Among the variety of natural preparations for facial care, apricot oil occupies a special position. Its beneficial properties and quick results amaze not only lovers of natural cosmetics, but also experienced beauty industry professionals.
Useful qualities
Apricot oil is ideal for caring for dry, aging skin.. Its rich composition effectively affects the skin, quickly coping with dermatological problems. It is capable of:
- Gently moisturize dry, dehydrated skin;
- smooth out small wrinkles;
- have a general rejuvenating effect;
- eliminate sagging and tighten the facial contour, restore the elasticity of the integument;
- relieve inflammation and peeling;
- restore smoothness and healthy color to the skin, carefully whiten freckles and age spots.
The substance owes its unique moisturizing and regenerating properties to a cocktail of organic fatty acids - oleic, linoleic and alpha-linoleic. And palmitic acid, contained in sufficient quantities in the oil, reliably retains precious moisture in the cells.
Vitamin E, or tocopherol, which is a powerful antioxidant, prevents premature aging and prolongs the youth and health of the skin.
A combination of vitamins A, B, C and F helps organic acids quickly moisturize and restore the skin, effectively dealing with excessive dryness and flaking.
Apricot oil shows excellent results as a sun protective cream, a means for restoring damaged hair and for caring for chapped hands.
Contraindications and precautions
Apricot oil is completely safe to use for facial skin care.. Unlike fruits, allergic reactions to apricot kernel oil practically do not occur. But in order to guarantee one hundred percent success of the procedure, it is recommended to conduct a drug tolerance test before performing it for the first time.
To do this, 2-3 drops are carefully applied to the wrist or elbow and thoroughly rubbed into the skin. If after an hour and a half your health has not changed, there is no itching, rash, etc., you can proceed to a cosmetic session without any fear.
Main uses of oil
Apricot oil gently and carefully cares for facial skin. At home it is successfully used:
- in pure, undiluted form;
- in combination with a variety of essential and base oils;
- to create effective homemade masks and creams;
- to enhance the beneficial properties of factory-made cosmetics.
Apricot kernel oil has a beneficial effect on all skin types. The most noticeable effect from using the drug is noted by owners of dry, flaky skin. The oil has proven effective when used in its pure form as a moisturizer. Before applying to the skin of the face, it is recommended to heat the substance in a water bath for 5–7 minutes, not exceeding a temperature of 40°C.
When using essential oils, they are added to the base apricot oil after preheating.
The delicate consistency of the drug allows it to be effectively used to improve the formulation of factory-made cosmetics and enhance its beneficial effects on the skin. To do this, the ingredients are combined in equal parts and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous substance is obtained.
Apricot is an ideal base for preparing homemade cosmetics. Seed extract goes well with dairy products and cereals, fruits and cosmetic clay.
Using apricot oil for facial skin care at home does not require special knowledge or equipment. But so that the visual effect of its use can please you as quickly as possible, cosmetologists have developed a number of recommendations:
- facial skin should be thoroughly cleansed of decorative cosmetics and natural impurities. Plain water, milk or your favorite makeup remover will do for this;
- the effect of the procedure will be more noticeable if it is carried out after preliminary steaming the face and using a scrub. The oil will have an even more intense effect when applied to a face thoroughly moistened with water or a decoction of medicinal herbs;
- simultaneous massage helps eliminate sagging and increases the elasticity of facial muscles;
- The special soft composition of the drug makes it possible to increase the exposure time on the skin to 40 minutes. Recommended frequency – at least 2 times a week;
- It is recommended to remove excess substance with paper towels or a soft cloth, then wipe your face with a towel soaked in warm water or a weak infusion of green tea;
- You should not perform facial care with natural oils at night. Apricot oil, like all others, is recommended to be applied no later than an hour before bedtime.
The best recipes for home cooking
The versatility and wide range of uses of apricot oil are highly valued by specialists in modern cosmetology. They have developed dozens of effective recipes, including for home use.
Extra-hydrating mask
Thoroughly grind fresh egg yolk, add a teaspoon of apricot oil and stir until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Apply to face along massage lines and leave for 30–35 minutes. After the specified time has passed, remove the remaining mask with a cotton napkin, and then rinse your face with warm water. Regular use of the mask allows you to restore elasticity and healthy radiance to dry, aging skin.
Cleansing mask
Grind 1 tablespoon of oatmeal in a coffee grinder, pour 2 tablespoons of milk over it and let it brew for 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of apricot oil and honey to the resulting composition, stir thoroughly. The mask perfectly nourishes the skin, smoothes out fine wrinkles and improves complexion.
Moisturizing toner
Gently cares for the skin, moisturizing and toning it, an effective tonic based on mineral water. To prepare it, you need to combine apricot oil with pharmaceutical glycerin in a 2:1 ratio. Pour 100 ml of still mineral water into the resulting mixture and stir thoroughly. Wipe your face morning and evening. It is recommended to store the lotion in a dark container in the refrigerator for no more than a month.
