September 19, 2017
4 min read
The Beauty Benefits Of Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca) comes from the apricot tree native to East and Central Asia. Apricot kernel oil is cold-pressed from the dried seeds of apricots and has a composition similar to the one of peach or almond oil. Due to its light texture, it has become a popular ingredient in many skin care products including lotions, creams and exfoliants. Apricot kernel oil is so gentle that it is often a go-to base ingredient for the formulation of baby products!
Vitamins & Minerals Found in Apricot Kernel Oil
This nourishing oil is a rich source of a variety of important vitamins and minerals that have wondrous effects on the health of your skin. It is mainly composed of two important unsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic and oleic acid. These healthy fats keep the skin smooth and hydrated and can even help managing skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
Apricot kernel oil contains high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, dietary fiber and potassium. Vitamin C and E function as antioxidants, protecting your skin against harmful free-radicals. Vitamin A is excellent for improving skin's elasticity and restoring the integrity of skin's lipid barrier.
DID YOU KNOW
• Apricot kernel oil is not only great for your skin – heat some of this oil up at home and apply to your locks once a week (all-natural DIY hot oil hair treatment!). This beauty ritual will stimulate the circulation of your scalp, ensuring that your hair will grow long, thick and healthy
• Fix dry cuticles in a pinch by massaging Apricot Oil into your cuticles every night before bed
How Does Apricot Kernel Oil Benefit The Skin?
1. Apricot Kernel Oil is Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals
This nourishing oil is a rich source of a variety of important vitamins and minerals that have wondrous effects on the health of your skin. It is mainly composed of two important unsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic and oleic acid. These healthy fats keep the skin smooth and hydrated and can even help managing skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
Containing high levels of antioxidant rich Vitamin C and E, Apricot Oil will assist to protect your skin against harmful free-radicals while the presence of Vitamin will assist with delivering barrier support and improving skin elasticity.
2. Apricot Oil Deeply Nourishes and Moisturises
GLA (gamma linoleic acid – which comes from omega-6) is highly present in organic apricot kernel oil and helps to maintain the moisture balance in the skin as well as keep it firm and toned.
Apricot kernel oil penetrates the skin quickly, making it an excellent daily moisturiser. The oleic and linoleic acids assist with restoring the skin’s lipid barrier, which is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against environmental damage.
3. Soothes Sensitive and Inflamed Skin
Thanks to its emollient properties, apricot oil can calm inflamed, itchy, or flaky skin. It’s particularly beneficial for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, where the skin barrier is compromised.
4. Supports Skin Regeneration
Whether you're dealing with dry patches, sunburn or skin sensitivity, apricot kernel oil offers gentle healing benefits. Apricot Kernel Oil's anti-inflammatory properties and nutrient-rich profile can assist with accelerating the healing of minor cuts, scars, and blemishes. It also helps reduce redness, swelling and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions.
5. Non-Comedogenic and Lightweight
Thanks to its light texture, Apricot kernel oil is an effective hydrator for both oily and dry skin. It is non-comedogenic and offers long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue. It is particularly beneficial for oily, hormone reactive or combination skin types who need to balance hydration without the risk of contributing to breakouts.
Who Should Use Apricot Kernel Oil?
All skin types will find some benefit from incorporating Apricot Kernel Oil into their skincare routine. The soothing and healing benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil make it an ideal ingredient for dry and sensitive skin types. Its antioxidant-rich properties also make it a must-have for mature skin as it delivers protection against environmental factors that may contribute to signs of premature ageing. And its lightweight nature ensures it delivers hydration to oily skin types without clogging pores.
How to Use Apricot Kernel Oil in Your Routine
Enjoy a natural glow on the daily by incorporating Apricot Kernel Oil into your skincare routine through the following steps:
Makeup Remover: Look for oil cleansers that contain Apricot Kernel Oil to melt away daily makeup, SPF and oil buildup without stripping or irritating the skin.
Daily Moisturiser: Look for a nourishing moisturiser that contains Apricot Oil and apply 1-2 pumps to clean skin morning and night.
Eye Cream: The antioxidant rich and nourishing properties of Apricot Kernel Oil make it an ideal ingredient to look out for in your eye cream. Apply a small pump to your ring fingers and gently dab from inner to outer under-eye until the product is absorbed.
Lip Treatment: Keep an eye out for Apricot Kernel Oil in your lip balm, it offers an effective and natural way to soften dry, chapped lips.
Facial Massage: Apply 2-3 drops of Apricot Kernel Oil to your face and enjoy a tension-relieving facial massage with your gua sha tool or roller to smooth the skin while encouraging circulation.
Body Oil: The lightweight yet nourishing nature of Apricot Oil makes it an ideal body oil as you’ll enjoy the glow without a greasy residue. Apply after showering to lock in moisture.
There’s no denying it - Apricot Kernel Oil holds incredible benefits for all skin types. From hydrating and soothing to age-defence and oil balance, it offers a natural solution for healthier, more radiant skin.
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