Apricot oil for facial care: benefits and recipes

Apricot oil: how it all began

The history of the origin of the well-known and familiar apricot trees still remains a mystery. Some researchers consider the foothills of the Tien Shan to be the historical homeland of apricots, while others consider Tibet. But the Romans and Arabs back in the 1st century BC. e. They called the sweet, aromatic fruits “Armenian apples,” identifying Armenia as the place where the tree appeared. And to Ukraine, for example, “golden fruits” were brought from Persia along with the name zardali (from “zard” - “gold”).

In Ancient Persia, apricots were called “golden fruits,” and in Europe at the same time they were valued at their weight in gold

Be that as it may, it is reliably known that oil pressed from apricot kernels was used in ancient Chinese and Tibetan medicinal practices: it was used to treat tumors, ulcers and various skin lesions, and to treat noses and ears. Europeans fully discovered the possibilities of the healing elixir already in the 1st century AD. e. and since then apricot kernel oil has been used to treat:

• burns;
• trophic ulcers;
• dry dermatitis;
• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• bedsores;
• hemorrhoids;
• prickly heat;
• colds;
• tonsillitis;
• inflammation of the respiratory tract;
• nose diseases;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism.

But medicine is not the only area of ​​application for apricot oil.

Use in its pure form

Like macadamia oil for the face, the apricot extract discussed in the article has an excellent effect on the dermis without any extraneous ingredients. So, for example, by daily rubbing the dermis with a natural product before bed, you will receive an excellent tonic effect in the morning. In this case, you use the product as a kind of lotion analogue. It does not need to be washed off, and after the procedure you will not need to additionally treat the dermis with cream.

Lotions based on the product under study will have an equally interesting effect on the skin. They are best done directly on the area around the eyes every other day before bed . As a result, you will get smoothing of wrinkles and elimination of other age-related changes in the most problematic areas.

Another way to use pure apricot kernel oil is to create compresses. They are usually applied to problem areas of the chin, cheeks and forehead. As a result, the treated surfaces receive the necessary tone, which leads to the rapid neutralization of even serious age-related changes.

What does apricot elixir consist of?

What we call apricot oil is actually apricot seed oil, cold-pressed from apricot kernels. It is a light yellow transparent liquid with low viscosity and a light pleasant aroma, reminiscent of the mixed aroma of nuts and almonds.

Transparent light yellow apricot oil is obtained from apricot kernels.

The oil is almost 100% composed of a mixture of organic fatty acids:

• Saturated (palmitic and stearic).
• Monounsaturated (palmitoleic and oleic).
• Polyunsaturated (linoleic).

In addition, additional substances are dissolved in apricot oil fatty acids:

• alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) - “vitamin of youth”, ensuring elasticity and firmness of the skin;
• retinol (vitamin A), known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects;
• B vitamins, which have wound-healing and protective properties;
• vitamin C is an antioxidant;
• amygdalin (vitamin B17), characterized by high antitumor activity.

And the minerals potassium and magnesium included in the product ensure the ability of cells to retain moisture (potassium) and are responsible for the function and condition of blood vessels (magnesium).

And although the cold-press technology gives a relatively low yield of the finished product (about 48–55%), it allows you to preserve the entire vitamin and mineral complex of the original raw material without changing the composition or destroying individual components.

Composition and beneficial properties

Apricot is beautiful both outside and inside. Its healthy juicy pulp is eaten fresh, dried and dried, and the stone extract is used in folk medicine and home care. This would be impossible without the storehouse of vitamins, minerals, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the oil. Their benefits for facial skin:

• Vitamin A eliminates itching, eliminates dryness and flaking;
• B vitamins help fight inflammation, prevent the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and tighten minimal cracks;
• ascorbic acid activates the protective functions of the dermis, including protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation;
• Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect, promotes the production of collagen and elastin, restores skin elasticity and slightly smoothes out shallow wrinkles;
• phytosterols trigger regeneration processes in the dermis;
• potassium and magnesium take care of moisturizing the skin, activate blood circulation, thereby improving cell nutrition;
• fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, etc.) are antioxidants, stimulate tissue nutrition, are responsible for the protective functions of the skin, regenerate and rejuvenate the epidermis.

The Amazing Powers of Apricot Oil

It is the diverse chemical composition and high content of oleic (58.8 g per 100 g of product) and linoleic (29.3 g per 100 g of product) acids that make it possible to use apricot oil in cosmetology. After all:

• linoleic acid is a source of energy for tissues, improves their nutrition and increases protective functions;
• Oleic acid is an antioxidant that actively participates in the regeneration of cell membranes, restores the water-fat balance of the skin and effectively moisturizes it.

