Flax, scientific name Linum usotatissimum, is a very versatile plant, cultivated both for the production of textile fiber and for the collection of its seeds. Flaxseeds are a little wonder when it comes to benefits. In fact, flaxseeds can be taken internally, ground, as a decoction or in the form of oil, characterized by anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and cardioprotective properties, or used as a cosmetic. Today we're talking about what flaxseeds can do for the health and beauty of our hair and skin.
Flaxseeds for hair, what science says
Flaxseeds are a precious source of omega 3 fatty acids, such as alpha linolenic acid, of antioxidants, such as lignans and carotenoids, of vitamins, such as A, E and group B, including vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid that supports hair health, and minerals, including zinc, magnesium and potassium (Goyal et al, J Food Sci Technol, 2014). The oil extracted from flaxseeds is useful for improving the skin's elasticity, its ability to resist damage from free radicals and UV rays and its level of hydration and counteracts irritation and acne. At the hair level, the oil helps to seal the cuticles, making the hair softer and silkier (Goyal et al, J Food Sci Technol, 2014). Not only that, studies have shown that flaxseed oil combats thin and brittle hair, making hair fuller (Halmi et al, Int J Med Arom Plants, 2013). These benefits are observed both with the oral intake of flaxseed oil and with its topical application (Neukam et al, Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2011 - Nowak et al, Healthcare, 2023). Noteworthy is the fact that the benefits on skin and hair remained observable even after the use of flaxseeds was suspended (Halmi et al, Int J Med Arom Plants, 2013).
Flaxseeds for skin and hair, uses and applications
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, flaxseeds bring benefits to skin and hair both when they are included in a healthy and varied diet and when, in the form of oil, they are applied topically. For topical application, get flaxseed oil, you can find it in all specialized shops. Before shampooing, moisten your head, apply a couple of spoons of linseed oil, but the quantity depends on the length of your hair, massaging the product well onto the scalp and then distributing it over all lengths. Leave to act for 10 minutes, then proceed with shampoo and conditioner. As for application on the skin, after a shower or after nebulizing a floral water, apply a few drops of flaxseed oil on the face and body, massage until absorbed.
Flaxseeds, warnings
If you want to include flaxseeds in your diet, remember that they must be ground first. It is best to grind flaxseeds freshly, using a coffee grinder, one tablespoon per person. Then you can add flaxseeds to fruit salads and salads. Alternatively, you can use flaxseed oil to dress salads and vegetables or even for topical applications. In this case, remember to place the oil in the refrigerator and, if the bottle in which you purchased it is not dark, cover it with foil. In fact, flaxseed oil is very delicate and can oxidize easily.
