Tanning: What are the effects of apricot oil?

If apricot oil is considered an ingredient that promotes the tanning process, it's because it contains carotenoids, specifically β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. This is a pigment naturally present in all green plants and plays a significant role in their photoprotection. Indeed, β-carotene balances the photosynthetic role predominantly filled by chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants. Studies have also shown that carotenoids are capable of absorbing some UV rays. However, this absorption is relatively weak and would not provide genuine protection to the skin.

Beta-carotene can also directly influence melanogenesis and stimulate the synthesis of melanin. This is why carrots, which are rich in carotenoids, are considered foods that promote tanning. A study has indeed focused on this subject and highlighted the benefits of a diet rich in carotenoids. For 4 weeks, 15 women followed this type of diet, corresponding to an intake of 176,425 μg of beta-carotene per week, while 15 others consumed only 2,073 μg of beta-carotene per week. The researchers then observed a tanning effect of carotenoids. Other studies report similar results.

Nevertheless, evidence of such an action of β-carotene in topical application is more scarce. Some sources report effects of β-carotene on melanogenesis following use on the skin, but it appears that the concentrations involved are much higher than that of apricot oil. Therefore, we cannot assert that this vegetable oil stimulates tanning. However, this does not mean that it does not provide benefits during sun exposure. Theapricot oil has antioxidant properties that allow it to neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV rays. It thus has a certain photoprotective effect.

Just like melanin, apricot oil does not provide sufficient photoprotection to forgo the use of sunscreen.

While it may be challenging to conclude on the influence of apricot oil on melanogenesis, it can still be considered as an ally for prolonging one's tan. Indeed, its orange hue provides an immediate healthy glow effect. Apricot oil can be applied directly to the skin or combined with a skincare product. To do this, simply add one to two drops of vegetable oil to a cream or a massage oil.

Furthermore, apricot oil possesses intriguing moisturising and nourishing properties that are beneficial for soothing the skin after sunbathing. The rich texture of this oil indeed allows it to restore the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis, which is weakened after UV exposure. Apricot oil thus counteracts the drying effect of the sun. Moreover, its richness in unsaturated fatty acids enables it to strengthen the cohesion of the cells in the horny layer. Through biomimicry, apricot oil can integrate into the intercellular cement composed of lipids, which strengthens the skin barrier formed by the epidermis, also weakened by the sun.

Apricot oil is a perfect after-sun treatment, striking a balance between skin protection and radiance.