Skin Benefits of Wheat-Germ Oil
Add a nutrient-rich, age-defying boost to your skincare routine by incorporating wheat-germ oil into your regimen. Whether you take this oil as a supplement, add it to your recipes or use it topically, this type of oil offers numerous benefits, ranging from softening and moisturizing your skin to boosting its regenerative powers. If you're interested in natural ways of supporting a healthy, glowing complexion, wheat-germ oil is worth investigating.
Oil and spa moisturizing bottles. (Image: petrunjela/iStock/Getty Images)Wheat Germ Information
Wheat-germ oil is derived from wheat germ, which is considered the "heart" of wheat since it's found at the center of the wheat berry. It feeds the wheat plant with nutrients to help it germinate and grow. Wheat germ is the most nutritious component of the wheat kernel and contains 23 different nutrients, including protein, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, iron and calcium. Its dense nutritional benefits make it a healthy addition to your diet. The oil is also nutrient-packed, which makes it particularly well-suited to moisturizing and soothing your skin.
Benefits of Topical Use
Wheat-germ oil is readily absorbed by your skin, which makes it an effective moisturizer and an appropriate topical treatment. When applied to your skin, wheat-germ oil delivers a healthy infusion of vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. These nutrients not only moisturize and heal dry or cracked skin, they also help prevent scarring. In particular, wheat-germ oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage, fight free radicals, support healthy collagen formation and maintain even skin tone.
How to Use Wheat-Germ Oil
If you're using wheat-germ oil topically, it's best to use it as part of a blend. Because of its strong aroma, add no more than 10- to 15-percent wheat germ-oil to your mixture. Also try base oils, such as jojoba or carrot, and essential oils, such as sandalwood, geranium, cedarwood, fennel, lavender and patchouli -- all of which support healthy skin. In addition to using the oil topically, you can also drizzle it on vegetables or salads, or incorporate it into other dishes to give your recipes a nutritious boost.
Considerations
In addition to wheat-germ oil's dark color and strong, heavy fragrance, those with a wheat or gluten allergy or sensitivity should avoid using wheat-germ oil. Additionally, because of wheat-germ oil's sensitivity to light, temperature fluctuations and oxidation, it's best to store it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh, for up to one year.
