What Is Plum Oil?
Plum oil, plum seed oil, or plum kernel oil is cold-pressed from the kernels or seeds of the French Ente plums. Plum oil is a part of traditional Western Asian medicine and is said to be eight times more effective than argan oil. Both oral and topical use of plum oil benefits the skin. Although it was mainly used as a supplement, plum oil has made its way into cosmetic formulations in the past few years. Let’s understand what it can do for your skin.
What Does Plum Oil Do For Your Skin?
1. Prevents Signs Of Aging
Plum oil contains essential fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and other saturated fatty acids. It also contains other bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds and vitamins A, C, and E (tocopherol) and prevents free radical damage. Free radicals are one of the main reasons for skin damage and premature aging (1).
2. Rejuvenates Damaged Skin
Plum oil can restore tired, dull, and damaged skin. The polyphenols in the oil can soothe and protect the skin from harmful UV rays (2). It also helps even out the skin tone, reduces dark patches, and makes your skin appear fresh.
3. May Lighten Dark Spots
Plum oil contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help brighten the skin. It reduces dark spots, age spots, and skin discoloration to make it appear brighter.
4. Relieves Dryness
Plum seed oil is an excellent base for cosmetic products to keep dry and mature skin hydrated without greasiness (1). It can reduce flakiness, scaling, and itching associated with skin dryness. The prevalence of dry skin in the German adult population (48,630 employed individuals) was examined in a study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2019. This cross-sectional study revealed that 29.4% (approximately 14,300 individuals) were identified as having xerotic skin. Age was associated with a higher likelihood of dry skin. The hydrating properties of plum oil may also help manage dryness and flakiness associated with conditions like eczema and psoriasis. However, please consult a doctor before using plum oil and perform a patch test. Here is a quick guide to how to use plum oil for the skin.
How To Use Plum Oil For Skin
You may consume plum oil as a dietary supplement to keep your skin healthy. It is also available as a topical oil or in different skin care products like serums and creams. To use pure plum oil for skin, follow these instructions: For a deeper cleanse, consider using plum oil in your oil cleansing method to remove impurities while maintaining moisture. You may use plum oil once or twice a day as a part of your skin care routine. However, ensure you do a patch test before using to avoid any side effects.
Side Effects Of Plum Oil And Precautions To Follow
Plum oil may cause minor side effects if you are allergic to it. It may cause:
Redness Irritation Burning sensation Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea (when consumed)
Consult a doctor before consuming or applying plum oil. Avoid it if you are allergic to nuts. What does plum oil smell like? Plum oil has a pleasantly sweet smell reminiscent of almond and marzipan. Is plum oil a dry oil? Yes. Plum oil is a lightweight oil that gets easily absorbed by the skin, without leaving your skin sticky and heavy. Does plum oil cause acne? Plum oil is considered non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog your pores. This may help in managing acne.
Watch the following video that explores the benefits of plum oil for mature skin. It talks about the potential advantages of the oil and whether it is a suitable addition to your skin care routine.
