Is it safe to use sesame oil on your skin?
Sesame oil is safe for most people to use. Since any substance can cause a reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to do a patch test prior to using.
Follow these steps to do a patch test:
- Wash and dry the upper part of your inner arm, near your elbow.
- Apply a small amount of sesame oil to the area with a clean cotton ball.
- Cover for 24 hours with a gauze pad.
- If you feel tingling or itching, remove the gauze pad, wash the area, and discontinue use of the oil.
- If you feel no sensation, leave the gauze pad on for the full 24 hours and then remove.
- If your skin looks and feels clear, you’re probably not allergic or sensitive to the oil, and can use it freely on your skin.
- If you have a sesame allergy, don’t use sesame oil.
How to use
Sesame oil isn’t an essential oil, so it doesn’t need to be diluted prior to use.
Try to find sesame oil that’s free of other ingredients and chemicals. Read the product label to find out if the oil is pure, or if it has anything else added to it.
You can use sesame oil liberally on your skin for massage and for moisturizing purposes.
If you use sesame oil for acne or acne scars, dab it onto the affected area with a cotton ball, and leave it on overnight. You may want to exfoliate your skin first to remove dead skin cells and debris. This may help the oil absorb more easily into your skin.
What are some other uses of sesame oil?
In addition to sesame oil’s potential benefits for skin, there are many other ways you can use this oil, including:
- Cooking. Sesame oil has a slightly nutty taste, making it excellent for stir-fried dishes and salad dressings. Research suggests it also has a host of health benefits. One studyTrusted Source found that sesame oil may help lower cholesterol and inflammation in the body. Another studyTrusted Source found that it may help reduce blood pressure. Finally, a 2002 animal studyTrusted Source indicated that it may also have chemopreventive qualities.
- Mouthwash. Sesame oil’s antibacterial qualities make it an effective mouth rinse. Using oil as a mouthwash is an Ayurvedic technique known as oil pulling.
- Constipation relief. Anecdotal evidence indicates that diluted sesame oil may help relieve minor constipation. To use, mix one to two tablespoons of sesame oil with water, and drink twice a day.
- Hair and scalp nourishment. The same nutrients and properties that make sesame oil beneficial for your skin also apply to your hair. Try massaging a small amount of sesame oil into your scalp and hair, concentrating on the ends if they’re dry. Leave the oil on your hair or scalp for at least an hour, then rinse.
The bottom line
With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, sesame oil can help your skin in several ways. It may be especially beneficial for acne-prone skin and acne scars.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sesame oil also offers a number of other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
If you want to use Sesame oil on your skin order online with 100% Virgin Sesame Cold-Pressed oil of Semmai Naturals, it’s a good option for your skin type.