Apricot Oil: What are its benefits for the skin?

Apricot oil also has recognized antioxidant activity, derived from its concentration of tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols. This diversity allows it to protect the skin and its compounds against damage caused by free radicals. Generated following exposure to UV rays, pollution, or tobacco, these are reactive molecules that can cause changes in the structure of skin proteins, leading to skin damage (wrinkles, skin sagging, pigmentation problems). By neutralizing free radicals, apricot oil prevents these issues and helps to brighten the complexion.

Unlike essential oils, vegetable oils are allies for those with sensitive skin. Apricot oil is no exception and has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and soothe irritations and itching. These properties come from its omega-3 fatty acids, which are capable of increasing the production of resolvins and protectins, anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. Furthermore, apricot oil inhibits the synthesis of inflammation mediators such as leukotrienes.

Studies in vitro have also highlighted that apricot oil can induce apoptosis in HaCaT cells through certain receptors involved in the mitochondrial pathways. This apoptosis is correlated with theinhibition of the NF-κB pathway, known to trigger the synthesis of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. These various mechanisms help explain the origin of the soothing benefits of apricot oil.

The amber color of the apricot oil and its carotenoid content suggest that it may stimulate melanogenesis. However, while scientific studies have indeed shown that a diet rich in ß-carotenes and other carotenoids can help achieve a tanned complexion, researchers who have conducted topical application studies are more cautious. Moreover, the concentrations of ß-carotenes used in these studies are much higher than that of apricot oil. At present, it seems difficult to assert that this vegetable oil can enhance tanning.

Note : The orange hue of the apricot oil allows it to provide an immediate healthy glow effect to the skin. To achieve this, we recommend adding one to two drops of this vegetable oil to your regular moisturizing cream or to a massage oil.

Apricot oil is also credited with the ability to delay the onset of wrinkles. In addition to preventing and reducing fine dehydration lines due to its moisturizing power and protecting cellular constituents with its antioxidant activity, apricot oil is said to have an inhibitory effect on collagenase and elastase. These are enzymes that catalyze the degradation reactions of collagen and elastin, respectively, which are supportive fibers of the dermis essential to the good condition of the skin. The levels of collagen and elastin tend to decrease gradually from the twenties, which greatly contributes to the skin aging process.

However, caution is advised regarding the anti-collagenase and anti-elastase effects of apricot oil: at present, they have only been demonstrated instudies in vitro. It would be interesting to see if this vegetable oil can prevent or mitigate the effects of time on the skin in clinical trials.