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Evening Primrose Oil Benefits You Can’t Miss!
Hey beautiful!
We have a quick question for you: So are you someone who regularly combats eczema, a disrupted skin barrier, or dry skin? If yes, then you’re not alone! Many individuals like you have the same problems. Now, as you’ve found this blog, we can sense that you may have been trying to find a cure for a long time…and have switched various home remedies and even consulted dermatologists. But it seems like nothing has worked for you so far. Well, you won’t believe how common this struggle is when it comes to skincare.
However, what people often seem to miss is that every individual is unique, and so is every skin type. That’s why it’s crucial to understand that what worked for someone else may not necessarily work for you.
Now, the question arises: If you don’t know what will work for you, how can you find a cure? The answer is simple—by taking charge of your skin and wellness! And how can you do that? With a skincare regimen that’s organic and natural and nourishes your skin internally. One such ingredient that has been known to be beneficial and calming on the skin is evening primrose oil. In this blog, we’ll learn about this special oil and discover its various other benefits.
But first, let’s start with…
A Li’l About Evening Primrose Plant & Flower
Evening Primrose Oil, commonly known as EPO, is extracted from the seeds of the plant of the same name.1 Evening primrose’s scientific name is Oenothera biennis Linn.2 This plant is native to North and South America, with traces found all over Europe and some parts of Asia. When it comes to its flowers, the petals of evening primrose are of light turmeric or mustard yellow color.1 Evening primrose flowers bloom at night, opening at sunset, and it remains closed during the day. The oil extracted from its seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).1
Historic Significance
- Did you know that evening primrose plants were used by Native Americans to make poultices (medicated mass of herbs, plants, etc, to treat or cure lesions and wounds3) for bruises and wounds? They’d often use its stems and leaves juice to relieve skin inflammation as well. Moreover, the leaves of evening primrose were eaten to get a cure for gastrointestinal issues and sore throat.1
- Also, in 17th-century Europe, the evening primrose became a popular folk remedy that was often called “King’s cure-all.”1
As you can see, the evening primrose benefits were utilized long before the evolution of medical science! Hence, let’s take a look at its uses in the present…
Before we plunge into the uses of evening primrose oil, it’s important for you to understand that its uses are not limited to topical, but it can also be supplemented orally. Yes, you heard it correctly! In the next section, we’ll discuss not only its benefits on the skin but on other health-related aspects as well.
Top 8 Evening Primrose Oil Benefits- Topical And Oral Supplementation Applications
In this section, we’ll go over some researched benefits of evening primrose oil and will give a verdict that can help you decide whether you may use it for your health-related condition or not.
Benefit 1: Evening Primrose Oil Helps With Acne Induced Inflammation
Everyone hates acne! And we know that you are sure too; however, everyone’s reason for acne can be totally different from the next person. That’s why acne treatments also vary in everyone and that’s why it is never the same for 2 individuals.
Now, if a person is getting treated by isotretinoin (more commonly called Accutane) for their acne, getting inflammation is pretty common. However, here comes the role of topical action of evening primrose oil benefits. A study suggests that GLA found in evening primrose oil is actually good for soothing and can be used to comfort the inflammation caused by isotretinoin in individuals!4
Verdict: If you have inflamed skin due to isotretinoin, then you may topically use evening primrose oil.
(Please ensure to ask your dermatologist or doctor about EPO’s topical use on the skin.)
Benefit 2: Evening Primrose Oil Can Ease Up Eczema
Did you know that around 31.6 million are affected by some form of eczema? It is estimated that 1 in 10 people develop eczema in their lifetime, which usually peaks around childhood.5
These numbers are staggering and call for a dire need to get a supplement or treatment that can help eczema patients…it’s here that evening primrose oil comes to the rescue again. Eczema can be controlled and regulated with the use of topical use of medications, including evening primrose oil. And this isn’t only a hypothesis, many people struggling with eczema are using evening primrose oil to soothe down their condition as we speak.6 Moreover, there also have been studies done to suggest that evening primrose oil may reduce the redness caused by eczema or help manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD).7
Verdict: If you have eczema, then you can use evening primrose oil to reduce redness and inflammation.
