Almond Oil - The Wonder Potion Your Face Needs!

Almonds are called the “King of nuts” for a reason! They are packed with natural nutrients that can work wonders on your body and skin.

So whether your face skin feels damaged, dry and itchy, or you just want that natural glow, including almond oil in your daily face-care ritual can make a huge difference.

In this article, let us explore what nutrients are present in almond oil and how to use it on your face for maximum benefits.

Highlights:

• Why Is Almond Oil So Good For Your Face?
• Choosing The Right Almond Oil For Your Face
• Skin-Friendly Nutrients In Almond Oil
• How Does Almond Oil Benefit Your Face?
• Incorporating Almond Oil In Your Face Care Routine
• Can Almond Oil Be Left On The Face Overnight?

Why Is Almond Oil So Good For Your Face?

Almond oil is one of the best natural sources of healthy fatty acids, antioxidants and other phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals). These nutrients nourish and hydrate your facial skin, making it healthy and supple.

Almond oil is very light and thus, can be absorbed quickly by the skin. Being mild in nature, it can be used by almost everyone, irrespective of their skin types.

Additionally, daily usage of almond oil on your face can slow photoaging (premature aging of skin due to excess exposure to UV radiation) and help alleviate a number of other skin conditions as described below.

Choosing The Right Almond Oil For Your Face

Almond oil can be of two types

• Sweet almond oil obtained from Prunus dulcis var. amygdalus
• Bitter almond oil obtained from Prunus dulcis var. amara

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the delectable, edible almonds. It is high in olein, which enhances its skin barrier effect. It also has a high content of proteins, vitamins and minerals that revitalize the facial skin and heal a number of skin problems. Therefore, sweet almond oil is the ideal choice for facial skin care. [1]

Bitter almond oil is used as an essential oil for its strong aroma. However, it is best to avoid it in skin care, as it can have toxic effects.

It is also important to note that the method of extraction of almond oil affects its quality. Oil extracted by cold compression, without the use of heat or harmful chemicals, retains all its nutrition and goodness. Thus, cold-compressed sweet almond oil is best suited for skin care.

Skin-Friendly Nutrients In Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil (Oleum amygdalae) is a rich source of numerous macro and micro nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. [2]

Some of the important nutrients that enrich your skin include:

1. Vitamin E

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, that help soothe the skin and reduce oxidative stress. [3]

2. Vitamin A

Boosts cell regeneration, which helps smoothen fine lines on the face. [4]

3. Fatty acids

Almond oil has high content of fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc. [5]

• Oleic acid can soften your dry skin and reduce wrinkles.
• Linoleic acid is anti-inflammatory, which can help heal acne or other wounds.
• Palmitic acid enhances skin barrier effect, and protects from bacteria and allergens.
• Stearic acid acts as a cleanser as well as an emollient (helps retain moisture in the skin).

4. Zinc

Facilitates wound healing and maintenance of a healthy skin-barrier function. [6]

How Does Almond Oil Benefit Your Face?

Sweet almond oil has been used since historical times as a beautifying as well as therapeutic agent in India, China and the Mediterranean region. [7]

It can benefit your face in the following ways:

1. Moisturizer and Emollient

Almond oil, with its high content of healthy fatty acids, helps retain moisture on your skin's surface and hydrates your face. This gives it a healthy glow. Being light and non-sticky, it is a good choice for all skin types.

2. Photoaging

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which protects your face from harmful UV rays. It can also reverse tanning to some extent. [8]

3. Skin Rejuvenation

Being high in Vitamin A, it helps smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, thus giving your skin a more youthful look.

4. Anti-Comedogenic

Almond oil does not block or clog the pores on your facial skin, thus preventing skin breakouts.

5. Skin around the eye

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, almond oil can be used to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

6. Lip care

A little almond oil on your lips every night can heal dry, chapped lips and make them look plum and nourished.

7. Reduction of scars

Being rich in Zinc and retinoids, almond oil can help reduce scars with long term application. 

8. Antipruritic

Almond oil has been used in alternative medicines to treat itchiness resulting from eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, it is best to consult a qualified dermatologist before using any products for treating medical conditions.

Incorporating Almond Oil In Your Face Care Routine

You can use almond oil in one or all of the following ways everyday:

1. Hydration and rejuvenation

Rub the required amount of almond oil between your palms to activate it and directly apply it on your entire face and lips. Leave it on to let it do its magic on your skin!

2. Anti-tan

You can use almond oil as a sun-protection agent, which not only protects your face from tanning but also makes your skin tone lighter.

3. Cleansing agent

Almond oil can also be used as a cleansing agent to remove make-up, sweat and dirt from your face after a long, tiring day.

4. Carrier oil

Sweet almond oil is a fixed oil (i.e., it does not evaporate). Thus, it can be used as a carrier oil to carry other essential oils deeply into your skin during a face massage.

5. Ingredient in beauty products

Almond oil can be incorporated into a number of cosmetic and personal care products such as moisturizers, compact, massage cream or face scrubs.

Combinations With Almond Oil

1. Almond oil can be mixed with a few drops of lemon juice and honey to remove excess tan from your face and make it even-toned.

2.Fine sugar with almond oil can be used as a face scrub to exfoliate or remove dead skin from your face, giving it a fresh look.

3. Sweet almond oil, being a carrier oil, can be combined with lavender, rosehip or lemon oil to serve varied purposes.

How Frequently Can Almond Oil Be Used?

Almond oil can be used on a daily basis if you do not develop any adverse effects such as allergies. To see the visible effects of the multitude of goodness from this natural oil, you need to use it daily for at least a couple of weeks.

Who Should And Who Should Not Use Almond Oil?

Almond oil is low in acidity, light in texture and mild. It can be used by people of all skin types. Almond oil is even used for massaging kids traditionally.

However, since this oil is extracted from the almond nuts, it is best avoided by people with a history of nut allergies. It is also advised to perform a patch test on sensitive skin, like the underside of your arm or leg, before using almond oil for the first time.

Can Almond Oil Be Left On The Face Overnight?

If your facial skin is dry and you are using sweet almond oil as a hydrating agent, then it is best to massage your face with a few drops of almond oil and leave it overnight. Also, if you are using it on specialised areas such as an extra-dry patch, scar or under-eye region leaving it overnight would give you better results.

However, if you have oily skin or you are using this oil as a cleanser, it is best to remove it after 20 - 30 minutes.

Wrapping up

Since the time almond was domesticated, it has been valued for its multitude of benefits, be it cosmetic, nutritional or therapeutic. However, you must always determine the source and the manufacturing process involved, before using any product on the sensitive and delicate skin of your face. Almond oil is no exception. Use cold-pressed almond oil from trusted manufacturing companies.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin