Discover the Magic of Cranberry Seed Oil for Your Skin

 

The cranberry may be small, but it is mighty when it comes to nutrients and health benefits.  Valued for their antioxidant-loaded juice and a longtime feature of the Thanksgiving menu, cranberries are now being recognized for the rich, omega-fatty acid-rich oil extracted from the seeds and its benefits for the skin.

Cranberry seed oil is a newcomer to the world of face oils and it is gaining recognition for its  exceptional properties in natural skincare. Previously, cranberry seeds were considered as a byproduct of cranberry fruit juice production. However, in 1992, a process was developed to extract the oil from the tiny seeds of the tart berries through cold-pressing. It takes approximately 31 pounds of cranberries to produce just half an ounce of cranberry seed oil, which is a lot of cranberries!

The cranberry species Vaccinium macrocarpon is native to the United States and wild cranberries were a staple in the diet of Native Americans, commonly used in traditional herbal remedies and for dying textiles.  The oil is typically a golden to greenish-gold color, with a lightly fatty and sweet scent and is readily absorbed into the skin. One of the highlights of this oil is the excellent balance of naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a source of vitamins A and E.

Nestled within the vibrant cranberry fruit, the tiny seeds contain a potent oil that is meticulously extracted to preserve its rich nutritional profile. Its unique composition of essential fatty acids, including omega 3, 6, and 9, as well as antioxidants like Vitamin E and polyphenols, makes cranberry seed oil particularly effective at nourishing and enhancing skin health and an ideal ingredient to include in a face oil.

Its unique composition allows it to effortlessly blend into the lipid barrier of the skin, providing deep moisturization without leaving a greasy residue. Moreover, its antioxidant properties help defend against environmental stressors that contribute to skin damage. With each application, cranberry seed oil works to fortify the skin's barrier function, soothe irritation and inflammation, and protect against environmental stressors.

And if that wasn’t enough, its extraction marks a sustainable use of cranberries, as it utilizes seeds that would otherwise be discarded after the fruit's juice has been processed.

Read on to learn why it’s a key ingredient in our Daily Nourish Face Oil!

 

   

Loaded with Omegas

 

What are omega fatty acids?

Oils are vital for health. Our body cells are 50% fat and our brain cells are 60% fat, and fats and oils play an important role in maintaining health both inside, through food, and outside our skin.

Fatty acids have a direct impact on the health of our skin as they affect the fluidity of cell membranes, which regulate the entry and exit of molecules into cells. Apart from their effects on skin health, fatty acids also have a significant impact on overall health. This is because fatty acids play a crucial role in many cellular processes. For instance, they are involved in cellular communication, regulating pigmentation and inflammation, and contributing to the immune system response.

Benefits Of Fatty Acids for the Skin

Fatty acids are a crucial component of the skin barrier, which protects the skin from dehydration, allergens, irritants, and infection. They also affect the skin's microbiome, which plays a role in various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Some microbes in the skin can break down lipids into short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy microbiome and affect the body's inflammatory response. 

Cranberry seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids. Many plant oils contain omegas, but what’s unique about cranberry seed oil is the particular proportion of omegas. It imparts a 1:1:1 ratio of omegas 3, 6, and 9. 

• Omega 3 works in this trio by fighting inflammation and protecting the skin against oxidative damage
• Omega 6 assists in strengthening and replenishing the skin’s barrier
• Omega 9, though not an essential fatty acid like the other two, still plays an important role in the oil’s texture. It lends an emollient quality that leaves skin feeling smooth and supple

 

When combined, these omegas offer a lot in terms of protecting and restoring skin’s overall health. Most importantly, this balanced ratio lends itself to a dry oil that is quickly absorbed and never feels heavy on the skin, which makes it an ideal ingredient for a face oil. 

 

Antioxidants that Benefit the Skin

 

Cranberry seed oil has a balanced fatty acid profile, and it is deep yellow in color, which indicates the presence of provitamin A carotenoids that contain antioxidant properties. These properties help to protect the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil. Cranberry seed oil is rich in nutrients such as polyphenols, carotenes, quercetin, and anthocyanidins, which make it especially beneficial for protecting against free radical damage.

 

Not all antioxidants, however, are created equal in the world of plant-based face oils. While a plant may contain lots of antioxidants in its raw state, its oil may not retain those beneficial ingredients. This is because many antioxidants are purely water-soluble—they aren’t expressed in the oily parts of the plant, such as the seeds. Cranberries are not only antioxidant-rich, but they also contain a large quantity of oil-soluble antioxidants.