Anti-aging cream
Pour 50 ml of boiling water over pharmaceutical chamomile (1 tablespoon) and heat for 10 minutes in a steam bath. Let it brew, filter and cool. Add 30 g of butter and a mixture of apricot oil and glycerin (1 teaspoon of each component) to the infusion, add 2 teaspoons of camphor alcohol and stir gently. Transfer the cream into a glass container and store in the refrigerator. The drug effectively smoothes wrinkles, tones the skin and tightens the facial contour.
Nourishing compress
A compress made from a mixture of apricot and almond oils effectively nourishes and moisturizes dry, flaky skin. To prepare it, you will need to mix apricot and almond oil in equal parts, heat them to a comfortable temperature (not higher than 40°C) and moisten a thick napkin with pre-cut holes for the eyes in the liquid. The fabric is carefully laid out on the surface of the face for 30–40 minutes, then it is removed and the excess mixture is removed.
Anti-inflammatory mask
This mask quickly copes with acne, eliminates flaking and relieves skin irritation. To prepare it, you need to slightly heat a tablespoon of apricot oil, add 2 drops each of lemon and patchouli oils and stir well. Apply a thick layer to the face and leave for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse off the remaining mask with regular warm water.
Video about using apricot oil for facial care
High efficiency, combined with a delicate consistency and pleasant aroma, has long made apricot oil one of the most popular among natural cosmetics connoisseurs. The energy of these solar fruits helps to maintain youthful and healthy skin for a long time.
Apricot oil is an old and proven facial care product. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, relieves dryness and irritation, tones and refreshes color, and fights wrinkles. This product is characterized by many useful properties due to the composition of the raw materials, which hardly changes during the preparation of the oil. They say that you can even look a couple of years younger with the help of such therapy. However, this point is only partly true.
Causes of skin aging and prevention of age-related changes
Imagine how every time you wrinkle your forehead, smile, squint your eyes, your skin folds and straightens, your muscles tense and then relax. And so continuously, from the moment of our birth. The same thing happens at the cellular level. Constant tension wears out the elastic fibers of the connective tissue. Over the years, on the most mobile areas of the face, the skin stops smoothing out and the first wrinkles appear - facial wrinkles. If no prevention is carried out, over the years they will only deepen and turn into deep folds and creases. Prolonging your youth, meanwhile, is quite simple: facial gymnastics, cosmetic procedures and restraint in emotions will help.
We also age earlier because we don’t take care of the sun. Its rays are destructive for the skin: it quickly wears out, becomes dull and dry. By the age of 30, the first wrinkles appear, and even earlier - pigment spots. These are signs of so-called photoaging. Already at 20–25 years old, it is useful to regularly use cosmetics with an SPF filter and limit yourself to visiting the solarium.
By the age of 35–40, the age comes into its own. The older we are, the slower our metabolism and blood circulation, but the aging process of the body accelerates. This is due to the action of a mechanism called glycation.
Sugars and fats slowly but surely form dangerous bonds that bind our proteins together. In addition, they inactivate enzymes, send abnormal chemical signals into cells, and damage DNA. Everywhere these cross-links disrupt the functions of proteins, leading to physiological disorders and organic pathologies.
Aubrey de Gray, British gerontologist
http://medbe.ru/health/gerontologiya-ili-starenie/glikirovanie-i-starenie/
Due to these changes, the ability of connective tissue to regenerate slowly but inevitably atrophies. Cells lack nutrition and moisture. The collagen-elastin framework weakens, the muscles too - and now the first signs of gravitational ptosis (sagging skin) are already noticeable on the face. At the same time, the tissues began to “slide” a long time ago, these changes simply occurred slowly and were insignificant. As this process progresses, the skin becomes more and more vulnerable. Care at 35 is not the same as 10 years ago; it requires other procedures and cosmetics. By the age of 40, you will have to select facial products with a new composition, and go to the salon no longer for therapy, but for injections and tightening.
Skin aging manifests itself not only in wrinkles, but also in loss of tone, unhealthy complexion, dryness
Skin health is ensured by a sufficient amount of water in the tissues. The epidermis, consisting of several layers, is responsible for maintaining water balance. The one that is outside includes dead cells. This layer is in contact with the external environment and is designed to protect the body from infections and bacteria.
To maintain youthful skin, it is important that the integrity of the lipid barrier is maintained. Thanks to this, the moisture contained in the tissues evaporates more slowly.
The lipid layer protects the skin from dehydration
In many ways, we create the problem for ourselves. Having become accustomed to washing our face with alkaline products - and most foams from popular brands are exactly like this - we deprive the body of a protective barrier. The reason, of course, is not only in illiterately selected cosmetics: the lipid layer also becomes thinner due to illnesses, injuries, poor ecology and nervous shock. There are many reasons, but the result is the same - dehydration of the skin and its rapid aging. The best thing you can do is not to neglect your health and take timely measures to prevent age-related changes:
- Eliminate the effects of factors that adversely affect the skin (bad habits, lack of water, excess UV radiation, etc.).
