Evidence supporting the use of: Sesame Oil
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Sesame oil has a long history of traditional use for skin care, especially in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It is commonly applied topically to treat dry, flaky, or irritated skin. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is considered a warming, nourishing oil that penetrates deeply into the skin, helping to moisturize and support skin barrier function. It is often used in oil massage (Abhyanga) rituals for its reputed ability to soothe dryness and maintain skin health.

From a scientific perspective, sesame oil is rich in fatty acids (notably linoleic and oleic acids), vitamin E, and antioxidants such as sesamol and sesamin. These components contribute to its emollient and occlusive properties, which can help reduce transepidermal water loss and improve hydration in the stratum corneum (outer skin layer). Some small laboratory and animal studies suggest sesame oil may improve skin barrier function and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, robust clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence for its use in dry or flaky skin remains anecdotal or based on traditional practice.

In summary, while sesame oil is widely used in traditional medicine for treating dry and flaky skin, scientific support exists primarily at the mechanistic or preclinical level, with limited human studies. Its historical use and biochemical composition suggest potential benefits, but more rigorous clinical research is needed.

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