By Sabrina Perkins of seriouslynatural.org
We love discussing natural oils on this site because they assist in healthy hair and skincare. Carrier and essential oils work hard at nourishing, sealing, and even cleansing our bodies. One amazing oil that is gaining popularity with naturals is apricot oil. Apricot oil may not be a household name for naturals but it will be soon!
Although most of us would like to argue that coconut oil is the be-all-end-all solution for everything from dry scalp to crusty feet, apricot oil has been making waves for a while as possibly being one of the best oils in the game. So what’s so great about it? What is it about Apricot oil that has everyone in such a tizzy?
The first factor that makes Apricot oil so different is how it’s made. It is derived from dried apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca) that have been cold pressed or gone through solvent extraction. Cold pressed is actually better as this method does not alter the chemical compounds in the oil. These kernels have an oil content of about 40-50% and is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A, D & E. The fatty acids that it contains work wonders for both skin and hair health, paving the way for apricot oil to make its way into a host of different beauty products of all descriptions.
Native to Armenia (although believed to have originated in China), apricots largest producer is actually Turkey. The oil is a powerhouse of benefits that aid skin and hair:
-Emollient
-Anti-Inflammatory
-Anti-aging
-Anti-bacterial
-Anti-septic
-Antioxidant
These properties are what make this oil so great, whether protecting your locks, or enhancing skin by helping it to be more beautiful, youthful and healthy. Let’s check out exactly what it does for your hair and skin.
Apricot Oil Benefits for Hair
Oleic acid specifically makes both hair and skin softer and more pliable while linoleic acid actively stimulates hair growth and aids in moisture retention. Although it does not penetrate the actual hair shaft, apricot oil prevents moisture from evaporating from your strands. This is incredibly important for those (such as myself) who suffer from high porosity hair and lose moisture easily.
The oil itself is very light, which is perfect if your hair has the tendency to feel greasy with other carrier oils. Its light nature allows it to be used as a sealant, leave-in, pre-poo, post-poo, hot oil treatment, and as a treatment for dry scalp.
Apricot oil seals moisture into the hair shaft by shaping the scales of the cuticle and holding them together. This helps protect the hair from harsh elements and damage, and smooth cuticles encourage hair sheen. Vitamin A helps heal a host of skin conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis and eczema. In addition to this, Vitamin E prevents free radicals and UV damage in order to reduce the risks from pollution and harmful UVA rays.
Hot Oil Treatment with Apricot Oil (Crystal Michelle)
Apricot Oil Benefits for Skin
We love discussing our hair but we must share how amazing this oil is for our precious melanin-dipped skin. Excellent for persons with sensitive skin, Apricot oil is a non-irritating emollient that is light and soothing and easily penetrates deep into the skin.
Many OTC products use apricot oil in creams, lotions and moisturizers but you can harness the goodness of this oil directly to halt dry skin. Many women use this amazing oil to fight wrinkles and manage acne. This is also a great oil for massages and couples well with carrier oils like sweet almond oil and other essential oils.
DIY Apricot Skin Oil
Using a 1-ounce glass bottle fill 2/3 of the way with apricot oil, fill the bottle just about full with rosehip oil and then add two drops of lavender or Peppermint oil. This trio will be great for naturally dry or acne-prone skin.
What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate Apricot oil into your regimen?
Sabrina Perkins is an author and beauty blogger of two successful blogs, seriouslynatural.org and naturalhairforbeginners.com. A natural hair expert with over 10 years in the field, her newest book, Natural Hair For Beginners – A Beginners Guide To Going Natural Successfully! has received rave reviews and breaks down the basics of natural hair and how to keep it healthy.