- Use products high in fat and fat-like substances (lipids). These products include vegetable oils. Most of them contain vitamins and fatty acids, which are necessary to restore the lipid layer.
To compensate for the lack of substances necessary for the protective barrier, external use of oils is sufficient. They are well absorbed by the upper layers of the skin.
Video: how to avoid clogged pores when using natural cosmetics
What are the benefits of apricot oil for the face?
Apricot kernel oil is valued for its rich composition. With a high concentration of minerals and vitamins, it contains fatty acids; this combination is well absorbed by the skin. Oleic acid dominates in the composition. Its content can range from 35 to 65%, linoleic acid - from 25 to 35%, palmitic acid - from 3 to 7%, the remaining 1–3% are linolenic, stearic and palmitoleic acids. The predominant vitamin is alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), but also contains vitamins A, B, C and mineral salts.
When applied to the skin in its pure form, apricot oil does not form a film. It is light, absorbed and absorbed by the body quite quickly. Anyone who has used this product knows that the effect of its use is noticeable almost immediately: not by the smoothed out wrinkles, but by the sensations. Dryness, tightness and itching disappear, and after just a few uses the skin becomes noticeably softer and more elastic. This means that the cells again receive enough nutrition and moisture: the protective layer has begun to be restored, the safety of which largely determines the quality of metabolism.
Apricot oil has high biological activity, which helps slow down the aging process
Pros and cons of using the product
Apricot oil is obtained from apricot kernels by cold pressing. The product is light yellow, transparent, fluid. The smell is weak, with a slightly pronounced nutty note: applying the oil to the face is pleasant. The product is recommended for external use only. The raw materials undergo primary processing, so amygdalin, a source of hydrocyanic acid, usually remains in the oil. In large doses it is poisonous to humans. The product can also be taken orally, but with extreme caution and only as prescribed by a doctor. But for topical use it is safe and hypoallergenic for most. In rare cases, a negative reaction to individual components of the oil occurs, so you should check yourself before use: just apply a drop of the product to your wrist and wait 15 minutes. If red spots, itching and burning do not appear, then the product is suitable for you.
Can the product be used instead of cream?
Applying oil instead of cream has become an all too common habit. The logic is this: since the product is natural, without chemicals and preservatives, then there will definitely be no harm from it. Yes, apricot oil does not dry out the skin. At the same time, cosmetologists are against applying it to the face in its pure form. The explanation for this is simple: this product is 100% fat, and the skin alone is not enough.
Natural oil is a good multifunctional product; it can nourish and moisturize the skin. But the product itself is not moisture. It cannot be said that oil will replace all our cosmetics. No, this does not happen and will never happen in our lives.
Yulia Gagarina, chemical technologist
https://kosmetologa.net/pravila-primeneniya-masel/
If oil has become a product for every day, it must be used wisely: not as basic care, but as an additional nourishment for the skin.
How to use the product in its pure form:
- Cleanse your face.
- Wipe the skin with tonic.
- Apply oil to a damp face (so it will act as a serum).
- After 3 minutes, use the cream.
With this approach you will receive balanced skin care. Omega-3 acids contained in apricot oil help transport the active components of moisturizer to the tissues. With a natural product, the drug will work better than without it.
Oil cannot replace face cream; it should be used “under cream” (like serum)
Recipes for wrinkles at home
Taking skin care with home remedies will not cure wrinkles, but it can delay their appearance if you:
- you started doing facials when you were young and are doing it now;
- follow the rule of step-by-step skin care (cleansing, moisturizing, nutrition).
For facial cleansing
Washing your face with oil at the end of the day helps remove makeup, and it's important to do it gently. To cleanse your skin you will need:
- 1 tsp. apricot oil;
- 2 napkins made of cotton or linen (any other natural fabric will do).
Mode of application:
- Distribute the oil evenly over the face and neck so that it completely covers the epidermis.
- Massage the skin along the massage lines for 2-3 minutes.
- Soak the napkins in hot water (you can use it under the tap, no need for boiling water), wring them out well and apply them to your face.
- When you mentally count to 10, remove the lotions and wipe the skin with warm wet wipes (along the massage lines).
- It is usually impossible to remove the oil in one go, so wet the wipes again and repeat the procedure. It will take 3-4 approaches.
- When finished, wash your face with cool water and apply moisturizer.
Apricot oil has a nourishing and softening effect, and also strengthens and restores damaged skin.
Once a week it is useful to make a mask with white clay. The components for the cleansing clay composition are as follows:
- 1 package of white clay;
- 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil.
- Dilute the clay with water until smooth. The consistency should resemble thick sour cream.
- Add apricot oil to it and mix the composition.
- Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, rinse it off with cool water.
- But apply moisturizer to cleansed skin.
Keep in mind that white clay is very drying to the skin.
