Almond, which is known as the king of nuts, is found mostly in Middle-Eastern countries. Today, California has become one of the largest producers of almonds in the world because of the content in it. These dried almonds are cold-pressed with less heat to extract oil from it. Generally, the cold-pressed oils are unrefined oils with a lot of nutrients in them. Certain chemicals for fragrance are added to refine these oils. This almond oil is widely used in most households for the hair and skin because of the natural benefits present in it.
Almond oil is a widely used product all over the world because of the essential nutrients present in it. The essential properties of almond oil are:
- Almond oil is known for its antioxidant properties. This oil can fight the free radicals generated in the body.
- This oil is anti-inflammatory. It helps in curing any inflammations, swellings, and irritations caused on the skin.
- It is enriched with Vitamin –E, vitamin-A, and some essential fatty acids making it a perfect skincare regime.
- This oil is suitable for all skin types, i.e., dry skin and sensitive skin because it is very mild and hypoallergenic.
- Almond oil contains 32% of monounsaturated oleic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid), which is beneficial for the heart and maintains cholesterol levels.
- This oil is positively packed with potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus, thus making it an immunity booster.
Benefits of Almond oil for Skin:
Almond oil, a middle east born product, has been used since ancient times to treat minor wounds and cuts. Pure almond oil is beneficial for both skin and hair. It does miracles on dry and lifeless skin by nourishing it. Some of the benefits are listed down:
1. Treats Skin Rashes:
- Skin rashes are generally caused on dry skin, which are so irritable and even cause a burning sensation.
- Almond oil treats skin rashes because of its anti-inflammatory properties. This oil fights any inflammations caused on the skin and makes it smooth.
- Apply this oil on the infected part gently and massage it in circular motions till the oil gets absorbed into the skin.
- Use this oil twice a day, preferably during after the bath and before going to bed to experience good results.
2. Anti-aging:
- People these days want to look very young even in their 40s. For this, they use different anti-aging cosmetic products.
- Almond oil is one such oil that reduces the signs of aging on the face. The antioxidants present in the oil removes the dead cells present on the face and contribute to the generation of new cells on the face.
- Firstly, clean your face with a face wash and pat dry.
- Spread a sufficient quantity of pure almond oil on your hands and massage the oil on your face gently in a clockwise direction and counter-clockwise course.
- Leave it overnight so that the oil gets absorbed into the skin.
- Apply the oil regularly during the night and observe the changes in front of your mirror within weeks.
3. Cleansing:
- Sweet almond oil is one of the best natural cleansers that can be incorporated in your beauty kit.
- This oil is excellent at purging the skin of toxins, retains the moisture on the surface, and blocks the entry of unwanted microbes.
- This is also helpful in removing the makeup safely without any irritations and swellings.
- This oil gets absorbed fastly into the skin and thus makes the face less oily.
- Cleanse your face regularly by massaging the oil on your face in circular motions, leave it to dry itself.
4. Repairs Dry Skin:
- People with dry skin often have the feeling of itching and scratching the surface which makes the skin much worse.
- The sweet almond oil, which has the fatty acids present in it, helps the skin retain the moisture and keeps it hydrated. The vitamin-E present soothes the irritation caused because of dry skin.
- Apply the oil on the skin regularly to ease the feeling of irritation. Regular application of almond oil can moisturize the skin and makes it healthier.
5. Stretch Marks:
- Stretch marks are mostly seen in pregnant women and lactating mothers. These marks are caused by the distortion of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.
- These marks are generally formed on the woman’s hips, abdomen, back, and thighs.
- Almond oil, which is enriched with vitamin –E, is known for its skin repairing properties, acts as a natural remedy in controlling stretch marks.
- For the stretch marks to become invisible, pregnant women should apply this oil regularly.
- Take the required quantity of oil in your hand and spread it on the area where there are stretch marks and massage gently and leave it to dry.
6. Cracked Feet:
- Cracked feet is the formation of cracks in the heels, which is more common after the age of 25. Even though we take care of our feet, they start cracking, and skin starts peeling off. This looks very embarrassing.
- Almond oil, which is very light, quickly penetrates the skin and repairs the tissues. The antioxidant property of this oil promotes the formation of new cells by clearing off the dead cells.
- Apply this oil on the cracked heels overnight, and wash it with lukewarm water. You can observe the results in no time.
7. Removes Dark Circles:
- Dark circles and puffiness underneath the eyes are one of the main concerns that today’s generation is facing.
- Sweet almond oil is believed to reduce these dark circles underneath the skin. The antioxidants in this oil help in shrinking the blood vessels beneath the eyes, and lighten the appearance of the dark circles.
- Take fresh cotton roll and dip it in the oil and rub the cotton around the eyes where there are dark circles and leave it overnight.
- For desired results, continue this regularly till the dark circles around the eyes disappear.
[ Read More: Almond Oil for Dark Circles ]
8. Hydrates Skin:
- The loss of moisture content makes the skin dehydrated, dry, and brittle.
- Applying almond oil on the skin makes the moisture content gets locked up, thus keeping the skin hydrated and glowing all day long.
- Apply sweet almond oil on to the skin twice a day to keep the skin hydrated. Apply this oil in the morning after the bath and during nights before going to bed.
9. Sun Protection:
- Sun has some harmful UV rays that damage the skin and destroy the epithelial cells.
- Almond oil is said to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and it also reverses any damage caused by these rays on the skin.
- The antioxidants present in the oil acts as a barrier on the skin from the harmful sun rays.
- If your skin is susceptible to suns rays, consider mixing this oil with your SPF to obtain desired results.
10. Oily Skin, Acne, and Pimples:
- Our body naturally secrets an oily substance called sebum from the sebaceous glands, which is essential for the protection of skin.
- But, when this oil gets secreted in large amounts, the dirt gets trapped on the skin and face, which attracts bacteria causing pimples and acne.
- Almond oil, because of its cleansing nature, cleans these pores of any impurities, dirt, and unnecessary oils, thus making the skin free from acne, pimples, and oil.
- Gently massage the sweet almond oil on the affected area once a day, preferably before going to bed.
[ Read More: Almond Oil for Acne Scars ]
Final Thoughts:
Almond oil, the king of nuts, has several benefits, applying it topically on the surface of the skin. Even doctors suggest pregnant women use almond oil for stretch marks because of its naturally present antioxidant property. But, before you start applying on the skin and around the eyes, it is better to test for any allergies. Lastly, the bottom line is that if you want to look younger without any spots on your skin, almond oil is a perfect choice. Go and grab this fantastic product from your nearby market.
FAQ’s
1. What Are The Possible Side Effects of Applying Almond Oil?
Ans: Almond oil is generally safe to apply on the skin. But, anyone who has a nut allergy should not use this oil on skin and hair. This may cause severe skin allergies causing skin diseases.
2. What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Ans: Sweet almond oil is one type of almond oil that is prepared by pressing the kernels (nuts) that are produced from the sweet almond plant. This oil contains the same properties as that of the regular almond oil. This oil is widely used for cosmetics.