(Please ensure to ask your dermatologist or doctor about EPO’s topical use on the skin.)
Benefit 3: Oral Supplementation Of Evening Primrose Oil Promotes Overall Skin Health
Everyone is a self-acclaimed skincare guru nowadays, which makes it even more difficult to decide whom you should listen to or not. In such a case, you can do only one thing! And that is trying and testing for yourself! Who’s going to know better for your skin than you yourself?
Now, as most of us know, fatty acids are crucial (for both our body and skin) since our body cannot produce them on its own. That’s why the ingredient gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil could prove beneficial to your overall skin health, making it your go-to skincare ingredient! This is what led the researchers to conduct a study that showed that consuming evening primrose oil supplements may help in improving skin’s overall health.
The results of this study amazed everyone, as it demonstrated that the supplementation of evening primrose oil for about 12 weeks has led to the following:8
- Improved skin elasticity
- Better smooth and moisturized skin
- More firm skin
- Lesser signs of fatigue
Verdict: As per the study, the oral supplementation of evening primrose oil can benefit overall skin health. Thus, the sample size of the people who participated was so small that it didn’t ensure the same results for everyone. Lastly, if you think that you can benefit from its oral supplementation, it’s your personal choice to take it.
(Please make sure to ask your doctor about EPO’s oral supplementation.)
Benefit 4: Evening Primrose Oil May Relieve PMS Symptoms
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a set of symptoms that occur a week or two prior periods. These symptoms can be emotional as well as physical and usually go away on their own after the periods end.9 But in some women, these symptoms can highly affect one’s quality of life. In such a scenario, the evening primrose oil comes like a ray of hope. As in a 2019 study, the therapeutic potential of evening primrose oil on PMS was proven.10
All in all, if someone suffers from severe PMS that’s even taking a toll on their life, they can consider using evening primrose oil supplementation. However, discussing the same with a healthcare provider to ensure your safety is a must!
Verdict: Evening primrose oil supplementation can be taken to get relief from PMS, however, one cannot expect its immediate effects (as quoted in the study10).
(Please make sure to ask your doctor about EPO’s oral supplementation.)
Benefit 5: Evening Primrose Oil May Help With Mastalgia
The study that observed the effects of Evening Primrose Oil in alleviating PMS also investigated its impact on mastalgia or breast pain. That led to the conclusion that “yes” EPO may also help with breast pain.
On the contrary, a 2021 research review discovered that EPO only showed a “placebo effect.” It means that the people experienced positive effects of the EPO supplementation, even when it had no real therapeutic value.11
The researchers also highlighted that EPO is unlikely to lead to adverse side effects, making it a potentially safe option to consider (even if it’s giving a placebo effect).
Verdict: Evening primrose oil may work to alleviate breast pain in some cases.
(Please make sure to ask your doctor about EPO’s oral supplementation.)
Benefit 6: Evening Primrose May Help With Hot Flash!
Hot flash(s) is a symptom of menopause (a transitional phase before the cessation of periods forever12) that causes a sensation of heat, and warmth around the face, chest, and upper body.13
A recent 2021 study based on participant surveys indicated that the use of EPO during menopause could potentially reduce the frequency and severity of night sweats.14 However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health or NCCIH emphasizes that there is insufficient evidence to validate the effectiveness of EPO in managing hot flashes or other symptoms associated with menopause.1
Verdict: If you’re someone who feels that trying evening primrose oil may not be a bad idea to get rid of the menopausal blues, then we recommend you use it, though we recommend you take your doctor’s advice first!
(Please make sure to ask your doctor about EPO’s oral supplementation.)
Benefit 7: Could Improve Heart Health
Each year, nearly 7 million people succumb to heart disease in the United States, with many continuing to grapple with this condition daily.15 Amidst this health challenge, the exploration of homegrown remedies becomes imperative, and one such remedy is the incorporation of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO).