To moisturize the epidermis
It is impossible to moisturize the skin with oil in its pure form; it should always be used together with cream, choosing one of the following methods:
- add 2-3 drops of apricot product to a single portion of the finished cosmetic product and immediately apply to the face;
- spread a small amount of oil over damp skin, and then use the cream.
You can also make homemade tonic. For this you will need:
- 0.75 glasses of water;
- 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil;
- 1 tsp. glycerin.
Method of preparation and use:
- Mix glycerin and oil in a glass of water.
- Rub your face along the massage lines 1-2 times a day (depending on the condition of your skin).
Glycerin smoothes out small cracks and folds, retains moisture in the skin, prevents early aging, soothes irritation
Once a week it is useful to make an oil mask with an egg. The method of its preparation and use is as follows:
- Stir 1 tsp. apricot oil with one yolk.
- Apply the mixture to your face.
- After 10 minutes, rinse off the mask with warm water.
Egg yolk is great for nourishing and moisturizing aging skin
To nourish the skin
To ensure normal skin nutrition, it is enough to apply a compress 2-3 times a week. For this you will need:
- 2 tbsp. l. pure oil (or a mixture of 1.5 tbsp apricot and 1 tsp peach);
- a piece of gauze (size enough to completely cover your face).
Method of preparation and use:
- Fold the gauze several times, cut a hole for the nose (eyes, mouth - optional).
- Heat the oil in a water bath.
- Soak gauze in it, lie down and put the compress on your face.
- Relax and rest for half an hour.
- Remove the compress, remove any remaining oil with a dry cloth.
- Lubricate your face with moisturizer.
You can buy a ready-made mask (fabric), or you can cut the same one at home (from gauze)
Once a week you can make a nourishing mask from your usual products. The components of this composition are as follows:
- 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil;
- 1 egg yolk;
- 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey;
- 1 tbsp. l. semolina porridge with milk.
Method of preparation and use:
- Mix the ingredients until smooth.
- Apply the composition to the entire face, except for the eye and lip area.
- Leave the mask to absorb.
- After half an hour, rinse with warm water and lubricate the skin with moisturizer.
Natural honey effectively nourishes and softens the skin
For aging epidermis
As wrinkles appear, oil care can be made more intense. Aging skin becomes more and more vulnerable every year. Regular use of apricot oil will ensure the preservation of the lipid layer and prevent skin dehydration.
For facial care after 40 years, this product can be used as follows:
- as an emulsion (apply to damp skin, then moisturize with cream on top);
- for compresses (moisten gauze in heated oil and apply to the face);
- as part of regular face creams.
In addition, you can prepare a home remedy for age. The components of this cream are as follows:
- 2 tbsp. l. chamomile decoction;
- 2 tsp. apricot oil;
- 5 tsp. butter;
- 1 tsp. glycerin.
Method of preparation and use:
- Strain the chamomile decoction and pour 2 tbsp. l. into a separate container.
- Heat the butter and glycerin in a water bath and add to the broth.
- Pour apricot oil in there.
- Mix everything, put it in a jar with a lid (it’s convenient to use old cream).
- Place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
The cream, like other oil-based products, should be used 3-4 times a week (in the evenings). It is possible more often, but it depends on the condition of the skin and is usually determined by practice. The cream should be stored in the refrigerator.
Chamomile decoction has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin
A tonic with oils will help refresh your face in the morning. The components for this composition are as follows:
- 2/3 glass of still mineral water;
- 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil;
- 2 drops of ylang-ylang oil;
- 2 drops of lavender oil.
Method of preparation and use:
- Add oils to water and mix well.
- Pour the solution into a bottle with a tight lid.
- Wipe your face.
- Apply moisturizer.
The product must be stored in the refrigerator. It is recommended to carry out wiping daily in the morning and evening.
Apricot oil can be mixed with esters to improve its beneficial properties
A mask with apricot oil and parsley will help relieve swelling and improve complexion. Method of preparation and use:
- Mix chopped parsley root (1 tbsp) with apricot oil (2 tsp) and place the mixture in the refrigerator.
- The next day, take out the mixture, mix and apply to your face, avoiding the eye and lip area.
- After 20 minutes, rinse off the mask with cool water.
- Apply moisturizer to your face.
Parsley in masks gently cares for the skin, keeping it youthful, attractive and healthy
For the skin around the eyes
To care for the skin around the eyes, make lotions with apricot oil. At the same time, make sure that the product is of high quality and without additives. Domestic manufacturers sometimes supplement the oil with a vitamin complex, but this must be indicated on the packaging. All the compounds necessary for the skin are in the pure product. You just need to soak two cotton pads (or two pieces of gauze) in it and apply them to your eyes. You need to lie down with such lotions for 10–15 minutes, then blot off excess oil with a dry cloth. It is recommended to carry out the procedure 2-3 times a week.
You can either simply apply apricot oil around the eyes or make lotions with it.
Massage
Apricot oil slightly heated in a water bath is an excellent product for massage. A targeted procedure is beneficial for the face. When conducting such a session, you must follow the following steps:
- Soak the fingertips of both hands in the oil.
