Eye contour: what are the effects of apricot oil on this sensitive area?

The eye contour is one of the most sensitive areas of the face. Several physiological factors can explain its high vulnerability, starting with the thickness of the skin in this area: 0.5 millimetres, which is about 5 times thinner than on other regions of the body. This thinness is also accompanied by a lower prevalence of collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide flexibility and tone to the skin. This is why the eye contour is often the first area affected by skin sagging and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Furthermore, the eyelids are areas poor in sebaceous glands, which means that the hydrolipidic film in this area is virtually non-existent. Therefore, the eye contour is only minimally protected from external aggressions and dehydration. Finally, this area is highly vascularised and the micro-blood and lymphatic circulations can be easily disrupted. However, when the drainage of toxins and blood pigments is slowed, these accumulate under the eyes and can cause dark circles and puffiness.

The apricot is a fruit belonging to the Rosaceae family. Originating from Asia, apricot trees are now cultivated in Africa, Southern Europe, Asian countries, and Australia. The apricot, much like the peach, is a fleshy fruit possessing a hard stone that contains a seed, also known as an almond. It is from this stone that the apricot oil is extracted, usually by mechanical pressing or with the help of a solvent. Rich in fatty acids and other active ingredients, this vegetable oil is widely used in cosmetics to care for one's skin and can be applied pure. It is worth noting that there are currently no contraindications regarding the use of apricot oil around the eye area.

Possessing a strong hydrating power, the apricot vegetable oil can help to compensate for the scarcity of sebaceous glands in this area of the face. Indeed, the high presence of oleic acid in its composition (nearly 70%) allows it to fulfil a protective role similar to that of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, by limiting water loss around the eye contour, apricot oil prevents dehydration fine lines. Moreover, its content of vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols, antioxidant compounds, allows it to delay skin ageing and prevent hyperpigmentation problems by inhibiting oxidative stress. The antioxidants also protect collagen and elastin fibres from free radical attacks.

This support is also demonstrated by the anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties of apricot vegetable oil. An in vitro study has indeed shown that this botanical extract can inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the activities of collagenase and elastase, the enzymes respectively responsible for the degradation of collagen and elastase. These results are promising regarding the effects of apricot oil on the signs of ageing, which often appear prematurely around the eye contour. However, caution is needed as, for now, only an in vitro study has highlighted this property.

Key Takeaway : Apricot oil primarily provides hydration to the eye contour and may potentially help prevent wrinkles and bags due to a possible tightening activity. However, it will have no effect on dark circles, regardless of their type.

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• EL-SHIEKH R. & al. A Powerful Anti-Ageing and Immunomodulatory Activity of Standardised Apricot Seed Extract and its Primary Compound; Amygdalin. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research (2020).

• NAZZARO F. & al. Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant, and in vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Five Cold-Pressed Prunus Seed Oils, and Their Anti-biofilm Effect Against Pathogenic Bacteria. Frontiers in Nutrition (2021).

• RASHID I. & al. Comparative Study between the Effect of Apricot Seeds Extract and Gentamicin Ointment on Corneal Healing After Induced Ulcer in Eye Cornea in Pigeons. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology (2021).