Apricot oil or apricot kernel oil is extracted from the fruits of an apricot tree. Apricots are mainly grown in Armenia, Turkey, and Iran. There are at least 11 apricot species grown in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. California is the largest apricot producer in the USA. The apricots are mainly grown for their fruits rich in vitamins A, C, & E, omega 9, 6, & 3 palmitic acids, and stearic acid. Apricot oil is extracted from the kernel of the fruit, while the seeds can be used to extract the essential oil.
Extraction of Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is extracted from the kernels of the apricot fruit by the cold-pressing process. The kernels are first softened by soaking them in water to remove the hard outer shells. The inner kernels are pressed to remove oil; this preserves the quality of the oil. Sometimes the seeds are grounded into fine powder or paste. The seed or the seed powder or paste is placed between two rotating metals to extract the oil. The metals apply extreme pressure that forces the seeds to release oil. The crude oil is mid-yellow with an apricot scent. After refining, the oil becomes yellow with a fainter scent. A press cake forms in the pressing machine used as animal feed.
Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
Promotes Skin Health
Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, and Omega 3. Using apricot oil can lead to skin health by softening and strengthening skin, promoting skin radiance, and providing deep nourishment. Vitamin E helps the skin to retain elasticity and clarity to protect cells from free radicals that damage the skin. The oil is easily absorbed into the skin to provide long-lasting moisturization. The fatty acids in apricot oil act as non-greasy emollients to nourish and restore dry skin. Finally, omega 6 and 9 strengthen and soften the skin giving it a satin-like feel. Apricot oil also relieves inflammatory conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Applying an apricot to an acne area can prevent sebum buildup in the glands. If you don’t want to remove makeup without using harsh cleaners, then apricot oil is the best solution; it can easily dissolve oil and residue from oil-based makeup.
Promotes Hair Growth
Applying kernel oil to hair can detangle and nourish hair strands promoting hair growth. Blend apricot oil with almond oil and coconut oil and the scalp, allowing for absorption for 20 minutes before washing it with a mild shampoo and conditioner. If it’s done 3-4 times a week, the hair will be soft, silky, and even more manageable. This also reduces scalp problems related to dryness. Furthermore, apricot can be gently heated and used as a hot oil hair treatment for hair loss due to poor nutrition, dryness, harsh environmental elements, and pollution. Apricot oil can also prevent premature graying and promote the growth of nourished hair.
Used in Massage
Apricot oil is good for massage because it is light and long-lasting. In massage, it can be easily absorbed without a greasy texture. Also, the fatty acids in apricot oil are essential for healthier skin. You can blend 25 drops of apricot oil with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang for a comforting and uplifting mild massage for adults. If applied directly to the affected area, Apricot oil soothes inflammation, relieves pain, and enhances skin conditions. Regular massaging with apricot oil can promote damaged skin and enhance elasticity, suppleness, and skin clarity. In contrast, a blend of apricot oil with rosemary oil is used to soothe and reduce acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Used in Medicine
According to Minaiyan, et al. (2014)., apricot oil might be a complementary medicine for bowel disorders. The kernel extract and oil from apricot were found to improve colitis symptoms. Karaboğa et al. (2018).showed that apricot oil protects the intestinal lining from developing ulcers. These researches were conducted on rats. They concluded that this is due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Apricot oil may have a cardioprotective effect that protects the cardiovascular system to prevent heart attacks. This research was done by Zhang et al. (2011).Tian et al. (2016). also concluded that apricot oil could ease chemotherapy’s negative effect on the immune system and promote the growth of white blood cells. Finally, apricot oil can be used in aromatherapy to clear the respiratory tract and soothe conditions like asthma.
How to Make Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot oil is light and can be easily absorbed without a greasy texture as topical apricot oil. Apricot is mainly used as a beauty product for clear and soft skin, as a scrubber, and anti-aging aid. You can apply the apricot oil or cream to the affected area and massage it. You can scrub your face with apricot oil mixed with sugar and almond oil for clear skin. Apricot oil provides the skin with nutrients that reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles. When amygdalin is removed from apricot kernel oil, it can be ingested directly or added to meals, drinks, and salads. If you decide to use apricot in foods, avoid heating the oil because it will evaporate.
Conclusion
Apricot oil is an important oil if you want healthy and glowing skin. Components of apricot oil like vitamin E and easily absorbable oil make the skin remain moisturized for a long time. Using this oil on your hair will minimize hair loss and keep it shiny. Apricot cannot be a truly cosmetic oil if its ability to remove makeup is not mentioned. Finally, apricot oil can be used in the medical field because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Using apricot oil is easier as you can use it as a topical or ingest it.
References
Karaboğa, İ., Ovalı, M. A., Yılmaz, A., & Alpaslan, M. (2018). Gastroprotective Effect Of Apricot Kernel Oil In Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury In Rats. Biotechnics & Histochemistry, 93(8), 601-607.
Minaiyan, M., Ghannadi, A.,
Asadi, M., Etemad, M., & Mahzouni, P. (2014). Anti-Inflammatory Effect Of Prunus
Armeniaca L.(Apricot) Extracts Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis In Rats.
Research In Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(4), 225.
Tian, H., Yan, H., Tan, S., Zhan, P., Mao, X., Wang,
P., & Wang, Z. (2016). Apricot Kernel Oil Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide‐Associated Immunosuppression In Rats. Lipids, 51(8), 931-939.
Zhang, J., Gu, H. D., Zhang, L., Tian, Z. J., Zhang,
Z. Q., Shi, X. C., & Ma, W. H. (2011). Protective Effects Of Apricot Kernel
Oil On Myocardium Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury In Rats. Food And
Chemical Toxicology, 49(12), 3136-3141.
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