- Place them on the middle of your forehead and begin stroking the skin towards your temples. Using your fingertips, lightly press on the epidermis, but without force.
- Repeat 5-8 times: from the middle of the forehead to the temples and again from the starting position.
- Place the index fingers of both hands at the outer corners of the eyes, then lightly and without pressure draw a circle around the eyes several times. From the outer corner to the inner, move along the lower eyelid. From the inner corner to the outer, move your fingers under the eyebrows (above the upper eyelid).
- Go over the entire face, lightly patting with your fingertips and moving from the middle to the temples.
- Below, along the contour of the face, knead the skin by pinching: from the center of the chin to the temples.
- Finish the procedure the same way you started: by stroking along the massage lines. Don't forget to moisten your fingertips with oil (lightly so that your hands don't slip too much).
- Do not remove any remaining product; let it absorb into the skin.
Video: performing the procedure at home (15 minutes a day)
Table: additional options for oil and formulations based on it
| Skin problems | Recipe with oil | Result |
| Inflammation, irritation |
The procedure should be performed 2 times a day. | After a week of regular use of this composition, the inflamed areas will begin to heal, redness and swelling will subside. |
| Tired skin, freckles, age spots |
This procedure must be carried out 2-3 times a week until the skin condition improves. | The skin brightens, the face looks fresher and younger, pigment spots and freckles do not disappear, but turn pale. |
| Enlarged pores |
| After 7–10 days, the pores will noticeably narrow and the complexion will improve. |
Photo gallery: ingredients for making homemade cosmetics
Lemon juice is known as a whitening and drying agent, ideal for improving oily skin. 
Tea tree essential oil effectively fights inflammation 
Lemon ether slightly whitens the skin, so when preparing formulations based on it, strictly follow the dosage 
The protective properties of lavender help protect the skin from the effects of negative external factors (ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, etc.) 
Peppermint oil is widely used for procedures for the care of sensitive and oily skin.
When to expect the first results after using the oil?
To achieve visible improvements (even complexion, elastic and smooth skin without inflammation and age spots), apricot oil must be used constantly: from once a week to daily use. The frequency of procedures depends on the type of epidermis and the problems that need to be solved. Competent multi-stage care (cleansing + moisturizing + nutrition) improves skin condition in a week.
To maintain healthy microflora of the epidermis, you need to use oil regularly, always together with cream, and understand that this is not a way to treat wrinkles, but only one of the methods of intensively nourishing cells and tissues.
The results of using apricot oil are visible after the first week
Apricot oil for the face is an excellent remedy for rejuvenating and nourishing the skin, because... it contains a huge supply of useful substances. Everyone knows the apricot as a very tasty and healthy fruit. But not only its pulp has its advantages. Oil is made from the seeds, which can be used in medicine, cosmetology, and pharmacology. It is used to dissolve medications, heal skin wounds, and body care.
How does apricot oil work on the skin?
Apricot kernel extract is used in cosmetics because... all its nutritional elements penetrate deep into the pores and begin to change the top layer. Thanks to this, fine wrinkles are smoothed out, inflammatory processes disappear, the skin becomes smoother and more natural in appearance, and its tone increases. This effect is achieved through the work of all elements.
The oil contains a large percentage of organic acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, etc. It is these components that cosmetologists use in preparations for skin rejuvenation, regeneration and restoration of protective properties.
Tocopherol is vitamin E, which affects organic acids, causing them to remain constantly active. Thanks to this, skin elasticity increases, collagen is synthesized in cells and intercellular space.
Retinol is vitamin A. It can have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, it soothes the skin, moisturizes, removes rashes and skin irritations, itching, burning, redness. If your face is very tanned and peeling begins, then thanks to this vitamin, a remedy from this fruit can save the situation.
B vitamins have a healing effect. They are able to heal wounds and eliminate inflammation on the skin. In addition, these elements are able to cleanse pores of impurities.
Vitamin C helps with vitamin deficiency. It also protects the skin from sudden temperature fluctuations and strengthens the immune system.
Potassium maintains the required level of moisture in cells. Magnesium has a good effect on blood vessels. And if the vessels work properly, then they can fully deliver oxygen to all cells, which ensures their functioning.
When should you use apricot oil?
Apricot extract is used for the face at the beginning of the first stage of aging. It can retain moisture in cells, increase collagen content, which helps improve skin tone and smooth out wrinkles. In addition, the oil can be applied to the skin of the face if there are inflammations and wounds: acne, cracks, itching. You can simply rub it into the skin without additional ingredients. Apricot extract goes well with almond extract. You can soak cotton wool in this mixture and apply it to your face for 30 minutes. This mask smoothes out all wrinkles.
Apricot oil for eyelashes can be used in several cases. Firstly, they can remove makeup. If you rub your eyelashes with apricot product and wash off mascara, eyeliner and other cosmetics in this way, your eyelashes will not be severely damaged, which will prevent their loss. Secondly, you can simply smear your eyelashes - this will help strengthen them.
