Your heart loves apricot in any form maybe as a fruit or as a dry-fruit. On hearing the word apricot the delicious sensation runs in your mind, and the craving and eagerness to consume the highly nutritious and vitamin loaded fruit arise.
Now get ready for a surprise!!
We are going to tell you a magical secret about, the apricots, seed kernels that you used to throw away while having the apricot. Yes the kernels are the most nutritious and vitamin loaded part of the whole fruit, those hard kernels can provide numerous benefits to your skin and hair.
The apricot kernels or seeds can be extracted to make 100% natural apricot kernel oil by cold pressing those hard kernels.
Is the apricot kernel oil safe for topical application on skin and hair?
Yes, the oil extracted by cold pressing the kernels is totally safe to apply on to your skin and hair; I repeat it is totally safe to make use of the apricot kernel oil. So, are you ready to explore more about the most amazing oil that can moisturize and exfoliate your skin and also protect it from getting dull and dry. The omega-9 fatty acids present in the oil can also benefit you hair and scalp in numerous ways.
So, fasten your belts we are going to take you taking you on a adventurous ride we will travel to the history and also go through the origin and cultivation of the apricot kernels, and you are going to know how the oil is made, you will get to know you the magic that this oil can do as a carrier oil .you will get to know all the benefits of the apricot kernel oil to your skin and body. We care, for you so we will also tell you about the safety and precautions (if there are any).
The history of apricot kernel oil
Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil, also referred to simply as Apricot Oil, is lightweight carrier oil pressed from the oil-rich kernels of Apricots.
The Prunus armeniaca is the botanical name of the apricot tree. The apricot tree got its name from Armenia; the apricot tree is a native to Armenia. The meaning of the name is name “Armenian plum.” Some historical notes carries the evidence of India being the first the first country to cultivate the apricots some 3000years ago.
Apricots were introduced to Roman Empire by the Roman General Lucullus and to Greece by King Alexander the Great. Turkey is currently known to be the largest producer of Apricots.
The Apricot tree origin cannot be found out exactly. The apricot trees were also planted by the ancient Chinese.
Used for many centuries, Apricot Kernel Oil continues to be used in skin, hair, and health care for its softening, hydrating, rejuvenating, and nourishing properties.
Description of apricot kernels
An apricot kernel is the seed of an apricot fruit that grows on the apricot tree, which is located within the hard endocarp, the kernels are the main product used to produce the apricot oil.
The kernels of the apricot are rich in oil they contains 50%-60% of oil content.
Cultivation and harvesting of Apricot kernels for oil
The apricot trees are of delicate nature. The roots of the plant cannot withstand sandy soil and extreme temperatures. Water logging also poses harm to the apricot plant. Warm summers and mild winters is most suitable for the trees growth. There are very few species of apricot that could withstand the low temperatures -28°C (-20°F).
An apricot tree takes 5-6 years time to bear fruits after planting if all the conditions are suitable. Apricot flower buds begin to bloom. In spring, Apricot fruits begin to ripen. The Apricot is a drupe, which is a fleshy, thin-skinned fruit with a hard stone at its centre that contains the seed. In the late summer the size of the fruit grows and it ripens, the apricots are ready for harvesting
Manual process is inculcated to harvest the apricots, and it begins with collecting the fruits, sometimes long sticks are used to shake the branches in order to make them fall to the ground. Once collected, the fruits are taken to next process of oil extraction.
The Process
The Apricot Kernel Oil extraction process begins with softening the hard, outer shells of the Kernels. This is done by soaking the Kernels in water between 10 and 20 minutes, which makes it easier for the shells to break open and release the inner Kernel.
When the extraction process begins, Apricot Kernel Oil is derived from the ripe kernels by cold pressing, which preserves the oil’s quality by protecting it from heat. Cold pressing involves placing the Kernels between two rotating metal plates to apply extreme mechanical pressure that will cause them to break and release their oils. The oil is mid-yellow in colour. The oil is ready to be packed into bottles.
Now we will go through the benefits of the 100% Natural cold-pressed apricot kernel oil
Caring your skin
1. Perfect anti-ager
There are vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, essential fatty acids and more present in the apricot kernel oil.
Apricot oil benefits your skin with a high content of vitamin E. The perfect blend of antioxidants and vitamins helps in removing the fine lines and wrinkles so it is a perfect anti-aging product.
2. Eliminating blackheads
It is a common confusion that black heads are black because of the dirt and pollution but they’re actually black because the oil inside your pores has become oxidized. And turns brownish black
Apricot kernel oil can help stop this from happening because of its high antioxidant content. When the oil inside of your pores is protected, it doesn’t turn black and therefore not only are you protecting against future black headed spots, your pores will also look smaller and less visible.
3. No more dull skin
Dry and mature skin types are slow and uneven in their skin cell renewal making your skin tone look, dull, dry and uneven. However, use a rejuvenating, vitamin A containing oil like apricot oil and this dry, maturing skin cycle can be stopped, halted and unwound. Your skin tone can become brightened, dewy and even.
4. Protects against dehydration
Keeping your skin hydrated is an often overlooked essential. Think of it this way. How well can you think when hungry and thirsty? It’s the same for your skin. To function at its best, your skin cells need water. Apricot oil benefits your skin by resealing your skin barrier. You might not know it, but your skin barrier is oil based. Oil and water don’t mix and this is how your skin holds onto hydration.
5. Softening and Soothing skin
Apricot oil is great for soothing dry skin. It deeply nourishes damaged, rough or chapped skin. Just apply it on the affected area and let it be. It acts as a great natural moisturizer.
Benefits of Apricot kernel oil to your hair and scalp
Six magical benefits of apricot oil for your hair & scalp.
- Apricot seed oil has oleic acid, which is an omega-9 fatty acid and a wonderful emollient that makes hair and scalp softer and smooth.
- It actually moisturizes the hair and scalp while increasing the hydration level.
- Linoleic acid benefits hair by stimulating hair growth by preventing moisture loss.
- Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that controls or keeps moisture in the hair and scalp.
- This oil provides lubrication to the skin, including the scalp and as a light and gentle lubricant, it is great for sensitive skin types and often used in hair and face creams and rinses.
- It not only seals in the moisture, but it also absorbs small amounts of water from the air’s humidity to help maintain that barrier of hydration inside the strand and scalp.
Side effects of apricot kernel oil
They are no side effects of the apricot oil if used as a topical applicant to skin and hair. But patch test is suggested before applying to sensitive e areas. Discontinue use if you see any allergic symptoms.
The consumption of this oil is hazardous as it can cause damage if it enters the person’s stomach. Apricot kernel is LIKELY UNSAFE to take by mouth or as an injection into the veins. But topical application on skin and hair is totally safe, even it can be used as a massage oil safely.
Shelf life
The shelf life of the 100% natural cold-pressed apricot kernel oil ranges from 6-12 months when kept in a cool and dry place.
So, now we have reached the end of this beautiful journey. We hope you know much more about this apricot kernel oil now, if any query arises please mention in the comments section below we will be really happy to resolve it.