Apricot Kernel Oil

The oil of the fruit is produced from the kernel contained in the center of the fruit. The kernel is usually covered by a hard outer casing, followed by a shell and then the kernel. Generally the oil is cold pressed from kernel
See also : Apricot Kernel

Special Precautions of Apricot Kernel Oil

The issue with Apricot Kernel oil (and this applies to skin as well) is that it has a slightly higher comedogenic rating than most oils. This means that it tends to leave a layer on the surface of the skin that may collect dirt over the course of the day. When applied to your scalp, this could actually worsen the level of dirt and grime that gathers on the scalp and may lead to infection and inflammation. It can block up pores and lead to blemishes and blackheads – so it’s important to rinse your face with water water and dry pat with a clean towel after applying the oil. However it is still recommend that you can use the oil for treating your face – so long as you do so in small amounts.

Health Benefits and Uses of Apricot Kernel Oil

• Skin :
  • Apricot Kernel oil contains strong antioxidant properties that, when applied topically, penetrate the surface of your skin and removes harmful bacteria and free-radicals that can lead to infection or cause general skin irritation and dryness. By penetrating beneath the surface skin layer, the oil also nourishes and replenishes moisture and vitamins that are lost over the course of the day. This will restore your skin’s natural luster and keep it looking healthy.
  • The oil allows the nutrients to penetrate the surface of your skin and nourish your blood cells. In order to have a stronger effect on relieving the dark circles and fight the signs of aging on your skin, You can add lemongrass, bergamot or orange essential oil to the apricot Kernel oil in order to stimulate blood circulation. Some of the leading causes of dark circles is a lack of nutrients in the blood cells and a stagnation of the flow of the capillaries. The skin layer is thinner in that area and patchiness will show through – hence the darkening of the skin. Treat regularly as a means of speeding up the recovery process and prolonging the effects.
  • Massage : Aapricot oil works very well as a massage oil and penetrates the skin much deeper than almond oil. This makes it more effective for treating muscle and joint pains and for relieving dry, cracked skin.
• Hair :
  • Apricot seed oil has oleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid and a wonderful emollient that makes hair and scalp softer and more pliable.
  • It actually moisturizes the hair and scalp while increasing the hydration level and reducing dryness.
  • Linoleic acid benefits hair by stimulating hair growth while staving off moisture loss.
  • Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that controls or keeps moisture in the hair and scalp. This makes it a favorite for hair sealants along with its pleasantly light scent.
  • This oil provides lubrication to the skin, including the scalp and as a light and gentle lubricant, it is great for sensitive skin types and often used in hair and face creams and rinses.
  • It not only seals in the moisture, but it also absorbs small amounts of water from the air’s humidity to help maintain that barrier of hydration inside the strand and scalp. Apricot seed oil leaves hair soft, shiny, and keeps the strands well-nourished and moisturized.