BLOG 292: THE 6 REASONS WHY EVENING PRIMROSE OIL CAN BE TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR YOUR SKIN AND BODY

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is a wonderfully nourishing and versatile ingredient that I use both in my topical skincare and take orally too. 

Derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, Evening Primrose Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that’s vital for maintaining healthy skin, hormone balance, and overall cellular function. It’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that provide deep, nourishing benefits for our body. 

I use this topically twice a day as it's a key ingredient as part of a synergistic blend of botanical seed oils in Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Lift Moisturising Serum. Here’s why this nutrient-packed oil is one of my go-to recommendations for skin health. 

1. Deep hydration and moisture retention

One of Evening Primrose Oil’s standout qualities is its ability to deeply hydrate and moisturise the skin. The omega-6 fatty acids present in EPO help to maintain the skin’s barrier function, which is essential for locking in moisture. A healthy skin barrier not only keeps the skin feeling soft and hydrated but also protects it from environmental stressors, pollutants, and even bacteria. If you have dry, flaky, or dehydrated skin, choosing a skin moisturiser which has Evening Primrose Oil as one of the key ingredients, like Fusion by Danielle Collins, can be transformative for deeply hydrating your skin. The benefit of hydrating your skin is that it appears more plump and youthful plus fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable.

2. Anti-inflammatory benefits for soothing skin

The GLA in Evening Primrose Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent choice for soothing irritated skin. Inflammation can be caused by a host of issues, including environmental stress, diet, or even hormonal changes. This soothing quality is especially beneficial if you struggle with conditions like rosacea or acne, as the oil can help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort.

Even more, EPO has been shown to improve the skin’s resistance to irritants and reduce sensitivity over time. That’s one of the reasons I often recommend using Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Lift Moisturising Serum, which contains EPO, to people who experience flare-ups or reactions to other products – it’s a wonderful choice for strengthening the skin and reducing its vulnerability to irritation.

3. Fighting premature ageing

The antioxidants in EPO help combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells and accelerate the ageing process. By protecting our skin cells from oxidative stress, EPO helps to preserve collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness.

Now, let’s talk about the incredible benefits Evening Primrose Oil offers when taken as a supplement. This isn’t just an oil that nourishes from the outside – it works from within to support our entire system. 

1. Hormonal balance and PMS relief

I have personally found that Evening Primrose Oil has really supported my hormonal health. Many people, myself included, find that taking EPO as a supplement helps alleviate PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. I actually ran out of my supplement 2 weeks ago and hadn’t bought any new ones and I couldn’t believe how much premenstrual breast tenderness I had (whereas I hadn't felt this in over a year of taking it!).  This is mostly likely due to GLA’s role in hormone production and balance, as it assists in regulating the levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that play a part in managing inflammation and menstrual cycle regulation.

Additionally, for women who experience hormonal acne, taking EPO may help clear the skin from within. Hormonal fluctuations often lead to breakouts around the jawline or chin, and the balancing effect of GLA may help to reduce this type of acne. 

2. Supporting a calm, focused mind

When our hormones are balanced, we naturally feel more at ease – and EPO can assist with mood regulation in other ways too. Research has shown that GLA-rich oils like Evening Primrose Oil may have mood-stabilising effects, which may be helpful for managing stress and even mild symptoms of anxiety or depression. For those moments when life feels overwhelming, supporting your system with EPO can help you feel more centered and calm.

A healthy mind-body connection is, of course, vital to achieving radiant, healthy skin. Stress, after all, is one of the biggest triggers of skin issues, from inflammation to acne flare-ups. By supporting mental well-being, EPO indirectly benefits the skin by reducing stress-induced symptoms.

3. Joint health and inflammation reduction

The anti-inflammatory benefits of Evening Primrose Oil don’t stop at the skin – they extend to our entire body. Many people with joint pain, arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions find that EPO supplements can help reduce pain and stiffness, allowing for better movement and a higher quality of life. By managing inflammation, EPO supports mobility and comfort, which is essential for staying active and energised.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine or nourish your body and mind, Evening Primrose Oil is an amazing natural ally. Its combination of essential fatty acids, anti-inflammatory properties, and balancing effects makes it a valuable addition to any wellness regimen. I personally love it as part of my daily skincare routine and as a daily supplement.

You can purchase Fusion by Danielle Collins Pro Life Moisturising Serum here.