Apricot oil: uses for skin, hair, medicine

Apricot oil was used to treat tumors and ulcers already in Ancient China. Its use has spread to all corners of the world (for example, it was used in England in the 17th century). Apricots themselves came to Europe from Armenia, but their country of origin is China. The areas of greatest cultivation are the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The largest producer of apricots is Türkiye. Apricot kernels contain a high percentage of oil. Most likely, it has been used for a long time.

Compound

Oil is produced from apricot kernels by cold pressing. It contains:

B-complex vitamins, A, C, E, F;
potassium;
unsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linoleic).

Important components of apricot oil are vitamins B15 and B17. They are not found in other natural oils. These vitamins have an anti-cancer effect, destroying cancer-infected cells while protecting healthy ones. This property is most characteristic of laetrile (vitamin B17).

Important! Energy value per 100 g of product: 3700 kJ (900 kcal).

Chemical composition of apricot kernels

The main part of the core consists of easily digestible organic compounds - oleic and linoleic fatty acids. They are indispensable for ensuring good metabolism in the human body, are a source of energy, improve tissue nutrition, and relieve inflammatory processes. The contents of the seeds also contain palmitic, linolenic, and stearic acids.

Natural apricot oil without impurities contains several vitamins that are powerful antioxidants:

tocopherol (E), which protects cells from external influences, improves oxygen supply, and strengthens hair;
retinol (A), which stimulates the development of protective cell membranes, making the skin smooth, elastic, and moisturized;
ascorbic acid (C), which normalizes intercellular metabolism, slows down tissue aging, and enhances their regeneration;
B vitamins that accelerate hair growth and heal wounds.

All beneficial compounds are preserved in apricot oil due to cold pressing of the kernels. They are easily absorbed into the skin and act on it from the inside, producing a rejuvenating, moisturizing, restoring effect.

Minerals - magnesium and potassium - also improve metabolism between skin cells, help smooth it out, and eliminate problems (acne, flaking).

Beneficial components of apricot kernels

For its antioxidant properties, oil obtained from apricot kernels is highly valued in cosmetology. The identified combination of fatty acids (linoleic, stearic, etc.) in the oil turned out to be so beneficial and important for the human body that it was previously considered vitamin (F).

Application

Apricot oil is usually pale yellow. The color may be darker. It depends on the variety used and the extraction method. The product has a light nutty aroma and almond taste. Suitable for making cookies, such as marzipan.

Apricot oil can be used externally for skin diseases and injuries.

The content of a number of valuable substances makes the product beneficial for internal use.

Due to its powerful effects when used internally, it is important to consume apricot oil in reasonable doses. But its action is individual, the effect may vary.

In cosmetology

Apricot kernel oil has a softening, moisturizing effect. It eliminates dryness well. It has anti-inflammatory properties, slows down the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging. It is antiseptic, antioxidant (protects the skin from free radicals) and antibacterial. Apricot kernel oil is good for hair. Due to the vitamin E content, it promotes their health and growth. It nourishes hair, especially dry and brittle hair.

Applying apricot oil to the skin around the eyes is also beneficial. It reduces circles and puffiness under the eyes. With regular use, the product reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

For hair

Apricot oil is rich in unsaturated acids. They prevent hair loss, nourish dry hair, and add shine.

Useful product:

added to shampoos or conditioners to soften and moisturize curls;
used to support new hair growth;
applied to wet or dry ends (moisturizing effect, preventing split ends);
Suitable for long hair (prevent damage).

For body

The main property of apricot essential oil is lightness. It is used in creams, lotions, and other cosmetics. The organic cold-pressed product has a slight odor. This makes it an effective carrier oil. These are substances used to dilute aromatic oils.

Apricot oil moisturizes the skin. It is also effective for hormonal, reactive skin. Due to its light texture, it can be used as a facial serum. A good option for use is in combination with other moisturizing oils.

Important! The advantage of a natural product is its light shade. Because of this property, it does not leave visible marks on the skin.

Organic apricot oil is rich in linoleic acid. This acid maintains the water balance of the skin, giving it elasticity and firmness. It also contains vitamins A and E. They soothe the skin and slow down the appearance of signs of aging.

The positive quality of apricot kernel oil is its anti-inflammatory effect. Because of this property, it is suitable for the treatment of minor injuries (eczema, dermatitis).

For face

Apricot kernel oil is a universal cosmetic oil. It is suitable for all skin types. Has a moisturizing, cleansing, nourishing, regenerating effect. After using it, the skin is soft and radiant. It is also suitable for facial massage.

