Sunflower oil for eczema: Benefits, uses, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Sunflower oil for eczema What to knowMedically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Caitlin Geng on September 13, 2022Sunflower oil may be an effective natural treatment for eczema symptoms. However, people who are allergic to sunflower seeds should avoid sunflower oil. Share on PinterestIan Derry/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThere is currently no cure for eczema. However, treatment aims to heal the affected areas and prevent flares. Oral or topical medications can help relieve the symptoms. A person can also try home remedies that use natural products, such as oils. This article looks at the possible benefits of sunflower oil for eczema. It also explains how to use this oil as a remedy and considers the potential side effects. Finally, it discusses alternative oils and remedies for eczema. Benefits of sunflower oil Sunflower oil has various beneficial properties that could help improve the symptoms of eczema. These include: Anti-itch properties Itching is a major symptom of eczema, and scratching can cause further:discolorationscalingcrustingweepingswelling dry, scaly, thickened patches of skin Some natural plant oils, including sunflower oil, contain anti-itch properties, which could help prevent the condition from progressing and further damaging the skin. Protective barrier Experts believe that eczema is due to a leaky skin barrier, which allows an excessive amount of water to escape, leaving the skin dry and prone to:inflammationirritationinfection Sunflower oil contains linoleic acid, which helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier. This barrier helps retain moisture and prevents excessive drying of the skin. A 2019 study found that a 20% sunflower seed oil cream effectively reduced transepidermal water loss — the water that evaporates through the skin — and improved eczema in children with mild atopic dermatitis. In addition, 2018 research showed that sunflower oil could improve skin hydration in adults without causing irritation. Wound healing A 2017 review concludes that sunflower oil is also highly effective in helping wounds to heal due to its high concentration of linoleic acid. The research on lambs found a 300% reduction in wounds after 3 days of sunflower oil treatment. Experts believe that essential fatty acids and amino acids contribute to the wound-healing abilities of sunflower oil. Anti-inflammatory Sunflower oil can help replace or supplement lipids containing fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent the drying and irritation associated with eczema. An older study in rats found that sunflower oil was more effective than certain anti-inflammatory drugs. Lipid repair Eczema can cause the skin to become dry and cracked and change the skin’s lipid profile. Lipids are important molecules that make up the structure of cells. Changes to lipids can cause the skin to lose water and become dry, potentially leading to skin barrier defects. Exposure to allergens and irritants can then cause inflammation. Natural antioxidant Research suggests that oxidative stress may be a significant factor in a person developing skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. Antioxidants in sunflower seed oil may reduce the risk of chronic disease and help protect against cellular damage. Uses of sunflower oil for eczema There are various ways to use sunflower oil as a treatment for eczema. These include: Applying products that use sunflower oil as an ingredient A person with eczema should opt for gentle products that are dye- and fragrance-free. Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing can help the skin “lock in” moisture. People can purchase sunflower seed oil moisturizers online. Using organic cold-pressed sunflower oil People can typically find sunflower oil in grocery stores and health and wellness stores. It should contain no unnecessary additives. A person can use the oil as an eczema treatment by:pouring a small amount of oil onto the palmmassaging it gently into the affected areas until the skin has absorbed itavoiding the eyes, if the affected area is on the facerepeating as necessary Potential side effects Anecdotal evidence suggests that sunflower oil is generally safe and well-tolerated in children and adults. However, a person with a sunflower seed allergy should not use the oil as a treatment. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to sunflower products include:allergies, such as oral allergy syndrome or allergic rhinitisrespiratory problems, such as bronchial asthmaeye issues, in the form of conjunctivitisskin issues, such as:angioedemacontact dermatitisacute hives, or urticaria A person can check whether they are allergic to sunflower seeds by undergoing an allergy patch test. Other oils and remedies for eczema Other oils and alternative or complementary therapies that people may use to treat eczema include:Coconut oil: The National Eczema Foundation states that applying coconut oil can lower the risk of infection by reducing the bacteria on the skin. A person should opt for cold-pressed or virgin varieties.Tea tree oil: Although people use tea tree oil to treat eczema and other skin conditions, there is a lack of evidence to confirm its effectiveness.Honey: 2017 research shows that honey has antibacterial properties and could help prevent infection while helping the skin heal.Colloidal oatmeal bath: According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, soaking in an oatmeal bath can relieve itching from eczema.Aloe vera: Aloe vera extracts may help soothe dry, cracked skin and heal wounds. The plant also has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent infection.Apple cider vinegar: According to the National Eczema Association, apple cider vinegar may help treat some symptoms of eczema. However, a person should use apple cider vinegar on the skin cautiously, as the acid in the vinegar may cause damage to soft tissue. More research is necessary to determine its effectiveness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the use of essential oils to treat specific skin conditions, such as eczema. However, if a person wishes to use any of the products above, they should purchase them from reputable sites or stores and discuss their use with a dermatologist. Summary Sunflower oil has many potential benefits as a complementary or alternative treatment for eczema. It contains linoleic acid and fatty acids, which help protect the skin’s barrier and prevent water from escaping to keep the skin hydrated. The antibacterial properties can also help reduce the risk of infection, which is higher in people with eczema. The oil is also an effective wound healer and anti-inflammatory. Sunflower oil is generally safe to use topically, although people with an allergy to sunflower seeds should avoid it. A person can use creams or lotions that contain the oil as an ingredient or apply cold-pressed, organic sunflower oil directly to affected areas. People can speak with a dermatologist or doctor for more information on the use of this oil. Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2022DermatologyAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 25 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Aromatherapy. (2022).https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapyAtopic dermatitis. (2019).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitisAtopic dermatitis. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/Can eczema be cured? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/be-curedComplementary and alternative treatments. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/complementary-and-alternative/Dumas, S. N., et al. (2018). A discussion on the relationship between skin lipid metabolism and whole-body glucose and lipid metabolism: Systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247918/Dwiyana, R. F., et al. (2019). The beneficial effect of 20% sunflower seed oil cream on mild atopic dermatitis in children.https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ijpps/article/view/30707Eczema (atopic dermatitis). (2017).https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema-atopic-dermatitisGet the facts: Apple cider vinegar. (2021).https://nationaleczema.org/blog/get-the-facts-acv/Guo, S., et al. (2017). A review of phytochemistry, metabolite changes, and medicinal uses of the common sunflower seed and sprouts (Helianthus annuus L.).https://bmcchem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13065-017-0328-7Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remediesJi, H., et al. (2016). Oxidative stress in atopic dermatitis.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2016/2721469/Jones, V. A., et al. (2021). Complementary and alternative medicine treatments for common skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.jaadinternational.org/article/S2666-3287(20)30075-4/fulltextLin, T.-K., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/Moisturizer and lotion for eczema: Everything you need to know. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/Moore, E. M., et al. (2020). The enigma of bioactivity and toxicity of botanical oils for skin care.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7272663/Odabasoglu, F., et al. (2018). Beneficial effects of vegetable oils (corn, olive and sunflower oils) and α-tocopherol on anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal profiles of indomethacin in rats [Abstract].https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299908006870?via%3DihubSaedi, S., et al. (2017). How canola and sunflower oils affect lipid profile and anthropometric parameters of participants with dyslipidemia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473013/Samarghandian, S., et al. (2017). Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/Sawada, Y., et al. (2021). Omega 3 fatty acid and skin diseases.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.623052/fullSkin allergy. (n.d.).https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/allergies/skin-allergySummers, A., et al. (2019). Impact of sunflower seed oil versus mustard seed oil on skin barrier function in newborns: A community-based, cluster-randomized trial.https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-019-1871-2Ukleja-Sokołowska, N., et al. (2016). Sunflower seed allergy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806758/Vaughn, A. R., et al. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707186/Zagórska-Dziok, M., et al. (2017). Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of aloe vera - a review.http://www.jpccr.eu/Evaluation-of-clinical-effectiveness-of-Aloe-vera-a-review,74577,0,2.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC — By Caitlin Geng on September 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageSunflower seeds: Nutritional and health benefitsMedically reviewed by Kathy Warwick, RD, LD Sunflower seeds provide essential nutrients and minerals. They are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a good source of fiber. However, some people…READ MOREIs extra virgin olive oil better than olive oil?Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, LD Extra virgin olive oil is an unprocessed, tasty, and healthful alternative to olive oil. It is full of healthful fats and has health benefits with…READ MORETea tree oil: A reviewMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Proponents of tea tree oil say it has antibacterial properties and healing benefits, but there is limited research to support these findings. Here, we…READ MOREEczema: New drug reduces symptoms by 75% in infants and young children In a recent clinical trial, researchers said the new drug dupilumab was effective in reducing eczema symptoms in young childrenREAD MOREWhat to know about sunscreen for eczemaMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Sunscreens help to protect a person's skin against ultraviolet light from the sun. People with eczema may find that some sunscreens irritate their…READ MORE