The oil from cranberry seeds contains tocopherols and tocotrienols—potent forms of vitamin E that soothe skin and fight free radical damage.  The regenerative capabilities of Vitamin E go beyond mere hydration. Vitamin E plays a critical role in diminishing the appearance of scars and accelerating the healing process of damaged skin. By neutralizing free radicals, Vitamin E protects the skin cells from damage while simultaneously encouraging new cell growth. This dual action not only helps to keep the skin youthful but also aids in achieving an even complexion.

Cranberry seed oil also contains polyphenols, which are among the most powerful and efficient forms of antioxidants. Phytosterols and phospholipids help the skin remain elastic and flexible, protecting collagen and skin tissues.  Vitamin A aids skin health by guarding against free radical damage and supporting elastin and collagen formation while helping improve skin conditions where blemishes or acne are persistent.  

 

Works for All Skin Types

 

 

Cranberry seed oil is a great face oil for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for aging skin. This lightweight, astringent oil contains a unique and restorative ratio of omega fatty acids which means it can work for oily and dry skins alike The antioxidant properties of cranberry seed oil are beneficial for older and aging skin as it provides protective and supportive benefits. Lastly, the gentle nature and anti-inflammatory attributes of omega-3 and vitamin E mean that even the most sensitive skin types can enjoy this nourishing ingredient. If you’re wondering if cranberry seed oil is right for you, the answer is probably yes!

Benefits for the Skin

Incorporating cranberry seed oil into your skincare routine as a face oil can significantly enhance your skin's health and appearance, thanks to its unique composition and multiple benefits. 

Deep Nourishment

Rich in fatty acids, including omega 3, 6, and 9, cranberry seed oil provides the skin with deep nourishment and hydration. These fatty acids are crucial for reinforcing the skin's barrier function, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. The oil’s emollient qualities leave the skin feeling soft and plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Antioxidant Protection

Furthermore, cranberry seed oil boasts an impressive array of antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A. These antioxidants play a vital role in combating oxidative stress caused by free radicals which can lead to premature aging. They aid in the regeneration of skin cells, enhancing elasticity and giving the skin a vibrant, luminous glow.

Soothing and Calming

The presence of phytosterols in cranberry seed oil contributes to its soothing properties. It helps calm irritated or sensitive skin, reducing redness and inflammation.  Reducing inflammation can help alleviate redness and discomfort associated with various skin conditions, including rosacea and eczema. This remarkable blend of nutrients ensures that cranberry seed oil is not only moisturizing but also healing and protective; making it an invaluable ingredient for anyone seeking to improve their complexion naturally.

Lightweight and Easily Absorbed

High in tannins with a lightweight feel and is easily absorbed into the skin

Won’t Clog Pores

Its ability to lock in moisture without clogging pores makes it an excellent moisturizer for all skin types.

Helps Improve Skin Elasticity

Cranberry seed oil contains phytosterols, which are plant-based compounds that have been shown to support skin elasticity. Phytosterols play a crucial role in collagen and elastin production, two key proteins that help maintain the structure of the skin.

 

Sustainable Sourcing And Production: The Eco-Friendly Aspect Of Cranberry Seed Oil

 

Caraline uses organic cranberry seed oil that is upcycled from fruit juice production, and it is sustainably sourced and produced. Cranberries, primarily grown in North America, thrive in wetlands—a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and plants. The cultivation of cranberries is meticulously managed to ensure the preservation of these wetlands, demonstrating a harmonious balance between agricultural production and environmental conservation.

 

 

Cranberry seed oil is extracted from the seeds of cranberries which are often considered a by-product of the cranberry juice industry. This approach to utilizing what would otherwise be waste material not only maximizes resource efficiency but also significantly reduces environmental impact. The extraction process itself is designed to be gentle and eco-friendly, and we use only cold-pressing, which utilizes mechanical pressure to squeeze the oil from the cranberry seeds. 

Cranberry Seed Oil: So Many Benefits

 

When it comes to nourishing and revitalizing the skin, few natural ingredients can rival the remarkable benefits of cranberry seed oil. Derived from the seeds of the cranberry fruit, this nutrient-rich oil has gained recognition for its ability to nourish and support the skin. Packed with an impressive array of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids, cranberry seed oil offers a broad range of benefits, addressing concerns such as dryness, inflammation, and age-related skin damage. From its ability to deeply moisturize and protect the skin to its potential to enhance elasticity and reduce inflammation, cranberry seed oil has become an important ingredient in skincare products in general and face oils in particular. These remarkable benefits are why we included cranberry seed oil in the Daily Nourish Face Oil.