February is the month of love, and coincidentally it is also the month when the apricot tree starts flowering.
In Spain there is a superstition about the apricot, or the al baricoque as they call it. It is believed that it awakens strong passion and desire making a woman powerful when she wears the flowers under her skirt.
The name of the apricot exists in many various regions around the world and in similar forms to the Spanish, but it goes back to the Arabic word Al Barquq. The Arabic form itself goes back to the Latin word praecocia meaning ‘early ripening’ and that is because the fruit ripens early in the summer.
The origin of the apricot tree was once thought to be from the region of Armenia where it was encountered by the Romans, hence its scientific name ‘prunus armeniaca’. Now we know that it has most likely originated in China and moved south and west, mainly spreading through the Silk Road.
The apricot fruit is very delicious and nutritious and was historically used in various ways for food and medicine. Historically it was also used on the skin as a healing ingredient.
The oil of the apricot is extracted from the kernel with cold pressing being the best method to retain its properties. It is very light in colour and is similar to the sebum produced in human skin. It is also relatively quick to be absorbed by the skin and without leaving a greasy oily feel.
So what makes apricot kernel oil so special for the skin?
- It is high in Oleic acid and Linoleic acid.
- It has a good percentage of palmitic acid and Stearic acid
- It is high in vitamin E
- It is high in beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A
- It is high in phytosterols like beta sitosterol
- It has high levels of vitamin K
- It has high levels of magnesium
The above properties of apricot oil help the skin by:
- Improving skin tone and elasticity
- Retaining moisture
- Relieving itching caused by eczema
- Having an anti-inflammatory effect
- Supporting the skin’s protective barrier
- Reducing fine lines
- Reducing darkness and puffiness under the eyes
- Adding a glow to the skin
As you can see, apricot kernel oil is a valuable oil in skincare and is suitable for all skin types even the most sensitive.