The oil does not irritate the skin, so it can be used for sensitive types. It is suitable for the treatment of skin diseases, acne, burns.

For stretch marks

Apricot oil is an affordable alternative for the treatment and prevention of stretch marks. Stretch marks are caused by a number of factors (including rapid weight loss). This is a common problem in pregnant women.

The preventive use of a natural remedy on the most risky areas (thighs, buttocks, breasts) is useful. Its advantage is the absence of chemicals or preservatives in its composition. Because of this, it is suitable for children's skin.

In medicine

Application of apricot oil in medicine:

anti-cancer properties;
hematopoietic support;
improving the functioning of the heart, brain, liver, thyroid gland;
calming the nervous system;
positive effect on the digestive system;
cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract;
anticonvulsant effect;
improved vision;
strengthening the immune system;
stabilization of pressure surges;
skin regeneration.

Applications of apricot oil

In ancient times, the product was used to treat hemorrhoids and other inflammatory processes. To this day, the use of apricot oil in food and medicinal decoctions is encouraged. Official medicine took the product into the pharmacopoeia. The use of oil against a runny nose is especially effective. To do this, you need to mix the oil with vitamin A in equal doses and inhale it. Afterwards, rinse with salt water and drop 2 drops of apricot oil into each nostril. Relief will come immediately. To treat inflammation in the throat, prepare a gargle - water + 5 drops of the drug. You can rinse, you can inhale. Helps even with bronchitis. But the drug is better known as an effective product in cosmetology.

Beneficial features

Apricot oil supports the development of new cells, promotes blood circulation, hematopoiesis, cleanses the kidneys, urinary tract, blood, blood vessels, and improves brain activity. This natural product calms the nervous system, which is why it is useful for insomnia. Immune protection provides resistance against infectious diseases. The product protects the eyes from radiation and improves vision. Therefore, it is suitable for people who spend long periods of time at the computer.

Apricot Oil in gynecology. Natural intimate lubricants for women

Commercially available lubricants for painless coitus also include natural elements, but we can also make our own lubricant. On the labels you can find that the lubricant contains aloe vera, vitamin E, chocolate oil, green tea, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, shea butter, olive or almond butter, you can use any of these substances in a mixture or separately.

There are a wide variety of oils that serve as natural lubricants, although they are less well known, such as jojoba, grapeseed, yellow hawthorn, and canola, which are especially suitable for women who want to become pregnant.

Special precautions are taken with oils, since they are not compatible with latex condoms, and therefore it is necessary to choose another method of contraception or latex-free condoms - for example, silicone-based - which also exist, although they are more difficult to use. A natural suitable lubricant for condoms is glycerin, as is mango butter, although it is quite rare and may be difficult to obtain. If your goal is to get pregnant, egg whites can help as a lubricant, but it is always important to maintain proper hygiene after use. This happens because egg whites have a consistency similar to cervical mucus.

Another choice is natural, sugar-free, probiotic-free yoghurts, often used to treat yeast infections and which are useful for protecting vaginal flora from sudden changes in vaginal and semen pH.

Another benefit of natural lubricants is that they don't mix with sperm, which often happens with chemical lubricants, making it harder to get pregnant.

The lube recipe consists of 4 scoops of natural lube and a cup of water. Mix well and heat without using metal spoons or metal utensils until completely dissolved. Cool and pour into a spray bottle.

Coconut oil is the best natural lubricant

Coconut oil is probably one of the most used natural lubricants today, replacing the former olive oil. Solid at atmospheric temperature, it turns into a liquid when slightly heated by body heat.

Coconut oil is easy to use, smells good, and has a long-lasting effect. It is also easy to buy and quite economical. It is applied in a thicker layer than other lubricants, and therefore is preferred by menopausal and postmenopausal women and women with greater sensitivity. In addition, it is quickly absorbed by the body.

Peach oil, obtained from fruit seeds, contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals: vitamins B, A and P (30-40%), E, C, carotenoids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. Its medicinal properties are also due to the high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids - butyric, palmitic and stearic.

We are talking about one of the most luxurious natural cosmetics. The product does not irritate the skin, on the contrary, it has a calming effect, so it is suitable for any type.

The natural remedy has many health benefits and is used in a number of home remedies. In traditional medicine it is used to treat cancer, but this effect has not been scientifically proven.

Medicinal properties

Apricot oil supports the treatment of gallbladder and liver diseases. It improves digestion and destroys harmful bacteria in the stomach. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, it helps soothe stomach ulcers.