The fruit is good for a runny nose. The product with the addition of apricot can also be used by children.
Hair can be treated with apricot oil. It helps very well with split ends. You can massage your head before bathing or after washing your hair. This will help improve blood circulation and eliminate dandruff, dry skin and hair. The composition can be added to shampoo or conditioner.
The oil can be applied not only to the face, but also to the entire body. It is better to mix it with other plant extracts.
Apricot oil mask recipes
The ingredient can be used separately and rubbed into the skin with massaging movements, or it can be combined with various cosmetics. Mixtures of apricot extract with other vegetable oils help well. But first you need to test the product on the skin area near the hand to avoid allergic reactions.
Rubbing is good for improving tone.
They can be done before bed. The product is applied to cotton wool and the skin is massaged. This procedure should be performed every day.
Lotions help a lot. To get rid of bags under the eyes, wrinkles and a tired look, the lotions should be applied around the eyes every other day.
The product helps with wound healing. To do this, it must be applied to gauze, which is then applied to the wound overnight. It makes a good skin moisturizer. To do this, pour boiling water over a tablespoon of chamomile. Wait until the infusion has cooled, then strain it. Now add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the chamomile infusion. The mixture must be mixed thoroughly. After this, pour in a teaspoon of apricot extract, 2 tablespoons of camphor oil and warm glycerin. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed until smooth. Now this product can be applied to dry areas of the skin.
If you want to make a moisturizing face mask, it is better to beat the yolk with apricot extract. This mask is applied for 15 minutes, then washed off with cool water.
If a rash and redness appear on the skin, burning and itching occur, then apricot can be used to make a good mask with a soothing effect. To do this, blue chamomile and patchouli extract are added to the oil. This mixture can be applied to the skin for half an hour.
To make a cleansing facial scrub, pour warm milk over oatmeal and add honey and apricot kernel extract. After thorough mixing, the scrub is ready for use.
This ingredient makes a good nourishing mask. You need to mix it with cool semolina porridge, honey and yolk, and then apply it to your face. Leave the mask on for no more than half an hour, then rinse with warm water.
Apricot oil is a suitable massage product. It can be used alone or mixed with essential oils of almond, avocado, wheat and other products.
You should buy apricot oil in pharmacies. The cost of the product ranges from 100-300 rubles per 100 ml.
The oil should be stored in a tightly closed glass container. It is best to place it in the refrigerator or other cool and dark place. Do not store in a warm place or in direct sunlight.
Despite the usefulness of the oil, it has its contraindications. Do not use this product if you are intolerant to the product. You need to experiment with applying it on your hand in advance. It should be applied with your fingers, using circular and rubbing movements. You can also purchase a special brush.
Cannot be used frequently. If the skin is in poor condition, then the mask is done 2 times a week. In other cases, you need to limit yourself to one time. To rejuvenate the skin, you need to do the procedure 15 times, 1-2 times a week. After this, a positive effect will be noticeable. The break between courses is 1 month.
In general, apricot product is not an aggressive tool for caring for the appearance. Therefore, if you leave the mask on for up to 50 minutes, then nothing bad will happen to the skin. However, if it contains not only apricot extract, but also other ingredients, then it is better to monitor the time.
Apricot remedy will help make your skin healthy and youthful, as well as saturate your cells with vitamins and microelements, which are often so lacking.
To prolong the youth of mature skin, it is important to provide it with enhanced nutrition and hydration. Apricot oil for the face is considered one of the best essential oils for wrinkles and age spots. Thanks to the fatty acids in its composition, this natural remedy helps restore normal metabolism in the epidermal cells and provide them with intensive nutrition.
Benefits of using it for the skin
Apricot oil, or as it is also called, apricot kernel oil, is a cold-pressed essential extract. Thanks to this production, the maximum amount of useful substances is preserved in the solution: vitamins, microminerals, essential amino acids.
Benefits of apricot oil for facial skin:
- It contains a huge amount of vitamins, the main ones being A, E and C. Thanks to this combination, this is an excellent remedy for eliminating age spots, deep wrinkles, and sagging;
- But the main one in the composition is the almost unique vitamin F, whose percentage content is greater than all other microelements combined. It is responsible for accelerated cell regeneration, which allows you to restore the turgor of the epidermis in the shortest possible time. Also, thanks to its effect, the top layer becomes smoother and roughness is eliminated;
- Amino acids help increase softness. In addition, they help fight toxins. When absorbed, the oil cleanses cells, removing harmful products using the excretory system;
- Minerals (magnesium, zinc, calcium) help enhance the production of collagen and elastane.
Cosmetic apricot oil for the skin of the face and body has found wide use in folk medicine also due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is often used for acne and blackheads.
Indications for use of apricot kernel oil:
- Expression and age wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sagging, changes in facial contour due to decreased collagen production;
- Gray complexion, age spots, redness;
- Inflamed pimples, blackheads, comedones and acne. In addition, in some cases, dermatologists prescribe almond and apricot oil against post-acne;
- Apricot is also extremely useful for vitamin deficiency and flaking of the skin;
- The need for deep nutrition of the face. Especially after winter vitamin deficiency.
