Soybean seed oil is a plant based oil that is obtained from soybean seeds, scientific name Glycine Max, through cold pressing or through chemical solvents. The cold pressing method is more expensive and the yield is lower, however, the product is of a higher quality, in particular from the point of view of the contained substances such as soy lecithin. The cold-pressed soybean oil, which we will discuss in this post, can be applied externally on the skin to bring important benefits.
Soybean oil, cosmetic properties
Used as a cosmetic, soybean oil is moisturizing, protects the skin barrier thanks to the effect of phytosterols, performs an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant action (Tzu kai Lin et al, Int J Mol Sci, Jan 2018). Soybean oil is also able to protect the skin from erythema caused by sun (Bonina et al, Arch Pharm, Dec 2005). As for the composition, soybean oil brings vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid, present in a percentage of about 50%, oleic acid, 25%, and in smaller quantities palmitic acid, linolenic and stearic acids (Cizinauskas et al, Molecules, 2017 - INRAN database). Precisely this composition makes soybean oil an excellent treatment in case of wrinkles and stretch marks, since linoleic acid tends to decrease with age while it is typical of young skin. Providing skin with linoleic acid, and soybean oil is one of the plant based oils with the highest content of this substance, it is like rejuvenating the tissues (Kim et al, J Korean Med Sci, Jun 2010). Given these characteristics, soybean oil is an anti-wrinkle serum but it also helps in case of sunburned skin and stretch marks.
Soybean oil, useful for stretch marks, wrinkles and sunburned skin
In case of stretch marks, you can combine soy oil with another oil, such as rosehip oil. For example, to 50 ml of soy oil you can add 2 teaspoons of rosehip oil. And for an even more effective action, as evidenced by a scientific research (Wollina et al, J Cutan Aesthet Surg, Jul 2017), you can also add centella asiatica, which is found in herbalist’s shops also in the form of oil, very practical. Instead, in case of wrinkles, you can create a powerful oily serum by mixing soybean oil with argan oil in equal parts. To soothe a sunburned skin you can instead mix soybean oil and aloe vera oil. Always apply serums on damp skin.