Therefore, the tool can easily solve problems such as:

• increasing skin firmness and elasticity, softening and moisturizing;
• improvement of complexion;
• smoothing out small wrinkles;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• preventing the formation of new wrinkles;
• elimination of peeling and dryness.

Moreover, apricot kernel oil can be used for any skin type and regardless of age: it adapts perfectly to conditions and solves exactly those problems that need to be solved here and now. For this amazing ability, cosmetologists sometimes call this oil “smart”.

Smart apricot oil is suitable for all skin types and people of all ages

Table: effect of apricot oil depending on skin type

And if you are going to use cosmetic oil in skin care for the first time, you should start with “smart” apricot kernel oil: light, perfectly absorbed, non-greasy, multifunctional and suitable even for babies.

Subtleties of using apricot oil

In order for apricot oil to fully demonstrate its capabilities, it is necessary to take into account some important points when using it.

Basic, not ethereal

Apricot oil belongs to the so-called basic vegetable cosmetic oils. These are natural fats, usually obtained from the most “oily” parts of plants (nuts, seeds or seeds). Unlike essential oils extracted from flowers, leaves and stems of plants, carrier oils are not volatile, do not have a strong aroma and are not aggressive (they can be applied to the skin without diluting anything). Therefore, apricot oil can be used in various ways:

• as an independent care product, replacing the usual ready-made lotions and creams;
• mixed with other oils (for example, linseed, olive, almond, lemon ester, patchouli, etc.) to enhance the desired effect;
• as a component of “homemade” cosmetics (for example, masks);
• as an enriching additive to conventional ready-made cosmetics.

As a rule, when making mixtures, base oils are taken in equal quantities, and essential oils, if necessary, are added carefully and in very measured doses (literally a few drops), strictly following the recipe. This avoids the risk of burns or irritation when using aggressive esters.

By the way, the process of applying the product to the skin is of no small importance for obtaining the desired final result.

Applying Apricot Oil: Process Steps

So, cosmetologists strongly recommend not to neglect the following basic rules:

1. Before using apricot oil, thoroughly clean and steam your face (you can use a hot compress for this).
2. Apply a small amount of product to your fingertips and distribute it over your face in the direction of the massage lines.
3. Using your fingertips, lightly “drive” the product into the skin for one or two minutes.
4. Leave the oil on the skin for half an hour.
5. Rinse your face with warm water.
6. Pat your skin dry with a towel.

But before you reach out for the treasured bottle, you should know something else.

Safety precautions: minimize risks and multiply the effect

There are several important points that must be taken into account by anyone who intends to use apricot oil for cosmetic purposes:

1. Although apricot oil has no contraindications and is hypoallergenic, in exceptional cases individual intolerance to the product may occur; Therefore, before you start using it, be sure to conduct a home allergy test.
2. Buy oil only in pharmacies or from trusted sellers on the Internet: since the product is quite expensive to produce, it is often mixed with cheaper plum oil, calling this mixture “Apricot oil,” or even replaced with almond oil, which is similar in composition. Prices for the product range from 150–500 rubles per 30 ml, and the higher the cost, the greater the likelihood of purchasing a quality product.
3. Store the product in a tightly closed dark glass bottle on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator (or simply in a cool, dark place); This will extend its useful life to a year.
4. Use apricot oil as an evening skincare product: it has a strong restorative effect, and the skin is intensively restored and renewed at night.
5. Apply the product only to a damp face, otherwise regular use of oil can lead to dry skin (no matter how strange it may sound).
6. Do not use the product in summer, when the temperature exceeds 30°C: an oil film in the heat can cause overheating of the skin and lead to clogged pores and inflammation.
7. To prepare homemade masks, use only warm apricot kernel oil, heated to 35–40°C in a water bath.
8. Apply apricot oil products once a week as a preventative measure and twice a week if your skin requires maximum care.
9. To obtain a pronounced and sustainable rejuvenation effect, use courses of 10–12 oil treatments with a break between courses of 2–3 weeks.

To extend the useful life of apricot oil, it must be stored in a cool, dark place, for example, on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

A home allergy test is a simple procedure to determine if you are intolerant to any drug. You just need to apply a small amount of the product to an area with delicate skin (on the wrist, elbow or neck under the hair) and leave there for several hours. If no allergic reaction (for example, redness, rash, itching) occurs as a result, then you can use the product being tested.

Now, armed with the necessary theoretical knowledge, you can finally move on to the most interesting part - homemade cosmetic recipes based on apricot oil.