The product also has contraindications. This is individual intolerance, a manifestation of an allergic reaction, open wounds. It is not recommended to apply any masks to newly squeezed or scratched pimples.
Video: all the benefits of apricot kernel oil
Apricot oil masks
Like apricot, it has a very extensive list of indications.
That's why all masks can be divided into the following groups:
- For acne and blackheads, for problematic, oily and combination skin;
- To improve metabolism in the epidermis, restoration of a healthy complexion;
- For wrinkles, age spots.
#1: For acne, apricot oil is used undiluted - it is completely safe for the face, since the product is non-comedogenic. Apply the solution in a circular motion along the massage lines. It is best to preheat it - this will speed up the penetration of beneficial substances into the cells.
#2: If you suffer from inflammatory, painful acne, then an excellent recipe is mixed in equal proportions with apricot. There is a similar recipe with coconut, but it is not suitable for acne-prone epidermis. The two esters are combined in equal proportions and then applied to cleansed skin. We recommend doing the procedure at night.
#3: This recipe will help get rid of subcutaneous pimples. You need to take some of the clay and mix it with the same amount of water. Depending on your skin type, you can choose green, blue or white. You need to add 5 drops of apricot oil to the mineral mass. Apply the mixture to a cleansed face in an even layer and leave for 15 minutes. If you have dry epidermis, then it is important not to let the clay harden - sprinkle it with water, otherwise it will “take away” all the moisture from the cells.
#4: To normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands of problem and combination skin, a product based on lemon juice, apricot and honey is suitable. Lemon will significantly enhance the effect of ascorbic acid in apricot ether, and, therefore, its anti-inflammatory properties. Honey will help nourish cells and shrink pores. You need to take two tablespoons of lemon juice, one of apricot and half of honey. The sweetness is preheated in a water bath to a liquid consistency. The mask is applied to the face and neck and lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. Please note that it has strong whitening properties.
#5: To improve metabolism and normalize complexion, you need to make masks with a mixture of oils. It is also recommended to add a small amount of fruit juice or pulp to such solutions. So, one of the best remedies for dull color and redness is a mixture - 2 parts, tea tree - 1 part, apricot - 2 parts, mint - 1 part. Everything is heated over low heat and applied to the skin. Afterwards, apply a damp cloth to your face (you can use a regular paper one, lightly moistening it with water). Keep for 10 minutes to 15.
#6: In the summer, you can make a “vitamin bomb” for your face - this will help restore its natural radiance and elasticity. Strawberry and raspberry pulp is mixed with honey and apricot ether. You can take everything in equal parts. The product is distributed evenly over the neck, décolleté and face. Stand for at least 20 minutes. This mask whitens.
#7: But the most common use of this ester is for the first signs of aging. Reviews claim that with regular use of apricot oil on the face, deep wrinkles become less noticeable, and expression lines practically disappear. It is recommended to apply it directly to problem areas instead of night cream.
#8: For intensive tightening, a mask with potatoes and kaolin is suitable. White clay is combined in equal proportions with water, after which it is mixed with raw grated potatoes. A teaspoon of ether is added to the mixture. The mixture is applied to the face and neck and left for 20 minutes.
#9: A mask with an apple is made in the same way. It is better suited in winter to saturate cells with vitamins. If possible, we recommend alternating them with each other - this will ensure increased production of collagen and elastane.
#10: A recipe with apricot and vitamins is very useful for wrinkles. For example, you can take a spoonful of liquid vitamin E and combine it with apricot kernel oil. Apply with a cotton swab to the neck, face and chest, leave for at least half an hour. This method is completely safe - it is hypoallergenic and suitable for any skin type.
#11: Egg white mixed with honey and apricot oil tightens the oval of the face well. You need to take a chicken egg, separate the yolk from the white and beat it together with warm honey. Add half a spoonful of oil to the foam and mix again. Apply in an even thin layer and leave for up to 40 minutes. Be sure to lie down at this time - this way your face will tighten up better.
You can buy apricot oil for the face at any pharmacy. It is recommended to choose an unrefined product (some manufacturers still subject the solution to heat treatment). It is from the product obtained by cold pressing that the best effect is achieved.
Apricot kernel oil is a natural product that contains a whole storehouse of useful substances. It has long been successfully used in home medicine for skin care. Apricot oil for the face is an excellent choice in the fight against age spots and wrinkles. And the low allergic status makes it absolutely safe for external use.
general information
Scientists still cannot decide which country is considered the birthplace of the apricot tree. Botanists are sure that this juicy and appetizing fruit was brought to us from sunny Armenia. Historians absolutely disagree with this position; they believe that the fruit tree began to be grown in Ancient China. But it was in those parts that they first started producing oil from apricot kernels.
