Peach Oil

Peaches originate from China, and play an important part in Chinese mythology. The tree is considered the tree of life, and the fruit is known as the fruit of immortality. The God of Longevity in Chinese mythology, known as the “Old Man of the South Pole”, is often seen holding a large peach to represent long life and health. It also signifies unity and Chinese brides traditionally carry peach blossoms. In both China and Korea peach trees were believed to chase away spirits. Peaches are mentioned in Chinese writings which can be dated back to the 10th century, and they are alleged to have been the favourite fruit of the emperors.

Peach Origin & Characteristics

The peach tree is deciduous, it bears the botanical name Prunus Persica, and is part of the Rosaceae family, the same as roses, and in the same sub genus as almonds. The meaning of the botanical is “Persian plum” since it is closely related to the plum, and mistakenly believed to have originated from Persia. The fruit was referred to by the Ancient Romans as “malum persicum”, which translates to “Persian apple”, later becoming the French “pêche”, and the English ”peach”. It is now believed that they originated from China since archaeologists speculate that they were domesticated along the Yangtze River, having found fossilised peaches there which are believed to date back to 6000 BC. It is reputed that Alexander the Great introduced the peaches into Europe having found them in Persia.

Peach Oil & Benefits

Jam packed with skin loving nutrients and vitamins, including potassium, zinc, selenium, magnesium and beta-carotene, along with vitamins K, A and E, plus essential fatty acids, peach oil has a long tradition of use as a beauty aid. In Ancient China the oil was used by the ladies to prevent ageing. The Romans recognised its beneficial properties too, and it was a prized beauty treatment. It became widely used for skincare in England during the first half of the 16th century, and is now a vital ingredient in many creams and lotions due to its healing and skin rejuvenating qualities. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-comedogenic, antioxidant, emollient and soothing properties.

Peach Oil for Skin
Peach oil is extremely lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, penetrating deeply without leaving a greasy residue, and providing complete nourishment whilst locking in moisture, restoring dry or flaky skin, and at the same time controlling sebum production, thus omitting oily skin. It provides total skin rejuvenation since it’s full of healthy vitamins, antioxidants, minerals & essential fatty acids to totally support the skin, encouraging skin rebirth and collagen formation, reducing inflammation, fighting free radicals and restoring the skin’s natural pH balance. It is suitable for any skin type to repair, rejuvenate and replenish, keeping the skin in tiptop condition. Since it is so light, the oil won’t exasperate oily skin as it will penetrate deeply, without clogging pores which is the major cause of breakouts and acne. Furthermore, it’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a valuable ally against acne causing bacteria, and its ability to regulate sebum can prevent further breakouts, whilst protecting & restoring damaged skin and encouraging skin renewal. Skin conditions such as eczema & rosacea are often caused by free radical damage. Rich in antioxidants, this oil can reduce and prevent further symptoms, whilst boosting the growth of new skin cells to help repair damaged skin cells, reducing inflammation, calming redness and helping the skin to heal and repair itself. More mature skin will also benefit from the active antioxidants which will prevent further skin tissue degrading, whilst the oil will help to boost collagen and elastin production, making the skin more supple and firm, reducing sagging skin and deterring the signs of ageing. Skin cell turnover will be accelerated, and dull and tired skin will be replaced with a radiant glow.
To use: For everyday use, just add a few drops to your usual moisturiser. For skin suffering from any ailment such as dermatitis or acne, add 3 drops of peach oil in 1 teaspoon of Coconut or Jojoba carrier oil, and massage into the affected area twice a day. For ageing skin, apply a serum of 5 drops of peach oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of coconut or jojoba carrier oil twice a week. For a facial to brighten the skin, open the pores and extract impurities, add a couple of drops to a bowl of hot water and gently steam the face. Peach oil can be used as an all over skin moisturiser. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil and evenly rub on the body, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Peach Oil for Pigmentation & Scars
With its ability to promote skin regeneration and thus prevent dead skin cells from sitting on the surface of the skin, peach oil can assist in scar healing and fading discolouration, blemishes and skin imperfections, helping to tone the skin, resulting in a brighter, clearer skin with a healthy glow.
To use: Mix three drops of peach oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and gently massage into the pigmented or scarred area.

Peach Oil for Hair
Like the skin on the rest of the body, the scalp can also do with some additional help to keep it in tip-top shape, and peach oil is an excellent choice for this area since it is readily absorbed and can help to control sebum production, thus helping to eliminate an oily scalp. In the same way, it will also control dryness, including dandruff, without clogging the pores or follicles or leaving a greasy residue. The fatty acids in the peach oil means that it has superb restorative properties which will help to promote soft and manageable hair, shining with health. Applied to the hair, it will provide a protective coat to assist against colour fading, breakage, dryness, tangles, and damage from UV, sun, wind and pollution. It can also help to define curls and control frizz. Since the oil is so light it will not weigh down the hair and will wash out easily.
To use: Add a couple of drops of peach oil to an oil such as Jojoba and massage into the scalp. Wrap the hair in a towel and leave for an hour, or ideally overnight. Rinse out with shampoo. For an intense deep conditioner for dry or damaged hair, it may be added undiluted to the hair strands (avoid skin) and wrapped in a towel for an hour before being washed out with a shampoo, leaving the hair super silky. 

Peach Oil for Nails
Peach oil is a great choice for helping to soften and soothe the cuticles, and when applied regularly it will prevent drying. It will add a natural shine to nails, especially those traumatised by artificial nail applications, and can be applied to the nail surface before buffing, to help promote shine.
To use: Add 3 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the cuticles and nails.

Peach Oil & Aromatherapy

When used in aromatherapy, the delicate fragrance of peach oil can relax, calm and balance the mood.

Peach Oil for Massage
When mixed with a carrier oil and applied as a massage, peach oil is known to deeply moisturise, reduce skin inflammation, regulate sebum, restore the skin’s natural pH balance and brighten the skin. Perfect to soothe and soften dry, ageing, inflamed skin or sensitive skin. With its soothing properties it can also help to relax the body and mind, and assist with sleeping disorders.
To use: Mix three drops of peach oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and gently massage into the skin for all over moisturisation, concentrating on any dry or inflamed areas.