Q: Hello Tracey
... I just had a question as I’ve been hearing so much stuff about seed oils and wanted your professional opinion.
I started using sunflower oil in my skin care routine as I read that there’s lots of good benefits to it but now I’m just a bit nervous as I’ve also heard how seed oils are so bad for you so I’m just perplexed. What’s your opinion?
Thanksgiving you kindly. I always value your time and opinion answering my questions.
~ Myra
A: Thanks for asking.
Which oils are best for the skin depends on the composition of the skin and its needs. I do not think there is a clear difference between seed oils versus fruit oils.
With regards to food/nutrition, fruit oils tend to have a healthy balance of anti-inflammatory Omega 3 essential fatty acids to pro-inflammatory Omega 6 essential fatty acids. The ideal proportion is 1 part Omega 3 to 4 parts Omega 6.
Seed oils tend to have high proportions of Omega 6 essential fatty acids. Organically grown sunflower seed oil tests at the ideal 1:4 however, and so do local unrefined hemp seed oils at 1:3.
"Hemp seed oil is considered healthy because of its desirable omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio, 3:1 (see fact sheet FAPC-135: Foods, Health and Omega-3 Oils). Although the omega-6: omega-3 ratio between 3:1 and 5:1 is considered optimal for good health, the topic is still controversial." Learn more about the Properties of Hemp Seed Oil
So in my opinion, cook with vegetable or animal fats, eat fruit oils like olive or avocado raw or cooked at low heat, and let your skin enjoy what it likes!
Thanks, Tracey, Certified Natural Health Practitioner, Founder, Teacher