Prune oil is derived from thecold pressing of the almonds found in the kernels of Ente plums. These are popular as they are the origin of the creation of Agen prunes. Used pure or incorporated into a skincare formula, prune vegetable oil has moisturising, nourishing and antioxidant properties.
When and how often should one use plum vegetable oil?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
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Plum oil: what benefits for the skin and hair?
Utilised in gastronomy, medicine and perfumery, plum oil is also a friend to the skin and hair due to its molecular richness. It contains numerous nutritional elements such as fatty acids (primarily omega 9 at around 70%, omega 6 between 15 and 25% and approximately 5% palmitic acid) as well as antioxidant compounds like sterols and vitamin E (content > 600 mg/kg).
For the skin and hair, plum oil is an excellent antioxidant treatment that combats oxidative stress. To clarify, this phenomenon is characterised by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, also known as free radicals, when cells are exposed to stress (pollution, UV radiation, smoking...). It then accelerates the ageing of the skin (wrinkles, sagging, brown spots...) and hair (loss of volume, greying, hair loss...). The tocopherol contained in plum oil stabilises free radicals, preventing them from damaging the quality of the skin and hair, to maintain them in good condition for as long as possible.
Furthermore, the fatty acids that make up this vegetable oil help to restore the hydrolipidic film. Thus, plum vegetable oil is described as relipidating and it is recommended for the care of dry skin. When applied to hair, plum oil revitalises dehydrated and dry hair, giving it a shine. On the surface of the hair fibres, the fatty acids form a protective film to maintain the hair's hydration.
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When to resort to a plum oil-based skincare treatment?
Prune oil can be used pure or incorporated into a skincare formula. It is suitable for all skin types. However, it is primarily recommended for taking care of dry skin. Emollient, prune oil attracts and stores water molecules at the skin cell level. It also strengthens the hydrolipidic film, which acts as a protective barrier against external aggressions and prevents dehydration. Besides dry skin, mature skin also benefits from the virtues of prune oil. Its antioxidant action works against the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for premature cell ageing.
Prune oil is also a friend to dry hair. The supply of fatty acids and nutrients softens the hair and repairs split ends. It is also suitable for dull hair and/or hair frequently exposed to oxidation factors. Vitamin E neutralises free radicals to prevent them from causing damage and to maintain good hair quality for as long as possible.
How and when to apply plum oil?
Regarding its application frequency, plum oil can be used daily to care for one's skin. Non-photosensitising, it is generally applied morning and evening on a previously cleansed and dried skin to hydrate and combat ageing. To enjoy its benefits, pour a few drops of oil into the palm of your hand, warm it up and spread it over the face and neck. Light circular massages aid in the penetration of the active ingredients.
When used as a hair treatment, plum oil should be applied before each shampoo as a care mask. To do this, spread the oil along the length and ends of your hair and let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight, before rinsing.
Note: Plum oil is a healthy ingredient that does not contain any allergenic substances. However, it is always recommended to test it in the crook of your elbow before any use. If itching or irritation occurs, do not apply the plum oil to the face.
In which Typology treatments can one find plum oil?
Ourplum vegetable oilcomes from the cold pressing of plum kernels fromorganic farming, grown and harvested in theSouth-West of France. By replenishing the skin layer, this treatment nourishes, hydrates and improves skin elasticity. It also protects it from the harmful effects of pollution, including cellular oxidation. Furthermore, you can find this vegetable oil in the following formulas.
The eye cream for dark circles and bags Caffeine 2% + Cornflower Hydrosol is concentrated with decongestant active ingredients. It helps to reduce the purple appearance of dark circles and the swollen look of bags under the eyes, for a brighter gaze.
Thenourishing face creamHyaluronic Acid 1% + Shea Butter is enriched with lipid-replenishing and moisturising active ingredients. It restores suppleness to the skin and reduces feelings of tightness.
The localised dryness body serum contains nourishing and soothing active ingredients to combat skin dryness typically found on the elbows, knees, and heels.
The nourishing body cream restores the skin's lipid barrier, reduces feelings of tightness and protects the skin from external aggressions.
The gel-to-oil with baobab oil visibly prevents and reduces the appearance of stretch marks, while providing suppleness and elasticity to the skin.
Thetinted lip oilis composed of98% natural origin ingredientsand is available in6 different shades. It is formulatedwithout nanoparticles,without mineral oils,without siliconesandwithout beeswax. It provides a light coverage and a shiny, non-sticky finish.
Sources:
AKHTAR N. & al. Prunus domestica, Prunus persica and Prunus avium extracts: determination of radical scavenging activities and development of natural antioxidant emulsions. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (2014).
GAJIC M. S. & al. Optimization study on extraction of antioxidants from plum seeds (Prunus domestica L.). Optimization and Engineering (2021).
