicals responsible for cellular aging. Omega-6, represented mainly by linoleic acid in Linseed oil, helps strengthen the skin barrier. They therefore protect the epidermis while improving the elasticity of the skin. This anti-aging property is very interesting and supported by omega-3, the majority in Linseed oil.
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Application advice :
massage a few drops of Linseed oil morning and evening onto your skin to make the oil penetrate well.
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
against wrinkles, you can add a few drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil to your Linseed oil to increase its effectiveness.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
other vegetable oils can also be used in this case such as Rosehip, THE Chia or even the Prickly Pear Seeds.
In case of Dry skin, Irritated skin, Sensitive skin
Efficiency: ++
The fatty acids of Linseed oil, natural components of our sebum but also of our cell membranes, help rebuild the lipid film of the skin via their omega-3, 6 and 9. These are useful for their soothing and soothing properties. softeners. Omega-3, particularly present in Linseed oil, has an anti-inflammatory action, thus helping to fight against redness in sensitive and irritated skin.
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Application advice :
massage a few drops of Linseed oil into your skin morning and evening to make the oil penetrate well.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
tHE Shea Butter, THE Wheat germ or even the Hazelnut are also very nourishing and suitable for dry skin.
In case of Dull hair, Fine hair
Efficiency: ++
In the same way that it is effective for the skin, Linseed oil deeply nourishes the hair thanks to its composition of fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and 6. In care, omega-3s are used for their protective action, which will strengthen the sheath of fine and sensitive hair. Linseed oil helps fill gaps and serves as a protective barrier between the hair and external aggressions.
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Application advice :
apply a few drops of Linseed vegetable oil directly to your hair, focusing on the ends and lengths. Leave for a few minutes to a few hours
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
take care of your fine and dull hair by combining Linseed oil with other vegetable and essential oils. The oil of Grape seeds or Castor to nourish and coat the hair fiber and Ylang Ylang essential oil against hair dulling. Apply before your shampoo for 3 to 5 minutes.
In case of'Acne, Eczema, Redness, Acne-prone skin
Efficiency: +
Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, other omega-3s present in flaxseed oil, are partly responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, by inhibition of the inflammatory responses of neutrophil leukocytes (belonging to the white blood cell family). ) in humans. Alpha-linolenic acid has also been found to decrease the production of arachidonic acid, thereby leading to a reduction in inflammation.
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Application advice :
apply a few drops of Linseed vegetable oil, massaging to penetrate the desired areas.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
other vegetable oils can also be used in this case such as coconut oil. Raspberry seeds, l’Evening primrose, where the Wheat germ.
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