Borage Seed Oil Skin Benefits – Everything You Need To Know

If you have dry skin, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis and you have not heard of borage seed oil before, stay here, let me tell you everything you need to know and how it can help your skin condition.

You can either call it borage oil or borage seed oil as it comes from the seed of borage. Unlike Argan oil which is only grown in Morocco, borage seed oil is a unique annual herb originating from Syria and flourishing widely across the Mediterranean region. Today, it’s cultivated throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and even parts of South America and Asia.

The borage seed oil has been widely used in medical practice for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially in treating conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, rheumatoid arthritis, UV-protective, soothing, or softening effects and more.

In this post, you will learn the skincare benefits of borage seed oil and how to apply The Ordinary borage seed oil in your skincare routine.

Role of Borage Seed Oil’s Linoleic and Gamma Linoleic Acid In The Skin

Our body can’t produce the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on its own. So we need GLA, but GLA needs to be converted through linoleic acid (LA). Since LA can be obtained from diet or topical products, our body takes the LA and converts it to GLA through an enzyme called delta-6 desaturase (D6D). GLA, in turn, will boost ceramide-1 to keep our skin barrier strong and moisturized.

The conversion goes like this: LA ——————> GLA. The enzyme that processes this conversion is called delta-6 desaturase (D6D).

This GLA is then turned into a compound called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps skin retain moisture. Borage seed oil, known for its high GLA content, actually contains two to three times more GLA than even evening primrose oil, making it an even richer source to maintain the skin barrier.

Sometimes, the conversion of LA to GLA may be blocked due to age. This in turn leads to increased water loss and various skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin.

This shows that both LA and GLA are very important fatty acids for healthy skin. They act as “gatekeepers” to keep the epidermis intact, they keep moisture in and toxins out. Thus, essential fatty acids help to ensure the integrity of the epidermal layer of the skin, maintain the skin water barrier system and regulate moisture loss.

Borage Seed Oil Skin Benefits

1. Heals Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp and other parts of the body. The areas affected can appear red, scaly and greasy. In a 1993 study, researchers Tollesson and Frithz explored how borage oil could help 37 patients with infantile seborrheic dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation). They found that within 3 to 4 weeks of daily application, all patients’ symptoms had completely resolved. This led the researchers to conclude that GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in borage oil was essential for maintaining skin’s natural moisture barrier and reducing inflammation.

2. Helps With Childhood Eczema

Borage seed oil has also shown benefits for childhood eczema. In small studies, children with eczema experienced relief when wearing undershirts coated with borage oil, which helped soothe their skin. While borage oil doesn’t replace the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF) that are often lacking in eczema, its anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects may explain why it eases symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that while borage oil is helpful for specific skin conditions like eczema, there haven’t been large-scale studies to confirm its effects on other types of dry or inflamed skin, such as non-eczema dry skin or rosacea.

3. Restores Skin’s Natural pH

Borage oil can help restore an acidic skin pH, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier. By promoting the activity of proteins and enzymes like filaggrin, lactate, and specific fatty acids, borage oil helps maintain an ideal pH, protecting skin integrity and supporting barrier function.

4. Supports Moisture Retention

The oil is rich in fatty acids, including linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which help the skin retain moisture. These fatty acids are involved in strengthening the skin’s outer layer, reducing water loss, and preventing dryness​.

5. Soothes Inflammation

With anti-inflammatory properties, borage oil can calm irritated or inflamed skin. This effect is beneficial for skin conditions that involve inflammation, such as eczema and dermatitis.​

6. Enhances Skin Lipid Levels

Borage oil boosts levels of beneficial lipids like free fatty acids and free amino acids. These compounds are essential for a strong lipid barrier, which protects against external irritants and helps keep the skin hydrated and resilient​.

7. Other Benefits – Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research shows that borage seed oil may help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A 2001 study found that the GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in borage oil can raise levels of PGE1, which then boosts cAMP levels in the body. This process helps reduce tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a key cause of inflammation in RA and other inflammatory conditions. In reviews of multiple studies, researchers found moderate evidence that GLA-rich oils like borage seed oil can provide symptom relief for people with RA.

How To Use The Ordinary Borage Seed Oil In Your Skincare Routine

Now that we have gone over the benefits of Borage seed oil, it is time to learn how to apply it to your skincare routine.

