Learn all about apricot oil, the best oil for skincare you’ve probably tried.
In the world of skincare, oils once had a bad rap. Growing up, many of us were taught that applying oil to our skin would make us oily. Seems to make sense, right? Wrong. In recent years, science has come to the rescue and proven just how beneficial oils can be for the skin. Now, things are changing.
It seems like every few months, a new oil is being touted as “the best oil for skincare.” However, what if we told you that there was a vastly underrated oil that few people in the Western world knew about? An oil so powerful for enhancing and protecting the skin that it’s been used in other parts of the world for centuries?
Say hello to apricot oil: the best oil for skincare you didn’t know about.
If you’ve never heard of using apricot oil in skincare, allow us to change the game for you. In this article, we are explaining what this remarkable oil is and what it can do for you. By the time you’ve finished reading, your skin will be tingling in anticipation for its new favorite treat.
What is Apricot Oil?
Apricot oil is exactly what it sounds like—oil that is extracted by pressing the kernels (seeds) of apricots. It is a thin, odorless oil with a slight nutty flavor. Apricot oil is not to be confused with apricot extract, which is used in baking and should not be applied to the skin.
This incredible oil has both cosmetic and health benefits, and it is proven to support skin and hair health, improve heart health, and prevent certain types of cancers.
Origin of Apricots
Apricots are tree-grown fruits that date back to ancient times. Most modern-day apricots belong to the species P. armeniaca, which have been cultivated in Armenia for centuries. Although many believe that these apricots originated in Armenia, there are some genetic studies that suggest otherwise.
These studies indicate that the domestication of apricots occurred in Central Asia and China, and from there spread throughout Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Regardless, there are still 50 varieties of apricots grown in Armenia today, making them their most popularly harvested fruit.
Skincare Benefits of Apricot Oil
Little did you know, apricot oil is the holy grail of skincare. Brightening, treating, softening — you name it, and apricot oil probably does it. Apricot oil is one of the best oils in skincare for a ton of different reasons. Below are some of the best skincare benefits of apricot oil.
- Brightening: Apricot oil is naturally high in Vitamin E, which boosts the skin’s radiance and its ability to retain elasticity. Vitamin E also helps protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals (aka environmental pollutants), which in turn promotes a clearer complexion.
- Moisturizing: Apricot oil is filled with Vitamin A, which helps make the skin soft and smooth. It deeply penetrates the skin barrier to provide long-lasting hydration and eliminate dry skin patches.
- Strengthening: This oil is naturally high in linoleic acid that strengthens the skin’s barrier.
- Softening: Our skin easily absorbs apricot oil because it so closely resembles our own naturally-produced oils. It is naturally high in oleic acids that soften the skin, and its combination of Vitamins C and E work in harmony to fight against the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Treating acne: This magical oil has anti-inflammatory effects that can help with the treatment of acne. Applying a bit of oil to an acne flare-up reduces redness and inflammation, and can help prevent buildup and clogged glands. In this way, this oil is great for treating both the symptoms of acne and its underlying causes.
Other Health Benefits of Apricot Oil
The benefits of apricot oil don’t stop at skincare. Seriously, from hair health to cancer prevention, this magical little oil does it all. Here are a few other, incredible health benefits of apricot oil:
- Supports hair health. Not only does apricot oil do wonders for your skin, but it supports healthy hair growth as well. Apricot oil can strengthen weaker strands of hair and support the growth of healthy hair follicles. Its anti-inflammatory effects are also linked to the reduction of dandruff.
- Supports heart health. Apricots support the cardiovascular system, which in turn promotes heart health.
- Prevents certain cancers. Apricot oil is full of antioxidants that are known to reduce oxidative stress on the skin, which is what causes fine lines and wrinkles. These antioxidants tighten the skin and prevent age-related spotting, which is typically what causes skin cancer.
How to Apply on Skin
So, we know that apricot oil works wonders as an essential skincare product. Now what? Well, getting started with applying apricot oil is actually pretty straightforward.
This natural skincare treatment is safe to use on its own, and therefore you can apply it directly to your skin using a roll-on essential oil. If you have any dark spots, acne, or inflammation, go ahead and apply apricot oil directly onto the spot using your roll-on, clean hands, or a cotton ball.
You can also turn apricot oil into a scrub by combining it with some olive or almond oil and a bit of sugar. Once you’ve created your scrub, simply massage it all over your face and neck. Then, let it sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse off your homemade beauty scrub with lukewarm water for healthier, glowing skin.
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of making your own sugar scrub, fear not… We’ve already done it for you! Apply our Apricoty Sugar Scrub Pink Panther evenly across your face and body, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, rinse it off gently and completely for fresher, smoother skin.
Another great way to apply apricot oil is through a simple body soap. At Apricoty, we feature a wide selection of natural apricot oil-based soaps to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find a scent that you like. Apricot oil soap is a powerful exfoliator and skin enhancer, and washing your body with it helps to promote glowing, buttery-soft skin.
Best Oil for Skincare
If you weren’t an apricot oil fan before, we hope you are now. Here at Apricoty, we boast a vast collection of beauty and skincare products that take full advantage of the many amazing benefits of apricot oil.
Whether you’re an apricot oil connoisseur or a newbie to the best oil for skincare, our all-natural products make it easy to incorporate this wonderful tool into your daily routine. Shop our collection today!