Exploring Borage Oil: Could it Relieve Eczema Symptoms?
Borage Officinalis, commonly known as the starflower, is a Mediterranean wildflower that has found a place in modern skincare due to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. This oil, derived from the seeds of the starflower, is promoted as an effective treatment for conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis[1].
The anti-inflammatory properties of GLA make borage oil particularly beneficial for soothing eczema flare-ups and restoring the skin’s protective barrier[4]. By deeply hydrating the skin and promoting wound healing, borage oil helps alleviate dryness and sensitivity associated with eczema[1].
In comparison to other oils like evening primrose oil, borage oil provides omega-6 fatty acids that support skin health. While individual responses may vary, both oils can improve eczema symptoms by addressing essential fatty acid deficiencies[3].
Formulations like facial oils combining borage oil with other soothing ingredients target inflammation and redness without irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin types[1]. However, it is important to note that a person should not apply borage oil "neat" to the skin, but can dilute it with a carrier oil such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil before application[2].
While borage oil is generally safe when used topically or as a supplement, it may contain low concentrations of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver[2]. Therefore, it is not recommended to use borage oil with other medications that may damage the liver, such as anabolic steroids and phenothiazine.
People with epilepsy should also exercise caution when using borage oil, as it may lower the seizure threshold. Individuals should not use borage oil with other drugs that reduce the seizure threshold, including tricyclic antidepressants[2].
Lactating and pregnant people should avoid using borage oil due to its potential risks. If a person experiences a skin reaction, they should stop using the product immediately.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) may have a deficiency of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (D6D), leading to low GLA and high Linoleic Acid (LA) levels[4]. There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of using borage oil in treating AD, but clinical literature and natural product formulations suggest that it can be a valuable, natural treatment option for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions by replenishing deficient omega-6 fatty acids and enhancing skin barrier function[1][4].
If a person is experiencing discomfort from eczema and having difficulty performing daily activities, including sleeping, they should consult a healthcare professional. Signs of eczema with infection include worsening symptoms, fever, severe itchiness, burning sensation, white or yellow pus, fluid drainage, chills, fatigue[5].
In conclusion, borage oil offers a natural approach to treating eczema and related dry or inflamed skin conditions. Its high GLA content, which is converted into Dihomo-Gamma-Linoleic Acid (DGLA), acts as a precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an effective choice for those seeking a more natural alternative to conventional treatments. As with any treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor before using any medication or supplement for eczema.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352070/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684156/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158184/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6418429/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724764/
- The Mediterranean wildflower, Borage Officinalis, known as the starflower, is a prominent entity in modern skincare.
- This wildflower's high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, makes it beneficial for conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis.
- GLA's anti-inflammatory properties make borage oil suitable for soothing eczema flare-ups and restoring the skin’s protective barrier.
- Borage oil deeply hydrates the skin and promotes wound healing, alleviating dryness and sensitivity associated with eczema.
- In comparison to other oils like evening primrose oil, borage oil provides omega-6 fatty acids that support skin health.
- While individual responses may vary, both oils can improve eczema symptoms by addressing essential fatty acid deficiencies.
- Formulations like facial oils combining borage oil with other soothing ingredients target inflammation and redness without irritation.
- However, borage oil should not be applied "neat" to the skin but must be diluted with a carrier oil before application.
- Borage oil may contain low concentrations of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver.
- As a result, it is not recommended to use borage oil with other medications that may damage the liver.
- People with epilepsy should exercise caution when using borage oil, as it may lower the seizure threshold.
- Individuals should not use borage oil with other drugs that reduce the seizure threshold.
- Lactating and pregnant people should avoid using borage oil due to its potential risks.
- If a person experiences a skin reaction, they should stop using the product immediately.
- Atopic Dermatitis (AD) may have a deficiency of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (D6D), leading to low GLA and high Linoleic Acid (LA) levels.
- There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of using borage oil in treating AD, but it can be a valuable, natural treatment option for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- People experiencing discomfort from eczema and having difficulty performing daily activities, including sleeping, should consult a healthcare professional.
- Signs of eczema with infection include worsening symptoms, fever, severe itchiness, burning sensation, white or yellow pus, fluid drainage, chills, fatigue.
- Borage oil offers a natural approach to treating eczema and related dry or inflamed skin conditions.
- Its high GLA content, which is converted into Dihomo-Gamma-Linoleic Acid (DGLA), acts as a precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Borage oil makes it an effective choice for those seeking a more natural alternative to conventional treatments.
- As with any treatment, it is essential to consult a doctor before using any medication or supplement for eczema.
- Borage oil's benefits extend beyond skincare to various industries such as healthcare, environmental science, finance, technology, and manufacturing.
- Borage oil is also beneficial for digestive health due to its omega-6 fatty acids.
- In the realm of mental health, borage oil may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- The therapeutic use of borage oil is rooted in science, despite the need for more substantial research.
- The cosmetics industry has embraced borage oil due to its benefits for skin health and anti-aging properties.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease and respiratory conditions.
- As we consider the impact of climate change on our health and wellness, the role of natural treatments like borage oil becomes increasingly relevant.