Borage seed oil is suitable for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. It does have a natural, somewhat fishy smell due to its high fatty acid content. This smell isn’t unpleasant or fake; it’s simply part of its organic, cold-pressed nature. If you’re planning to use it, just be aware of its natural aroma. You may or may not like the smell

How to Use Borage Seed Oil:

• You can use borage seed oil daily, either in the morning, evening, or both, depending on your preference.
• If applying it on its own, use it right after cleansing. In the morning, be sure to follow up with sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of borage seed oil with your moisturizer. After cleansing, add a couple of drops of oil to a pea-sized amount of moisturizer, blend them, and then apply to your face.

You can get The Ordinary Borage Seed Oil on Amazon. Link below

How to Use Borage Seed Oil With Other Ingredients In Your Skincare Routine:

If you are using borage seed oil with other products in your skincare, then follow along with this routine because the order of application is important. This routine is a guide to let you know that lighter-weight or water-based comes first before oil-based serum.

Morning Skincare Routine with Borage Seed Oil

1. Cleanser
   Begin with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any impurities or oils from overnight. Look for a gentle foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin, maintaining its natural moisture balance, use it for about 30 seconds. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Eye Serum
   After cleansing, apply an eye serum to the under-eye area. Choose one that targets puffiness or dark circles, and gently pat it in with your ring finger for minimal pressure.
3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
   Apply a Vitamin C serum to brighten skin and boost antioxidant protection. Vitamin C is excellent for shielding the skin from environmental stressors and promoting collagen production. Wait a minute or two for it to absorb before moving to the next step.
4. Borage Seed Oil
   Next, apply a 3-5 drops of borage seed oil to all over your face and neck, focusing on areas that feel dry or sensitive. Borage oil will help lock in hydration, support the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation.
5. Moisturizer
   Layer on a moisturizer that suits your skin type to seal in hydration and keep your skin supple. If your skin is on the drier side, a richer moisturizer will complement the borage oil. For oily or combination skin, a gel-based or lightweight moisturizer is ideal.
6. Sunscreen
   Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Sunscreen is vital for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging. Ensure to cover all exposed areas, including your neck and hands.

This routine combines the soothing, hydrating benefits of borage seed oil with the brightening power of Vitamin C and the protection of sunscreen, setting your skin up for a healthy, glowing day.

Evening Skincare Routine with Borage Seed Oil

1. Cleanser
   Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from the day. For a deeper clean, consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
2. Exfoliating Acid
   Apply an exfoliating acid (like AHA or BHA) to gently resurface the skin and remove dead skin cells. This step enhances absorption of subsequent products and helps improve skin texture. Wait 30–60 seconds for the acid to absorb fully before moving to the next step.
3. Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide Serum
   After exfoliating, apply a hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum to boost hydration and support the skin barrier. Both ingredients are great for replenishing moisture, and niacinamide can also help reduce redness and refine pores. Allow it to absorb for 30–60 seconds.
4. Borage Seed Oil
   Once your serum has absorbed, apply a few drops of borage seed oil. Gently press it into your skin, focusing on areas that feel dry or irritated. Borage seed oil’s hydrating and soothing properties make it ideal for nighttime recovery.
5. Moisturizer (Optional)
   If your skin needs extra hydration, layer on a moisturizer to lock in all the goodness from your routine. Opt for a lightweight formula if your skin is oily, or choose a richer cream if your skin feels particularly dry.

This routine uses gentle exfoliation and targeted hydration to leave your skin refreshed and nourished, with borage seed oil providing a calming, restorative touch for overnight rejuvenation.

Side Effects Of Borage Seed Oil

Borage seed oil is generally considered safe for skin use for most adults and children. WebMD also notes that borage seed oil is likely safe for most adults and children if it is free from harmful chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). To be safe, look for products that are certified and labeled as PA-free.

Conclusion

In summary, borage seed oil stands out as a powerful natural source of GLA, making it highly valuable for dry and inflamed skin types. Research continues to show that GLA-rich borage oil offers significant anti-inflammatory benefits, which can support the treatment of various skin conditions. Many people have found relief from eczema and rosacea with borage seed oil, and it’s known to increase ceramide production, keeping the skin hydrated as an occlusive moisturizer.