When used internally, apricot oil promotes regeneration and cell restoration. This ensures the content of a number of vitamins and other useful substances. Vitamin B17, contained in the seeds, helps treat certain types of cancer and enhance their prevention. Apricot oil reduces the risk of melanoma.

The mechanism of action of vitamin B17

Vitamin B17 is a substance that affects cancer cells. Its molecule contains 2 units of glucose (sugar), 1 molecule of benzaldehyde and 1 molecule of cyanide. All these molecules are tightly bound. Cyanide is highly toxic. If consumed in excess, the substance can cause death. But in its natural state it is chemically inactive.

There is a substance that can unblock the B17 molecule and release cyanide. This is a β-glucosidase enzyme. This unblocking enzyme is present in dangerous amounts only in cancer cells. Cyanide from apricot kernels attacks healthy and tumor cells. Healthy cells hide in their “shelter” under the influence of the substance rhodanase. It decomposes cyanide and protects cells from damage. In contrast, β-glucosidase in tumor cells activates cyanide from the nuclei. The tumor is destroyed in the nucleus of the cancer cell itself.

Important! Vitamin B17 is a natural prevention of civilization diseases. Its effectiveness is supported by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate intake of vitamins.

Effect on skin

Apricot oil has a soothing effect without irritation. It penetrates deeply into the epidermis, rubs quickly, and is easy to apply. The natural product is suitable for use as a massage product. It can be used after a bath to retain moisture in the skin. Due to its lightness, it does not leave a greasy film. After absorption, the oil retains moisture for a long time.

In cosmetology

Apricot kernel squeeze is highly appreciated by cosmetologists for its positive effect on the appearance of skin and hair. It is used with various essential additives, as part of creams, balms, masks or in pure form.

The liquid is suitable for massage sessions, including anti-cellulite. It has a warming effect on the rubbed areas of the body, is well absorbed without tightening the skin.

Apricot oil for skin

The product can be used regardless of skin type. It reduces the size of pores, normalizes the production of secretions by the sebaceous glands, and perfectly moisturizes. Liquid squeezed from apricot kernels can heal cracks, give skin elasticity, smooth out age wrinkles, and soften rough elbows and feet.

There is an improvement in complexion, external rejuvenation, and lightening of pigmentation after several applications of creams or masks with a squeeze of the seeds. In winter, the product soothes chapped skin and protects it from reaction to the cold.

Apricot kernel squeeze does not cause irritation, so it can be used to remove makeup, evening tonic wash, reduce puffiness under the eyes, and care for chapped lips. The oil, heated to body temperature, or a cream with its addition should be applied to the skin with light finger movements, removing the residue with a napkin after 15 minutes.

Apricot oil for face

To take care of your hands, it is recommended to rub the back of your hands with the product and dip your nails in it for 10–15 minutes to strengthen them.

Popular skin care recipes:

A mask of 1 tablespoon of apricot product and egg yolk applied to the face moisturizes well. It should be washed off after a quarter of an hour.
A 15-minute mask of 2 tablespoons of warm milk mixed with baking yeast and apricot oil (1 tablespoon each) has a rejuvenating effect.
A very pleasant procedure after bathing: apply almond and apricot oils (2 tablespoons each) to the body with gentle massage movements, adding 1-2 drops of lavender and sandalwood.
On irritated, flaky areas and rashes, compresses soaked in oils can be applied for 20 minutes - 15 ml of apricot with 2 drops of chamomile, tea tree, patchouli, lavender. But for lightening lotions, use lemon oil.

Benefits of hair oil

Using shampoo or conditioner with apricot additives, masks, and wraps will help restore the structure of damaged hair and slow down hair loss. The product made from seeds restores shine and softness to curls, smoothes out split ends, and protects them from the effects of the external environment in the future.

After applying a few drops of apricot oil to your hair, it will be easier to create a beautiful hairstyle. The hair will retain its shape for a long time, and will also become silky, manageable and easy to comb.

For periodic shampooing, add 5-7 drops of the product to 1 serving of shampoo and conditioner. You can apply the oil an hour before bathing or immediately after it, to damp hair. Do not lubricate the roots of excessively oily hair; only the brittle ends need to be treated.

