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Benefits and Uses of Apricot Kernel Oil

Aastha Dogra
Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins, is an excellent moisturizer, and nourishes both skin and hair. Regular application of the oil can make your hair and skin glow. Apricot oil mixed with lavender and tea-tree oil works effectively on acne-prone skin.
Prunus Armeniaca is the scientific name for the small yellowish-orange fruit, which is widely known as apricot. It has a pit inside, which contains a kernel. Apricot kernel oil is extracted by pressing this kernel. It is pure and natural, and has many skin and hair nourishing properties. Here are some of its benefits, for skin as well as hair.

Benefits

Nourishes the Skin

Apricot kernel oil has essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and oleic acid. All these ingredients make the oil an excellent skin moisturizer. Regular application of this oil can make the skin smooth and supple.
Dry skin, mature skin and skin irritated due to excessive sun exposure, can be treated by this oil directly or using products such as lotions, balms, and creams that have it as an ingredient.

Soothes Irritated Skin

Apricot kernel oil is a natural oil and hence, is very mild. Because of the presence of linoleic acid and oleic acid, it has anti-inflammation properties. Thus, it is extremely beneficial for an acne-prone and sensitive skin, as it can be soothed by its regular application.

Has Carrier Oil Properties

It is used as a massage oil with properties of carrier oils like spreading evenly on the skin and easy to absorb. Therefore, it is mixed in aromatherapy oils and other oils for better absorption.

Strengthens Hair

It helps in making the hair soft and shiny. It moisturizes and nourishes the hair roots, as well as the hair. Regular application of organic apricot oil is known to promote hair growth.

Usage

For Hair

First of all, heat the oil. Make sure that it is not too hot, otherwise it can burn your scalp. Next, take a small quantity in your palm and with your fingertips, massage the hot oil, gently into your scalp. Continue massaging for about 10 minutes. Let the oil remain overnight and then shampoo in the morning.
A simpler method is to add a few drops of the oil in your conditioner, and then apply it on your head, post-shampooing. If you have dry, frizzy hair, this will make your hair shiny and easy to manage.

For Skin

To moisturize your skin, take some oil on your palm and apply it to your face gently. If you want to use it as a massage oil, you can add other ingredients like almond oil and olive oil to it. Apricot kernel oil will help in proper absorption of oils in the skin and thus, make it healthy. Few drops of oil in your bath water can sooth the skin and relax you.
As you can see, apricot kernel oil has great utility, and keeps our skin and hair in good shape. Simply rubbing the oil on your body as well as hair, is enough to get a healthy glow.