In this scorching heat, everyone gets skin and hair damage issues. Are you someone who is having the same problems? Do you want radiant, glowing skin and want to take away all your hair and skin woes? If so, then Apricot oil can do miracles for you!
Apricot oil which is also known as khubani oil or gutti ka tel is a lightweight oil with a range of health benefits. It is extracted from the kernels of apricots to help to treat various ailments. It is also commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and skincare products.
If you are excited about learning more about apricot oil, how it is extracted, and what are the apricot oil benefits, then sit back and read this blog till the end!
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Sourcing of Apricot Oil
Apricot oil is extracted from kernels (seeds) of apricots. The oil can be extracted from the seeds via two methods i.e., using cold-pressed or solvent extraction methods.
1. Cold Pressed Method
Apricot oil (Khubani oil) is mostly extracted via the cold pressing method. In this method, the kernels are pressed at low temperatures to retain their nutrients. The compounds in the oil are not changed in the cold-pressed method. It preserves the natural properties of the oil.
2. Solvent Extraction Method
In the solvent extraction method, chemical solvents are used to extract the oil from kernels. This method is less used as compared to the cold-pressed method.
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Top 11 Organic Apricot Oil Benefits
Apricot oil is mainly used for skin and hair care purposes. It has various benefits for hair and skin some of which are as follows:
Apricot Oil Benefits for Skin
1. Promotes Radiance
Apricot oil is naturally high in Vitamin E which improves the ability of the skin to retain elasticity and clarity. It helps to protect the cells from any damaging free radicals, including environmental pollutants and gives radiant and glowing skin.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
The lightweight and organic oil has fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) which can strengthen the natural barrier of the skin.
To keep the skin in healthy condition, it is important to have a healthy and strong skin barrier. It can be damaged when exposed to UV rays, toxins, and pollutants.
However, apricot oil can fight all these and strengthen and repair the skin barrier naturally.
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3. Deeply Moisturizes and Nourishes Skin
Apricot kernel oil is widely used in skincare due to its powerful moisturizing and nourishing properties for the skin. The reason behind this is that it is enriched with Linoleic acid (Omega-6) and Oleic acid (omega-9). These both are naturally occurring fatty acids.
These fatty acids function to keep the skin as moisturized as possible. Also, they act as non-greasy emollients to restore dry and patchy skin.
Moreover, it has ceramides (sphingoid base) which are renowned for improving the complexion of the skin and keeping the skin deeply hydrated by preventing water escape from the skin.
In addition to this, you should know that khubani oil is light in weight and quickly makes the skin smooth and soft. It percolates deep in the skin which provides lasting moisturization.
4. Saves from Harmful Rays
Apricot is a natural sunscreen that shields the skin from harmful UV rays. It is not a replacement for sunblock; however, using it can provide an extra layer of defense against sun damage. As a result, it keeps the skin healthy and youthful.
Moreover, it is enriched with antioxidants that protect the skin against harmful radiation and free radicals. This makes the skin smooth and even out the skin tone.
5. Great Source of Natural Vitamin A
Vitamin A is the main ingredient used in many skincare products to treat acne, uneven skin tone, and many other skin-related issues, including psoriasis.
Retinoids are compounds that have both natural biologically active forms of vitamin A and synthetic forms of vitamin A. However, retinoids are too harsh on the skin of some people. Therefore, many people look for natural retinol alternatives.
Apricot oil (khubani oil) is the best alternative to retinoids. It is a natural source of Vitamin A which makes it an ideal option for people with sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinoids.
It can improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sag, reduce signs of photoaging, lessen hyperpigmentation, and fight acne, and other skin-related conditions.
The oil is also enriched with compounds that speed up cell turnover. It promotes youthful and glowing skin by plumping the skin.
6. Have Antioxidants
One of the major benefits of apricot oil is that it is rich in Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant which helps to boost blood circulation and repair the damaged or scarred skin. Vitamin E also lessens the oxidation of sebum in the pores, preventing blackhead formation.
Moreover, it has antioxidants that help safeguard the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors.
7. Anti-Aging Properties
No one likes fine lines, textured skin, wrinkles, etc on the face. But thanks to the apricot oil which can handle all the aging signs.
Apricot kernel oil is enriched with antioxidants like Vitamin A and E which aids in reducing the signs of aging.
8. Improves Skin Texture
If we provide our skin the food it needs, the texture naturally improves. Apricot kernel oil has vitamin A which promotes the overall suppleness of the skin.
Moreover, this vitamin functions as a natural exfoliant, making the skin texture smooth and soft.
Apricot Oil Benefits for Hair
Some of the apricot oil benefits for hair are as follows:
9. Promotes Hair Growth
If you want luscious hair, then apricot oil is best for you. It acts as a natural elixir for scalp health and hair growth. The massage of apricot oil on the scalp can improve blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles for healthy and strong hair growth. It also conditions the hair shine and adds shine to it.
10. Treats Dandruff
One of the best apricot oil benefits is that it can uproot the dandruff issue. It has moisturizing properties that can nourish and moisturize the scalp. It reduces dryness and prevents flakes. Regularly using apricot oil on your scalp can banish dandruff for good.
11. Improves Hair Health
Apricot oil is very beneficial for hair growth and nourishment. It can strengthen weak hair strands by promoting the health of hair follicles.
Moreover, it can be applied as a hair mask and can be used directly on the hair scalp. It also reduces inflammatory conditions on the scalp, including dandruff.
You can also watch this video by Ms. Zoha Sohail in which she talks about the Health Benefits Of Apricot also known as Khubani Khany Ke Fayde and the Best Fruit For Constipation and Heart Diseases.
Apricot Oil Uses for Skin and Hair
Khubani oil is versatile and can be used in various ways to benefit the skin.
Read Also: 10 Amazing Dried Apricots Soaked in Water Benefits
Some of the common ways in which apricot oil can be used for the skin are as follows:
1. As a Moisturizer
If you want a moisturizing body scrub, then apricot oil can fulfill your need. You just have to take a few drops of apricot kernel oil to clean and massage the skin until absorbed. This will hydrate, nourish, and supple the skin.
2. As a Massage Oil
You can mix apricot oil with your favorite essential oil and then massage it anywhere on the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe achy and sore muscles.
3. As a Makeup Remover
If you have sensitive skin and want a natural makeup remover that suits your skin and also keeps the natural skin oil locked, then shift to apricot oil. Simply apply apricot oil on a cotton pad and rub it on your skin to remove the makeup.
4. For Sensitive and Dry Areas
You can mix apricot oil with aloe vera gel and apply the mixture on the areas that are dry, patchy, or sensitive. It can rehydrate, moisturize, and reduce irritation and redness.
5. Hair Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is apricot oil hot or cold?
Apricot oil is cool in nature and has a cooling effect on the body.
2. Does apricot oil grow hair?
Yes. Apricot oil moisturizes hair and scalp. It promotes hair growth, strengthens the hair, and also prevents hair fall. It is a natural hair conditioner when applied to the hair strands.