Recent studies conducted in 2020 suggest a potential positive impact of EPO on cholesterol levels in individuals.16 However, it’s crucial to note that some other studies were also done, but they yielded inconclusive results. Lastly, it is essential to emphasize that while EPO may offer certain health benefits, it is not a sure-shot cure for heart-related illnesses.
Verdict: EPO supplementation has the potential to help with heart illness but more studies and research are required.
Benefit 8: May Help With Bone Pain
Bone pain is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. A small 2017 study found that the GLA in EPO may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain without causing side effects, but larger studies are needed to confirm this.17
Verdict: EPO supplementation has the potential to help with bone pain but more studies and research are required.
After uncovering the potential oral and topical benefits of evening primrose oil, we understand that you likely have several questions. And we hear you! So, just take a look at the FAQs related to evening primrose oil in the section below.
5 Most Frequently Asked Questions For Primrose Oil Uses
Question 1: Can You Put Evening Primrose Oil On Your Face?
Yes, usually, the evening primrose oil is absolutely safe to put on your face, however, it then again depends on the legitimacy of your product. To ensure that your evening primrose oil is safe to use, you can check the label and research on your own to ensure whether it’s FDA-approved or not.
Question 2: What Is Evening Primrose Oil Used For?
Evening primrose oil supplementation is advocated for various health conditions such as heart illnesses, PMS, menopausal symptoms, arthritis, etc. However, supporting data is limited. The choice to use evening primrose oil as a supplement is a personal one. Moreover, it’s widely popular in the skincare industry, showing positive results for acne or eczema. Yet, the data on its benefits for skin, when used topically, is also limited.
Question 3: Can You Put Evening Primrose Oil On Your Face Every Day?
If your skin lacks a natural barrier and needs deep nourishment, using evening primrose oil may be beneficial. However, individuals with skin conditions or sensitive skin should consult their doctor first.
Question 4: Who Shouldn’t Use Evening Primrose Oil?
The oral supplementation of evening primrose oil must be avoided by individuals with a bleeding disorder.18 On the contrary, anyone can topically use evening primrose oil, of course, after getting a thumbs up from their healthcare provider!
Question 5: Can I Use Evening Primrose Oil For Reducing Redness?
Yes, as mentioned above, people have used evening primrose oil to reduce the redness and have seen a difference.6,7 So, if you’re not allergic, you may also use it for reducing redness.
Final Takeaway!
So far in this blog, we’ve learned evening primrose oil uses for healthy skin- both oral and topical. That means you can use it if you’re struggling with eczema, red skin, or dry skin. Also, when choosing a moisturizing oil or serum, getting one with evening primrose oil could be a real skin saver! But conversely, when it comes to oral supplementation, we advise you to consult with your healthcare provider first. As oral evening primrose oil can be harmful to some people, so it’s best to be safe.
All in all, we believe it’s safe to say that evening primrose oil reviews positively from our part, though being the user, your verdict is the last and foremost important!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific skin condition or health concerns. The content in this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any reliance you place on the information from this blog is at your own risk. We do not endorse or guarantee the efficacy of any specific skincare products or treatments mentioned in this blog. Individual results may vary. If you have a medical emergency or a severe skin condition, seek immediate medical attention. |
References
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/evening-primrose-oil
- https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.115863
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poultice
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35405955/
- https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/
- https://nationaleczema.org/blog/evening-primrose-oil-and-eczema/#:~:text=Though%20not%20as%20common%20as,%2Dthe%2Dcounter%20topical%20moisturizers.
- https://ijdvl.com/evening-primrose-oil-is-effective-in-atopic-dermatitis-a-randomized-placebo-controlled-trial/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00274.x
- https://medlineplus.gov/premenstrualsyndrome.html#:~:text=Premenstrual%20syndrome%2C%20or%20PMS%2C%20is,range%20from%20mild%20to%20severe.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6718646/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8296106/
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause#:~:text=Menopause%20is%20a%20point%20in,between%20ages%2045%20and%2055.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8102809/
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32441049/
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002948.pub2/abstract