Sylk Skin

Legend has it that when Alexander the Great and his army swept across the vast territories of Europe and Asia in his quest for world domination, any horses that were wounded or ill were let loose and abandoned to their own fate.

However, when these same horses were later seen (I presume on the army’s return), they were healthy with beautiful shiny coats.

Why were these horses so beautiful and what where they consuming that Alexandra the Great desperately wanted?

Beautiful horses in a field.

Image by Wirestock

Alexandra's Discovery

Upon investigation, it was discovered that they had been feeding on the bright orange berries of the Sea Buckthorn bushes. This led to the bush being given the name Hippophae Rhamnoides, meaning “shiny horse.”

So, what brought about this remarkable recovery? 

Well, it’s jam-packed with nutrients that benefit us both internally and externally. What might these ingredients be?

All the Omegas

Individually they have important roles, but collectively they are unbeatable.

Omega 3: Helps manage chronic inflammation.

Omega 6: Essential for maintaining healthy skin, reducing conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also plays a role in triggering immune responses.

Omega 9: Provides energy and supports overall heart health.

Omega 7: Maintains the skin barrier and provides deep hydration, leaving the skin smooth and flexible. 

I left omega 7 last because I you to realise how this ingredient is especially unique to sea buckthorn oil. The only other plant that has a small amount is macadamia nut oil.

Vitamins

Vitamin A: Speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen production. It essentially “teaches” old skin cells to behave like young ones.

Vitamin C: Neutralises free radicals from UV rays and pollution. It brightens dull skin and evens out skin tone.

Vitamin E: Prevents moisture loss and reduces inflammation.

Why They Work Well as a Team

C + E: Vitamin E makes Vitamin C more stable and effective. When combined, they provide double the protection against environmental damage.

A + E: Vitamin A can be drying or irritating; Vitamin E helps buffer those effects by keeping the skin hydrated.

Antioxidants

The key anitoxidants are Vitamin A, C and E (now you’ve ACE’ed it in the anti-oxident department).

And while not always classified strictly as antioxidants, quercitin (the one that interests us the most) works as a team member boosting the function of vitamin A, C and E.

All the above indregdients that are also present in the healing balm help with the following:

  • Supports skin regeneration.
  • Improves elasticity.
  • Strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Reduces redness, dryness, and irritation.
  • Brings back a healthy glow with improved texture and tone.

 

To do all of the above, this amazing oil doesn’t just sit on the surface of the skin. It penetrates deeply and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily.

We use it where the skin needs extra support and recovery.

A word of caution: These berries are so rich in beta-carotene (hence the oil’s rich orange colour) that should it be overused, you’ll turn a striking shade of orange and might be mistaken for a relative of a very prominent politician. 

Sea Buckthorn and Sylk

Aren’t you grateful for the accidental discovery of this wonderful ingredient? Sea buckthorn is packed with everything you could possibly want for a healthy body, inside and out. 

This is why we at Sylk have chosen to include this in our healing balm. If it brough horses from near death, imagine what it can do for you!

Start with your healing journey today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

At Sylk we strive to be as transparent and informative as we possibly can. If you don’t see your question answered, ask us below!

    Hippophae Rhamnoides is the botanical name for Sea Buckthorn, which literally translates to “shiny horse.” The name originates from ancient Greek legend, where Alexander the Great’s wounded horses were said to have developed radiant, healthy coats after grazing on the plant’s bright orange berries.

    Sea Buckthorn oil provides a comprehensive range of skin benefits, including deep hydration, reduced inflammation, and faster tissue regeneration. It is uniquely packed with a “team” of nutrients such as Vitamins A, C, and E, plus Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. These work together to strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall texture and tone.

    Omega 7 (palmitoleic acid) is a rare fatty acid found in Sea Buckthorn that is essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. It provides deep cellular hydration and helps keep the skin smooth and flexible, making it a critical ingredient for repairing dry or damaged skin.
    Yes, Sea Buckthorn oil is highly effective for managing eczema and psoriasis due to its high concentration of Omega 3 and Omega 6. These essential fatty acids trigger healthy immune responses and manage chronic inflammation, which reduces the redness, dryness, and irritation associated with these skin conditions.
    While pure Sea Buckthorn oil is naturally a vibrant orange due to high levels of beta-carotene, it should not turn your skin orange when used in a professionally formulated product like a balm. When applied at the correct therapeutic levels, the oil penetrates deeply into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or a staining tint.

    Sea Buckthorn Fruit (Berry) Oil and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil have slightly different profiles. The Berry Oil (extracted from the fleshy pulp) is typically higher in carotenoids and Omega-7, whereas the Seed Oil is often richer in Vitamin E and Omega-3 and -6.