Research shows that evening primrose oil may treat xerotic cheilitis (chapping of lips) in acne patients being treated with isotretinoin (2). Anecdotal evidence suggests that massaging evening primrose oil on the face daily may reduce post-acne blemishes. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim. Another study suggests that the oil may ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, including acne. This could be attributed to its linoleic acid content (3). Adding evening primrose oil to your daily skincare routine can offer you a few other benefits. Check them out in the next section.
Benefits Of Evening Primrose For Skin
Evening primrose oil (Efamol) is effective in managing atopic dermatitis (3), (4), (5). Certain symptoms of atopic dermatitis are similar to that of acne, and it is possible that the oil may also help reduce acne. A study showed that evening primrose oil can moisturize skin and improve its elasticity. It may reduce water loss through the skin (trans-epidermal water loss) and tackle skin redness and firmness. It may also improve skin fatigue resistance in healthy adults (6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that using the oil once or twice daily moisturizes skin and boosts skin radiance. Massaging it into the face regularly may reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging, although there is no clear evidence for this. The oil may also help manage psoriasis (7). Evening primrose oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. These may help boost skin health and hygiene (7).
Now that you know the benefits of evening primrose oil, here are the ways you can add it to your skincare regimen. Read on.
How To Use Evening Primrose Oil
Ingest only about 1 to 8 grams of evening primrose oil daily. The dosage may vary for each brand. Check the label and consult a dermatologist before using any supplements. Note: Be aware of the brand of evening primrose oil supplements and topical products that you buy. Research about the company as well as the supplement. Though evening primrose oil is considered safe for almost all skin types, it may have a few side-effects.
Side-Effects
The safety of evening primrose oil for long-term use is yet to be determined. It may increase bleeding when used with blood thinners. It may also lower blood pressure if too much is ingested. Other side-effects are generally mild. These include (7):
Headache Abdominal pain Nausea Loose stools Seizures
Ingesting the lowest and safest dosage of the oil may prevent side effects. In rare cases, this oil may cause allergic and adverse reactions like
Inflammation of hands and feet Rashes Difficulty in breathing Wheezing
Note: There is no sufficient research on the safety of evening primrose oil on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Stay safe and avoid use. Is evening primrose good for pigmentation? A study found that topical administration of evening primrose oil effectively lightened UVB-induced hyperpigmentation in human skin. The findings imply that this ingredient has the ability to be used as a cosmetic lightening agent (8). Is evening primrose oil good for oily skin? Evening primrose oil is an excellent moisturizer that improves skin health and rejuvenates the skin. However, because of the oil’s thick nature, it might not be a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