Initially, this natural product was of great value and was not available to ordinary people. It was used to treat cancer and stomach ulcers. The value of oil as a cosmetic product was rightfully appreciated much later. European noble ladies began to use it to care for eyelashes, hair and body skin back in the 16th century. Today this product is produced on an industrial scale and anyone can purchase it at a pharmacy at a very affordable price.
Modern apricot oil, as in ancient times, is a completely natural and environmentally friendly product. Three methods are used to prepare it:
- cold pressed;
- hot pressing;
- extraction.
The last two methods are the most productive for extracting this raw material, but the product obtained in this way loses half of its useful substances, and therefore is not considered first-class. Using the cold method, only 30% of the available oil can be removed from the seeds, but its gentle effect allows you to obtain a high-quality and healthy product, which is also more suitable for use and storage.
Cold-pressed apricot oil contains almost all the valuable vitamins taken from the seeds. It is thanks to its rich and active composition that it was able to win the trust of women who prefer to use natural products for personal care.
Composition of the product
Apricot kernel oil has a liquid, slightly oily consistency with a golden or amber hue. Its aroma is subtle and resembles the smell of nuts and the pulp of a ripe apricot.
This product is very similar in composition to other cosmetic oils, such as almond, grape and peach. It includes the following substances:
The combination of these beneficial substances helps to well moisturize even very dry skin, increase its elasticity and firmness. Fatty acids contribute to the active functioning of epidermal cells. Accelerating skin regeneration inhibits premature aging and natural wilting.
It is also worth noting that, thanks to its rich composition, apricot oil can regulate the production of sebum, and this prevents the expansion and contamination of pores and the appearance of acne.
Regular use of apricot oil on the face will help significantly improve the quality and appearance of the skin, as well as solve some cosmetic problems.
Subtleties of application and recipes for masks
Those who have experience in using essential and vegetable oils for skin beauty are unlikely to have problems using apricot kernel extract. For beginners, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with some useful tips:
To experience all the beneficial qualities of apricot kernels, the oil from them must be used in courses, like any other natural product. Usually 10-15 procedures are enough, and then you should give the skin a rest and take a break for several weeks.
After a superficial acquaintance with this useful tool, it remains to clarify its properties and application.
Apricot oil for face
The use of apricot oil on the face can be a real panacea for dryness, lack of nutrients and vitamins. It is also recommended to be used as an anti-aging treatment to restore and smooth aging skin.
The healing properties of the composition allow you to restore sensitive and damaged epidermis, eliminate allergic and acne rashes. Thanks to its delicate and light consistency, this oil has secured its place in the cosmetic bags of young mothers for a long time and is actively used to care for the delicate skin of babies.
Making a face mask from apricot kernel extract is quite simple:
Such masks are suitable for skin of any age, and to refresh dull skin, you should take a closer look at other formulations.
Recipes for rejuvenation and getting rid of wrinkles:
You can not only prepare masks from this product, but also use it as a massage oil. To do this, apply the extract of the seeds to the skin of the body or face and perform a massage with light rubbing movements.
Apricot oil can be used to remove makeup residue from eyelashes and eyelids. To do this, apply a little product to a damp cotton pad, carefully place it on your closed eyes, wait 3-4 minutes and remove any cosmetics remaining on the skin.
To nourish the delicate area around the eyes, this product is often used in its pure form. Apply it to your eyelids, especially where crow's feet accumulate. Wait about five minutes until the mixture is absorbed, then remove any remaining residue.
For hair and eyelashes
Apricot kernel oil has a good effect on the condition of hair and scalp. Fatty acids and vitamins included in the product nourish and protect from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, give strength and shine, and improve structure.
Apply oil to the entire length of your hair 10 minutes before washing your hair. After the first procedure, improvements will become noticeable. You can also add it to shampoo, but do this only during water procedures. If you pour the product into a bottle of hair wash, it will fizzle out after a while and will not do any good.
The apricot composition will help out during a trip to hot countries. It will help protect your hair from direct sunlight; you just need to apply a little oil to it before going to the beach.
Anyone who has a little free time can try the effect of an effective nourishing mask:
- Mix apricot and almond oil in equal proportions.
- Heat in a water bath.
- Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and hair, place a shower cap or plastic bag on top and wrap with a towel.
- After an hour, rinse your hair well with shampoo.
To strengthen your eyelashes, roll up thin strands of gauze or cotton wool and soak them in heated oil. Close your eyes and place the oil flagella on the upper eyelid along the eyelashes. Cover everything on top with cling film. Now you can lie down on the sofa and relax for about 10-15 minutes.
Nail and hand care
Thanks to the fatty acids in its composition, apricot oil shows amazing results in hand care, even in comparison with the most effective and high-quality creams. A small amount of the product is slightly warmed and rubbed into the skin, paying special attention to the cuticles and nails. After a course of such procedures, you can forget about peeling and dryness for a long time.
If you mix such a product with lanolin wax and add 10 drops of pine, patchouli or sandalwood essential oil, you can save your nail plates from delamination.
