EVENING PRIMROSE BENEFITS

The beautiful flowers of the evening primrose may be the pretty face, but the soul of the plant is in the seeds, which produce a rich, nourishing oil with multiple skin benefits. It is naturally rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-6 linoleic acid, which strengthen the membranes surrounding the skin. It also contains omega-3 gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has anti-aging effects.
PLANT
The delicate yellow flowers are edible and add color and nutrition to salads and garnishes. Never eat flowers that have been treated with pesticides.
SUPPLEMENTS
These usually come in the form of gel-based capsules that contain the oil in concentrated form. Taking them regularly produces similar skin benefits to the topical application of the oil.
SEED OIL
The oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant. It does not keep well, so it is better to use the oil from capsules, rather than open bottles.

Quick Fix

Healthy nails Give your nails a daily treat by rubbing 1-2 drops of the seed oil into them. This helps to condition cuticles, and softens and improves the resilience of brittle and easily breakable nails.

What is it good for?
Combat Signs of aging The GLA in evening primrose oil possesses natural anti-inflammatory and skin-rejuvenating properties and reactivates certain cells into life after age or sun-related damage.
treats acne Acne-prone skin needs moisture too. This is a "dry" oil that is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin and does not clog pores. This is a great oil to use on its own to treat small localized areas, such as pimples. Apply it neat to the skin.
conditions and soothe skin Although evening primrose provides a light, dry oil, it can penetrate into the skin and maintain its softness and suppleness. Its moisture-retaining properties keep skin from drying out, making it less prone to eczema and acne. It supports the optimum function of skin cells by increasing the cell's' ability to absorb oxygen and to withstand infection. As well as applying the oil neat, you can use it to make your own products or massage oils. The oil should make up at least 5-10 percent of the total recipe to ensure there is enough of it to bring benefits to your skin.

EAT YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL

Supplements A daily evening primrose oil supplement can markedly improve skin tone and increase cellular respiration—skin cells' ability to absorb and utilize oxygen, a key feature of healthy skin. It makes the skin more resilient to sun and environmental damage that cause premature aging.

It also increases levels of hormones called prostaglandins, an imbalance of which can cause loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and inflammation.

Natural Beauty