Application of apricot oil for hair

Usage options:

Wrapping the scalp in a towel for 30–60 minutes after rubbing warm apricot oil into the skin nourishes and strengthens the hair. Then you should wash off the product with shampoo.
Regular masks made from a mixture of liquid honey, egg yolk, cognac and apricot oil (5 ml each) will increase hair thickness. Leave in a warm place for 2 hours, then rinse.
Also, for rapid growth, you should take 30 ml of the product, 10 ml of yogurt (cream or sour cream can be used as a substitute), 3 egg yolks, and a little red pepper. Apply to scalp and wash after 30 minutes.
A mask of honey with apricot kernel oil (15 ml each), supplemented with 6 drops of lavender and rosemary in equal parts, will help stop the process of hair loss. It can be kept for up to 3 hours.
The same effect is achieved by applying a mixture to the scalp for 15 minutes, which includes 10 g of rye bran, poured with 20 ml of garlic clove decoction, and 10 ml of seed extract.
It is recommended to cover dry hair for 30 minutes with a cap containing cottage cheese and egg mixture (30 g of cottage cheese 5% per 1 egg), mixed with 2 tablespoons of sour cream and butter.
A mask made from 15 ml of seed extract, 30 ml of liquid honey, 10 ml of aloe juice, 1 egg yolk can restore the structure of damaged vegetation. This mixture is washed off with warm water after 35–40 minutes.

Application for eyelashes and eyebrows

Apricot oil also nourishes short hairs, making them stronger. Eyelashes become long and fluffy, eyebrows grow faster and smoother.

Frequent procedures for washing off mascara with a cotton pad soaked in this product are already enough for a positive effect. Or you can distribute it with a brush along the entire length of the eyelashes and leave for a couple of hours.

Using apricot kernel oil for eyelashes and eyebrows

You can speed up the beneficial effects with strengthening compresses. For them, dense rolls are formed from cotton wool, soaked in drops of apricot, jasmine, sandalwood oils and placed on the eyelids. Cover the top of the compress with a piece of film. Remove the cotton wool from the eyelashes after 10–15 minutes and gently blot them with a napkin.

Harm

External use has no contraindications. But for internal use, caution is required. It is important to choose a product intended for food purposes. It contains amygdalin. This substance turns into cyanide in the body. Consumption of oil intended for external use is fraught with poisoning with respiratory failure. Amygdalin is predominantly removed from oils during production. But it is important to pay attention to the processing method and the quality of the product. Only high-quality apricot oil can be safely ingested.

For acne of non-hormonal origin, the use of apricot kernel oil may worsen the condition. The product is designated comedogenic degree II (slightly clogs pores).

Harmful effects of apricot kernel oil

The natural, pure product is safe for almost all categories of people, including infants, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly. Vegetable fat is contraindicated only for those who have an allergic reaction to it.

Before first use, it is recommended to check oil tolerance. It is necessary to apply the product to a small area on the wrist and check the reaction of the skin after half an hour. If the skin area does not begin to itch, burn, swell, or turn red, you can safely apply the liquid to other parts of the body. For a small child, it is better to take a purified (refined) product to begin with.

Do not exceed the therapeutic dose when taking the drug orally, especially if you adhere to a dietary diet.

Combination with other essential oils

When used externally, a combination of different oils is effective. Each product has a different expiration date (a signal of spoilage - rancidity). When using mixtures, it is important to monitor the shelf life of the specific type. The best oils to use are cold pressed oils. They have a shorter shelf life, but contain the highest percentage of active ingredients. Apricot oil is combined with other oils.

Almond oil

Contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, F, E, and other beneficial substances. Used as a basis for a number of products (creams, masks, balms). Suitable for wrapping hair, hands, makeup removal, baby care or dry skin.

Properties:

baby skin care;
elimination of redness, itching, peeling;
The cold-pressed product is used as a food additive;
during pregnancy helps maintain skin elasticity;
has regenerating properties.

Argan oil

Made from argan tree nuts. To obtain 1 liter, you need to peel up to 50 kg of argan nuts. Therefore, argan oil is one of the most expensive.

Properties:

skin softening;
strong regulating effect, slowing down the appearance of signs of aging;
vitamin E and squalene content;
treatment of inflammation, eczema, sunburn, psoriasis;
reducing sebum production;
hair nutrition;
strengthening nails.

Lavender oil

This product can be used undiluted.

Properties:

calm;
reduction of headaches;
regeneration;
repellent effect;
support of skin protective abilities;
disinfection;
treatment of minor burns and abrasions.

Coconut oil

Cold-pressed coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids. Destroys viruses, fungi, bacteria. Provides hydration.

Properties:

repellent effect (with apricot and lemongrass essential oils);
protection in winter weather;
regeneration, moisturizing of lips;
makeup removal;
teeth whitening;
hair health;
destruction of fungi.

Important! A high-quality product contains 57% lauric acid.

Hemp oil

It is characterized by a balanced content of fatty acids (unsaturated Omega-3, 6) – 1:3, most suitable for human metabolism. The composition contains vitamins A, D, E, K, iron, potassium, calcium. The product has a positive effect on atopic eczema.

