We’ve got a great guest blog this week, from Louise King (@louigi.skin), all about the remarkable powers of rosehip oil and how it’s helped her soothe TSW-induced dry skin.

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After using Balmond’s Intensive Facial Oil and being stunned by the results, I decided to look at the ingredients in more detail, with one special ingredient being rosehip oil. Adored by celebrities like Miranda Kerr and our English princess Kate Middleton - but why?

Let’s dig a little bit deeper...

Rosehip oil has been used for many, many years for its healing properties; I mean, it was used by the Egyptians and Native Americans, and if that shit is still being used now you know it’s got to be good! I’m particularly interested in the reasons it managed to make a difference to my topical steroid-damaged skin when nothing else would.

It’s pumped full of Vitamin C which is known to calm and hydrate dry and sensitive skin. It also contains many fatty acids which make it an excellent option to help rejuvenate and keep cell walls strong so they don’t lose water. 

All of this is nice, but why or how does my skin feel more ‘plump’ after using it? As mentioned above, rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A & C, which are necessary for the production of collagen - something which Is urgently required for TSW skin. It is also known for being anti-inflammatory due to its richness of polyphenols and anthocyanin. I also believe that because it’s so high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, this has also played a part in my recent skin improvements.

Rosehip oil has been used in many dermatological studies and always comes out on top. For example, rosehip powder has been proven to bolster the strength and longevity of skin cells in both animal and human studies. It’s pretty awesome stuff! Tried and tested by yours truly - and if it can make a difference to my very damaged skin then I’m confident it can help others too. 

Our skin naturally regenerates every 27 days, with new skin cells replacing old ones, but while going through TSW this cycle goes a bit haywire! Skin affected by Topical Steroid Withdrawal (aka RSS or red skin syndrome) goes through many strange cycles of its own, and in the later stages it tends to be very flakey all the time. I’m 10 months into TSW now, and without moisturiser my face is covered in flakes. If I’m flaring its red and blotchy, and following a flare it seems to flake away.

Many of those going through TSW would say that Japanese method ‘non-moisture treatment’ (aka NMT) is an ideal setting for healing, and while I agree with this in theory, from personal experience I hated it not applying anything to my face. Healing might be slower by applying lotions to TSW affected skin but it’s certainly much more comfortable.

Personally I think it’s also a good idea to nourish constantly regenerating skin with a good natural balm or oil. I’ve made Balmonds Skin Salvation balm and Intensive Facial Oil my go-to products for those very flaky stages. In all honesty, I’ve managed to pinpoint my TSW flares as cycling monthly with my period - thank you hormones! It’s been interesting to finally understand what triggers my flare ups and how I have to adapt my skincare routine throughout the month. Some days I can get by with just Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream, and others I really need that intensive oil fix, with lovely rosehip to help replenish my unhappy skin.