Extracted from the apricot kernel, apricot vegetable oil (INCI: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil) is appreciated in various fields, particularly in cosmetics. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it provides numerous benefits to the skin, hair, and nails. Discover in this article several tips for optimal use of apricot oil.
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- Active Ingredients
- How to use apricot vegetable oil?
How to use apricot vegetable oil?
- The apricot vegetable oil for skin care
- A closer look at the hair application of apricot oil
- The vegetable oil from apricots strengthens the nails
- Apricot Oil: A Dietary Vegetable Oil?
- Sources
The apricot vegetable oil for skin care.
The apricot oil is a vegetable oil with amber reflections and a fruity scent. Its sensory characteristics make it particularly appreciated by massage enthusiasts. Rich in oleic acid, its major constituent, apricot oil has proven moisturizing properties to strengthen the hydrolipidic film and prevent skin dehydration. However, while it is a friend to dry skin, its application on the face is not recommended for those with oily skin, due to its somewhat comedogenic nature.
Studies in vitro have also highlighted certain effects of apricot oil that could prove interesting for preventing skin aging. Indeed, in addition to its antioxidant activity, this vegetable oil could potentially have anti-collagenase and anti-elastase effects, which means it would protect the collagen and elastin protein fibers from degradation. Finally, apricot oil has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that allow it to reduce irritations and redness.
How to apply apricot oil?
Pure.
Applying pure apricot oil to the skin poses no risk. It can be used around the eye contour to care for this delicate area, on inflammatory stretch marks to reduce them, or on your entire body to hydrate and nourish it, apricot oil is versatile. The richness of its formulation also allows it to replace your usual moisturizing cream. Apply a few drops of apricot oil to clean, dry skin in the evening so that your face can benefit from its properties during its nighttime regeneration. Don't hesitate to accompany the application with a gentle massage: in addition to stimulating blood circulation, this will allow the oil to be effectively absorbed by the skin.
Diluted in a cream.
You can also incorporate apricot oil into your usual moisturizing cream or into your stretch mark cream. To do this, take a dollop of cream in the palm of your hand and add one or two drops of apricot oil. You can then apply the treatment by gently massaging it in and enjoy its nourishing benefits.
A closer look at the hair application of apricot oil.
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of apricot oil for hair, particularly for fine, dry, or brittle hair. Its moisturizing virtues are mainly due to the saturated fatty acids it contains, primarily oleic acid. Indeed, this omega-9 has a chemical structure similar to that of the lipids that make up the cuticle of the hair fibers, which allows it to insert itself and strengthen the cohesion between the cells, also known as scales. Apricot oil also has interesting antioxidant properties for the scalp and hair that allow it to protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, a factor that promotes the appearance of white hair and hair loss.
How to use safflower oil on hair?
Immersed in oil.
To strengthen and nourish your hair, you can perform an apricot oil bath one to two times a week. To do this, apply a few drops of vegetable oil to each of your strands, from mid-lengths to ends, and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. You can also leave the apricot oil on overnight. Then wash your hair with a shampoo suitable for your hair type.
Mixed with a shampoo.
Apricot oil can also be used directly on the scalp in cases of dryness or irritation. However, due to its relatively oily nature, we advise against applying it as is. Instead, opt for the following method: once or twice a week, when you wash your hair, mix two to three drops of apricot oil with your shampoo. This two-in-one technique will allow your scalp to be both clean and moisturized.
The vegetable oil from apricots strengthens the nails.
A lesser-known application, the apricot oil can be used for nail care. Its richness in fatty acids can be a source of real benefits for nail health and particularly helps tohydrate and nourish the cuticles. Apricot oil is also ideal for strengthening and repairing nails if they are brittle or beginning to split.
How to apply apricot oil on the nails?
Through massage.
To strengthen your nails, you can apply a drop of apricot oil daily to each one and massage until fully absorbed. After a few days, your nails will appear stronger.
As an oil bath or as a mask.
You can also allow the apricot oil to work longer on your nails by soaking them in an oil bath for about fifteen minutes. If you're short on time to perform this method, you can also wrap your nails coated with apricot oil in cellophane wraps overnight. This will provide them with deep hydration without interrupting your daily activities.
Apricot Oil: A Dietary Vegetable Oil?
While apricot oil is indeed edible, its primary characteristic is not its culinary use. In fact, even though its composition offers certain interesting nutritional qualities, it does not particularly stand out compared to other edible vegetable oils such as olive oil or canola oil. Moreover, apricot oil has a fairly neutral taste and does not present any particular gustatory interest. It is also relatively expensive, costing about two to three times more than olive oil, for example.
Finally, apricot oil can sometimes contain traces of amygdalin, an aromatic compound that converts into cyanide after ingestion, due to the action of an enzyme in the digestive system. Amygdalin is a molecule typically found in the kernel of the apricot. A report from ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recently revealed that 154 cases of poisoning from bitter apricot kernels occurred between 2012 and 2017. While there are no reported cases of food poisoning related to the vegetable oil itself when consumed in reasonable proportions (1 to 3 teaspoons per day), it is still advised to exercise caution.
Note : Since the flesh of apricots does not come into direct contact with the almond, consuming these fruits poses no risk.
Sources
Vigil'Anses No.5. The Anses vigilance bulletin (June 2018).
EL-SHIEKH R. & al. A Powerful Anti-Aging and Immune System Modulating Activity of Standardized Apricot Seed Extract and its Primary Compound; Amygdalin. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (2020).
NAZZARO F. & al. Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant, and in vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Five Cold-Pressed Prunus Seed Oils, and Their Anti-biofilm Effect Against Pathogenic Bacteria. Frontiers in Nutrition (2021).
JI-SUN M. & JU-SUB K. Effects of Apricot Kernel Oil on Hair Texture Improvement. Journal of Korean Applied Science and Technology (2021).
KHANEGHAH A. & al. The potential of apricot seed and oil as functional food: Composition, biological properties, health benefits & safety. Food Bioscience (2023).
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