Properties:

antifungal effect;
protection against inflammation;
regulation of water, lipid balance and pH;
support bowel function (constipation relief);
antibiotic action;
treatment of burns.

Recipes with apricot oil for the face

Cosmetologists advise treating flaky, chapped, irritated areas of the skin with pure oil to bring it back to normal. The product can replace a nourishing traditional night cream or a special eye gel. The most delicate apricot oil for the face has found application in the preparation of home care products, such as creams.

Moisturizing coldrem for dry, aging and sagging skin prone to flaking

In English, coldrem means “cold cream.” This is exactly the consistency that we will get if all the subtleties of preparing the mixture are observed. Homemade cream will be a useful product both as skin nourishment and as a universal cleaner.

In a glass bowl, melt 12 g of unrefined shea butter, 8 g of apricot oil, 14 g of rose moschetta oil and 5 g of natural beeswax in a water bath. Separately, heat 14 ml of rose water to a temperature of 70°C.

After all the ingredients have melted, pour hot rose water into them, whisking vigorously with a whisk. Continue beating until completely cooled and a creamy consistency is achieved.

At the very end, 3 drops of liquid tocopherol (vitamin E concentrate), 9 drops of rose ether and 9 drops of optichene preservative (sold in natural cosmetics stores and used in soap making) are added to the cream.

The mass, thoroughly mixed using a wooden spatula, is transferred to a glass jar with a ground-in lid and stored in the refrigerator. Using the cream, you can remove makeup and apply it to the face, neck and décolleté before bed.

Homemade face masks

Experienced cosmetologists recommend their clients regularly do home treatments with oil extracts. A variety of masks with apricot oil and other products improve complexion, help smooth out deep expression lines and fine wrinkles, take good care of the skin and help activate cellular metabolism.

Apricot Oil, unrefined. Margo: Unrefined apricot kernel oil Spivak

About the product

Apricot kernel oil, unrefined

Brand: Spivak

Good day, ecoholics.

My review of unrefined apricot kernel oil from the Spivak company.

This is an excellent universal care product that is suitable for any skin and hair type.

The oil is in a 50 ml glass bottle. There is a dropper dispenser.

Instructions for use.

What does the oil smell like? The smell of apricot kernels, I like it so much. In winter and spring we eat a lot of dried apricots, but we never throw away the pits. Place it in a cup and then eat the delicious apricot kernels. And the most delicious bones for me are those from compote. Let's go back to the oil)

Properties of apricot kernel oil:

Restorative
Tonic
Calming
Refreshing
Restores skin elasticity
Relieves redness and dermatitis

I would like to note the rapid absorption of the oil into the skin. For me this is a huge plus.

And now about the application.

I would like to suggest you make healing hair oil based on apricot kernel oil. For this we need

100 ml apricot kernel oil (I added another 2 tbsp black cumin oil)
Herbs (I used nettle, oak bark, birch leaves and chamomile, 1 dessert spoon each)

You can use only one nettle if you want to strengthen and speed up hair growth. Or you can use several types of herbs, like I did.

Properties of herbs for hair

Calamus root - for healing and accelerating hair growth, against hair loss

Birch leaves - against hair loss, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and helps get rid of dandruff.

Nettle - improves blood circulation, stimulates hair growth, prevents hair loss, strengthens hair.

Burdock root - to enhance hair growth and thickness, tones the skin, nourishes the follicles.

Chamomile - disinfects and soothes the scalp

Sage - helps against dandruff, scalp acne and irritation

Horsetail - reduce hair loss, strengthen roots

Hops - against increased oiliness and hair loss.

Pour warm oil over our herbs and put them in a dark place for at least a week. Several times a day you will need to shake the jar of oil and herbs.

After infusion, the oil must be filtered and poured into a bottle. I use hydrogen peroxide bottles for oil masks. It has a long spout and it is very convenient to apply oil to the roots.

This is how dark the oil turned out (it was infused for 1.5 months). You can use it). I apply oil to the roots and to the entire length of my hair. So far I like everything, there have been no unpleasant moments.

Wax hair mask

I made this mask for my mother, but I also use it. I use it as hair wax).

This mask is suitable only for those with dry and damaged hair. To prepare it we will need:

20 g beeswax

40 ml apricot kernel oil

40 ml wheat germ oil

Essential oils 8 drops

Melt the wax, add oil, stir, add essential oil to the cooled mixture and pour into a jar. I couldn’t fit everything into the jar, so I filled the ice trays.