Contraindications

When studying the main indications for the use of apricot oil or its various analogues, for example, avocado extracts, be attentive to the restrictions. It is prohibited to use the drugs studied in the article if you have a personal intolerance.

also undesirable to use the product in its pure form if you have very oily skin . There is a high probability of only aggravating her condition. To eliminate this effect, try to mix the extract with other beneficial ingredients designed to combat the excessive work of the sebaceous glands.

The secret recipe of Marlene Dietrich and more

Let's start with the simplest thing - using a clean facial skin care product. This way you can get:

1. Skin cleanser: simply wipe your face with oil heated in a water bath to 30–35°C.
2. Means for washing and toning the skin: add 30 drops of apricot oil to 100 ml of boiled water at room temperature and wipe the skin with the resulting composition.
3. A remedy for the prevention and smoothing of wrinkles around the eyes: every other day, apply warmed apricot oil to the area around the eyes.
4. A remedy for healing wounds and cracks: soak clean gauze, folded in several layers, with warm apricot kernel oil and make a twenty-minute compress for the problem area (for example, cheeks, forehead, chin).
5. Facial Massage: Massage your skin using a few drops of oil for 10-15 minutes. This procedure will help improve your complexion, moisturize the skin, restore its elasticity and radiance, and smooth out wrinkles.

Now let’s complicate the task and consider multi-component cosmetic compositions with apricot oil.

Masks with apricot kernel oil

The possibilities of “smart” oil are so diverse that masks based on it can be divided into three groups:

1. Rejuvenating masks.
2. Healing and anti-inflammatory masks.
3. Masks that improve the overall condition of the skin and even out the complexion.

Table: anti-aging recipes for different skin types

Such masks can successfully fight the signs of aging and fading, evening out the appearance, smoothing out wrinkles, and improving complexion. Of course, in order to restore the lost tone and radiance of youth to the skin, you will have to work hard: only systematic and systematic care can provide a visible result. Unfortunately, you can’t count on a “wow” effect from one procedure.

How to get rid of problem skin

It’s hard to say anything good about problem skin: enlarged pores, constant oily shine, constant rashes and inflammation - there’s definitely nothing to be happy about. But apricot kernel oil can significantly improve the situation, moving problems from the category of “nightmarish” to “tolerable.” Moreover, you can use very easy-to-prepare compositions for this:

1. A mixture of equal amounts of apricot oil and jojoba oil, applied to cleansed skin for 20 minutes, will reduce the pain of inflammation.
2. A fifteen-minute mask of blue or green cosmetic clay, enriched with a teaspoon of apricot oil, will help get rid of subcutaneous acne.
3. A mixture of two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a teaspoon of apricot oil and half a teaspoon of liquid honey will reduce shine and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The composition is applied to the skin for 15 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water. By the way, this mask has a pronounced whitening effect.
4. A mixture of a tablespoon of apricot oil and three drops of esters (one drop each of tea tree, lemon and lavender essential oil) will effectively dry out rashes, prevent the occurrence of new inflammations and tighten pores. You can apply this mixture for 15–20 minutes, either spotwise or all over your face (excluding the area around the eyes).

Yes, in this case, too, you can’t count on a miracle of instant healing (it somehow didn’t work out with miracles in our lives). So system, system and again system - and the result will inevitably be achieved.

Nourish, moisturize, whiten

Even if, for some reason (young age, for example, or ideological considerations) you have not embarked on the warpath against ruthless time and do not strive to look younger than your age, you still probably want to look good (because this is an innate trait of all women ). This means you are probably aware of how important it is to nourish and moisturize your skin. For example, with the help of such simple home recipes.

Table: masks to improve overall skin condition

An oatmeal mask with apricot oil can restore radiance to even the dullest skin.

In fact, the list of masks with apricot kernel oil could be continued for a very long time. But it's time to move on to the promised secret recipe of Marlene Dietrich.

Not just a mask: creams, lotions and scrubs with apricot kernel oil

“Smart” apricot kernel oil works great in homemade anti-aging creams. Moreover, in terms of effectiveness, such products are not inferior to products of expensive and “promoted” brands. Just check.

Cream “Swan's Down” (recipe by Marlene Dietrich)

Unfortunately, it is impossible to prove that this is in fact the secret recipe of the great film actress. But it’s common (and pleasant) to think so. True, the modern formulation of the product uses apricot oil and tea tree ether instead of glycerin and alcohol from the original recipe: such replacements help protect the skin from drying out and enhance the rejuvenating effect of the cream. So:

1. Beat the white of 1 egg into a strong foam.
2. Carefully mix the whipped egg white and 70 ml of full-fat homemade sour cream (you can use store-bought sour cream with a fat content higher than 20%).
3. Add to the mixture 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of apricot oil and 40 drops of tea tree ether (yes, exactly 40, since the essential oil will act as a natural preservative).
4. Mix all ingredients and place the mixture in a clean, tightly sealed container.

