Linseed Oil Finds Application in Cosmetic Sector, Owing to Significant Amounts of Protein, Vitamin E, and Other Nutrients

 

Linseed oil, more commonly called flaxseed oil, is an attractive yellow to brown oil obtained from the seeds of the flax tree. Linseed is primarily a warm temperate zone or subtropical plant, major producers being Argentina, the U.S., Canada, Russia, and India. The oil is obtained most commonly by filtering, with sometimes additional solvent extraction followed. The oil is generally a clear, light yellow oil with a somewhat oily consistency. It's used for cooking and skin applications.

The fatty acids and wax esters in this seed are similar to those found in olive and sunflower oils. In addition, linseed oil may contain significant amounts of protein, Vitamin E, and other nutrients. Because of these properties, the oil may be considered to be a "complete food," providing protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet. Linseed oil may help alleviate some of the dietary deficiencies often experienced by vegetarians and people following a gluten-free or casein-free diet. For example, the oil may be beneficial in alleviating dermatitis symptoms.

Linseed oils have been applied to the skin to increase smoothness and elasticity, relieve dryness, and protect against stretch marks and aging. TIP: Try using this oil topically, like you would any moisturizer. Be careful not to use too much, as excess oil may create a greasy film on your face and other exposed areas.

The oil is extracted from the flax seeds and pressed to produce pure tung oil. Pure tung oil is not a byproduct of the raw flax plant; rather it is made by removing the edible part of the plant, then heating and refining the oil to produce a finished product. Pure tung oils can be used in skincare, hair care, massage, and cosmetic applications.

The fatty acids in flax seed oil include linoleic, linolenic, and stearic acids. Linoleic acid is the acid that provides the natural moisturizing benefits of the vegetable. Linolenic acid also has antioxidant activity and some anti-inflammatory activity. Some studies indicate that linoleic acid may even slow down the aging process.

In addition to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory activity, linoleic acid is believed to have beneficial antimicrobial activity. Linseed oil may also have anti-carcinogen activity. Most of these effects are due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. Other fatty acids, including gamma linoleic acid, may also have beneficial effects.

Flaxseed oil is a popular source of vegetable oils that are processed into vegetable beauty products such as shampoos, soaps, and waxes. You can purchase flax seed oil that has been specially processed and called "artery-friendly" or "all-natural essential oils". Linseed oil is particularly well known for its healing properties, particularly for varicose veins, eczema, hemorrhoids, acne, boils, insect bites, scrapes, cuts, burns, rashes, boils over fissures, herpes, oral sores, athlete's foot, dandruff, ringworm, jock itch, mold and yeast infections, urinary problems, sinus problems, and more.

In a recent study by researchers from Korea Institute of Science and Technology reported the use of linseed oil in self-healing smartphone screens. The polymer bilayer films reported in the research comprised of a colorless polyimide bottom-substrate layer and linseed oil loaded microcapsule-embedded polydimethylsiloxane upper-healing layer.