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As far as nuts go, pecans aren’t top of mind when it comes to skin care. But pecan nuts are loaded with both vitamins and minerals that can improve your overall skin health. Pecan oil is actually somewhat of an unsung skin-loving gem. The benefits of pecan oil for skin include improving skin hydration and moisture, reducing the signs of aging, and protecting skin from environmental stressors.1
Pecan nuts come from pecan trees that are native to North America. The scientific name for the pecan tree is Carya illinoinensis, and it’s a member of the hickory family. Pecan oil is made by pressing the nuts to extract their natural oils. Pecan oil has a light, nutty aroma and a golden-brown color. It’s an all-natural oil that’s high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.2
The health benefits of pecans go beyond skin care. According to the American Heart Association a handful of pecans can help:
- Boost the immune system
- Assist with weight loss
- Lower high blood pressure
- Lower bad cholesterol levels
- Improve colon health
- Improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease
With useful trace mineral like zinc, magnesium, and manganese, pecans are also good for bone health. Pecan oil is also a natural source of many vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin.
Related: 5 Reasons Your Skin Needs Vitamin A Immediately
Pecan Oil Nutrients
Pecan oil is rich in several vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin, including:3
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
- Vitamin K: A fat-soluble vitamin that helps to keep skin looking young and radiant.
- Vitamin A: Another vitamin that’s essential for healthy skin cell turnover.
- Zinc: A mineral that helps to keep skin looking smooth and firm.
- Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for youthful-looking skin.
Some of the key nutrients in pecan oil include oleic acid, linoleic acid, ellagic acid, and folic acid. These nutrients work together to nourish and protect your skin4. This makes it an ideal choice for people with an uneven skin tone or acne-prone skin. Pecan oil is a non-comedogenic oil, which means it won’t clog your pores.
Pecan oil is a skin softener and conditioner, with a soothing effect on the skin. It has been shown in studies to improve skin health by speeding up the healing process and treating certain skin disorders, such as eczema5.
While it hasn’t picked up the notoriety of popular cooking oils like, olive oil oe coconut oil, pecan oil is slowly emerging as a top-notch ingredient thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties. Pecan oil offers benefits for nearly all skin types.
11 Proven Benefits of Pecan Oil for Skin
1. Reduces the signs of aging
Pecan oil can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants present in pecan oil help to protect skin from free radicals, which is one of the main causes of premature aging6. Pecan oil can help reduce the signs of again revealing more youthful skin.
2. Hydrates skin
Pecan oil is a supple, lubricating agent that helps prevent water loss, thanks to its emollient properties. Skin cells need water to function properly, and when they don’t have enough water, they can become dry, flaky, and irritated. Pecan oil helps to keep skin cells hydrated and healthy, resulting in softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. The stearic content in pecan oil also helps to lock in moisture7.
Related: 9 Impressive Hydrating Facial Benefits For Skin
3. May treat acne
The anti-inflammatory properties of pecan oil can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne8. Additionally, the vitamin A present in pecan oil helps to speed up skin cell turnover, which can help to clear up blemishes and prevent new breakouts from forming.
4. Improves skin conditions
Pecan oil can help to fight acne and other skin conditions, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The linoleic acid present in pecan oil helps to regulate sebum production, making it a good choice for people with oily skin9.
5. Soothes eczema
The anti-inflammatory properties of pecan oil can also help to soothe eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Pecan oil is a natural source of essential fatty acids, which are known to help reduce inflammation. The presence of vitamin E in pecan oil protects skin from free-radical damage, which can exacerbate eczema10.
6. Moisturizes skin
Polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats are what make up pecan oil, both of which are excellent moisturizers for the skin. These healthy fats help to keep skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. The antioxidants present in pecan oil also help to protect skin from free radical damage, which can lead to dryness and premature aging11.
7. Brightens skin
With an abundance of antioxidants, pecan oil can help to brighten dull, lackluster skin. The vitamin C present in pecan oil helps to produce collagen, which is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Pecan oil also contains eicosanoic acid, which helps to protect skin from UV damage12.
Related: The Ultimate Guide To Antioxidants In Skin Care
8. Fights free radical damage
Pecan oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to premature aging. The antioxidants present in pecan oil help to neutralize free radicals, protecting skin from their damaging effects13.
9. Improves skin tone
A clear complexion and even skin tone are two of the many benefits of pecan oil. The linoleic acid present in pecan oil helps to regulate sebum production, which can help to control breakouts and improve the overall appearance of skin14. Not to mention the vitamin C present in pecan oil helps to brighten skin, giving it a more even overall tone.
10. Improves scalp health
We always say, your scalp is skin too. A healthy scalp can help prevent hair loss and improve hair growth. Pecan oil is a natural source of essential fatty acids, which are known to help improve scalp health. The linoleic acid present in pecan oil helps to regulate sebum production, keeping the scalp healthy and free of build-up15. The vitamin E present in pecan oil helps to protect the scalp from free radical damage. Pecan oil can also be used as a hair treatment to achieve healthy hair.
11. Reduces inflammation
Pecan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, both of which are known to help reduce inflammation. The linoleic acid present in pecan oil helps to regulate sebum production, which can help to control breakouts and reduce the appearance of redness and swelling16.
Pecan oil is a healthy oil that can be used in salad dressings, as a massage oil, or added to your favorite body lotion. When you purchase pecan oil be sure to look for cold-pressed, unrefined oil to get the most benefits. You can find pecan oil in the natural section of your local grocery store, or you can purchase it online.
Our favorite pecan oil for skin
The Bottom Line:
Pecans are a type of tree nut that is native to North America. Pecan oil is made from the kernels of the pecan tree and has many uses, including as cooking oil, in cosmetics, and massages.
Pecan oil is high in essential fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy skin. The oil also contains vitamins A, E, and K. These nutrients help to protect the skin from damage and keep it hydrated.
Pecan oil can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can be used to moisturize dry skin, treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and soothe inflammation. The oil can also be used to remove makeup and cleanse the skin.
Pecan oil is a safe, natural product that can be used to improve the health and appearance of your skin. It is an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to expensive cosmetic products. If you have a nut allergy, you should avoid using pecan oil. Otherwise, it is a great way to keep your skin looking its best. Try incorporating pecan oil into your skincare routine to experience the benefits for yourself!
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