That's it, a light (like swan's down) and effective anti-aging cream, suitable for any skin type, is ready. It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 2-3 weeks.

Nourishing cream for the eye area

The composition can be considered the “heavy artillery” in the fight against wrinkles under the eyes and “crow’s feet”. It should be used in very small quantities, applied to the skin of the eyelids and the outer corners of the eyes before bed. To prepare the cream:

1. Mix 2 teaspoons each of apricot kernel oil and olive oil.
2. Add to the resulting mixture 1 teaspoon of rosehip oil and the contents of 2 capsules of aevit oil solution (this is the name of the oil solution of retinol and tocopherol, sold in pharmacies).
3. Mix the ingredients, pour the composition into a tightly closed dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

Vitaminizing lotion for dry skin

This product will not only saturate dry skin with vitamins, but will also effectively soften it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of apricot oil with 1 teaspoon of castor oil.
2. Add 10 drops of vitamin E oil solution (it is sold in pharmacies) to the resulting mixture.
3. Mix the composition, pour into a tightly closed dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.

In the evenings, wipe your makeup-free face with lotion, and soft, glowing skin is guaranteed.

A balancing, refreshing lotion for oily skin

You can pamper yourself with this luxurious lotion when the roses are blooming. To make it you will need:

1. Petals 3-4 roses.
2. One tablespoon of apricot kernel oil.
3. Two teaspoons of cognac.
4. Two teaspoons of boiled water.

The process of preparing lotion is similar to creating a witch's elixir:

1. Tear off, wash and dry the rose petals.
2. Place the petals in an opaque bowl with a lid.
3. Add apricot oil, cognac and water to the rose petals.
4. Mix the ingredients very carefully, cover the dish with a lid and place in a dark place.
5. Continue to stir the mixture gently once a day for ten days.
6. After ten days, pour the resulting product into a tightly closed dark glass bottle and place in a cool, dark place.

Wipe your cleansed face with lotion before bed and your skin will look great.

Apricot-almond scrub for all skin types

This scrub consists of equal parts of heated apricot oil and almond bran and:

• perfectly cleanses the skin surface of dead cells;
• gives it velvety and radiance;
• evens out tone;
• smoothes out small wrinkles;
• removes redness and inflammation;
• regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

To achieve the desired result, lightly massage cleansed facial skin using a scrub for 3-5 minutes, and then rinse off any remaining product with warm water.

A scrub made from almond bran and apricot oil can significantly improve the condition of the skin by cleansing its surface of dead cells, evening out the tone and texture and normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Bonus: hand care composition

However, it is not only wrinkles on the face that reveal our age. The skin of the hands that has lost its elasticity, strewn with age spots, makes this even more obvious.

In order not to give treacherous hands a single chance, you can use a composition of equal quantities of apricot oil, wheat germ oil and jojoba oil. Traditionally, such a mixture should be stored in a tightly closed dark glass container in a cool, dark place. And let only your passport know about your age!

Reviews on the use of apricot oil

Each person on Earth is individual: his thinking style, his behavioral reactions, his fingerprints, the pattern on the iris of his eyes and the biochemistry of his skin are unique. Is it any wonder that the same skincare product delights some and deeply disappoints others? Opinions on the use of apricot oil for cosmetic purposes are also expectedly divided.

I recently started making masks with apricot oil, although my skin is young, it requires care given our ecology, my skin has become softer and my complexion is better

yay

https://www.woman.ru/beauty/cosmetics/thread/3851355/

I smear apricot on my face instead of cream, but once every 2 days, so that I don’t get too used to it. I've been using it for about 2 months. But I didn’t feel much of a difference. Maybe you need to try something else or quit altogether.

Bug

https://www.woman.ru/beauty/cosmetics/thread/3851355/

Unfortunately, no one can give you a 100% guarantee of results from using apricot oil, since this result depends on too many factors: individual characteristics and skin condition, choosing the most suitable recipe, persistence and systematic use of the product. Therefore, until you try, you won’t know. And that's it for sure.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Experts related to cosmetology do not welcome the use of apricot oil for facial skin. On thematic forums there is often criticism of natural remedies.

There is an opinion that the oily liquid does not moisturize the skin, but does the opposite.

The author of this review also claims that the use of oils can harm the skin.

For the product to be beneficial, it must be used correctly.

The woman who left the following review on a forum for cosmetologists advises taking a responsible approach to your health and beauty. Even if we are talking about a natural remedy.