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Don’t you just love the sweet savoury taste of almond seeds? You can eat it raw, snack on it, add it to your desserts and so on. They are basically one of the healthiest seeds to eat, and the oil is a powerhouse of nutrients.
Sweet almond oil has been a beauty secret for centuries, cherished for its versatility and effectiveness in enhancing both skin and hair. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, this natural oil is a powerhouse when it comes to promoting healthy, glowing skin and encouraging hair growth
Unlike coconut oil, Almond oil is lightweight, will not break you out and is safe for people with sensitive or combination skin types. Almond oil is also used by aromatherapists and beauticians due to its richness in oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids.
What Is Almond Oil
Almond oil is an extract of edible seeds called almonds. Despite being called nuts, almonds are actually seeds of a fruit. You can eat almonds as a snack, dessert, raw, grind them in flour or use the oil. Almond oil is a nutrient-dense of Vitamin E, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, phosphorus, riboflavin, monounsaturated fatty acids and proteins.
There are basically two varieties of almonds: sweet and bitter almonds. Both are produced by different types of trees. Bitter almond oil is an essential oil that can be toxic if not processed properly. Also, bitter almond oil is not suitable for consumption and skin due to its toxicity.
Almost 50% of Almond weight is made of fat (good fat) that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps with weight loss. In fact, habitual consumption of almonds does not lead to weight gain,
In addition, almond oil is rich in squalene, vitamin D, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and other vitamins such as vitamin B complex, Zinc that are constituents of healthy-looking skin. Now let’s get to the benefits of sweet almond oil for skin and hair growth.
Benefits Of Sweet Almond Oil For Skin
1. Deep Moisturization
Sweet almond oil is an excellent moisturizer for all skin types. Its high concentration of fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, helps to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. The oil penetrates deeply into the skin, making it soft, smooth, and supple.
Almond oil when applied topically on the skin remains on the surface of the skin, without penetrating the skin to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the surface of the skin. It also regulates cell turnover to keep your skin glowing and toned all day.
2. Improves Complexion and Skin Tone
Regular use of sweet almond oil can help even out your skin tone and improve your complexion. It’s effective in reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. The oil’s emollient properties also make it ideal for smoothing rough patches and improving the overall texture of your skin.
Due to its emollient properties, almond oil is able to improve skin texture and appearance. You can try incorporating almond oil into your skincare routine if you love plant oils.
3. Reduce The Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Although, sweet almond oil works, bitter almond oil works best in reducing the appearance of stretch marks when applied to affected areas. When massaged on the skin, almond oil softens the skin and reduces the appearance of skin stretching.
Research from Peri-Natal Care showed participants divided into 3. The first group applied bitter almond oil with massage for 15 minutes, the second group merely applied bitter almond oil with no massage while the last group were the control group. The group that applied bitter almond oil with massage saw a significant reduction in stretch marks.
I would highly recommend you apply sweet almond oil to your skin. Bitter almond oil for skin is not recommended regardless of this research. Since sweet almond oil has incredibly softening properties, it can be applied to areas where stretch marks are. It will soften the skin and allow the skin to stretch without showing visible marks.
4. Soothe Inflammation And Irritation
Sweet almond oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn, applying sweet almond oil can provide relief and promote healing. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin, including the delicate area around the eyes.
Research from Neonatal Medicine showed that the application of aloe vera gel and sweet almond oil was more effective in reducing itching, redness and preventing the spread of stretch marks on the surface of the abdomen.
5. Rich In Antioxidants and Protects Against UV Radiation
Packed with vitamins A, E, and D, sweet almond oil is a natural source of antioxidants. Vitamin E, in particular, helps to protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging. Regular use of sweet almond oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
The application of almond oil on the skin has been shown to prevent structural damage caused by UV radiation, support the skin barrier and reduce the signs of aging. This is not to say skip your sunscreen but applying a bit of almond oil after moisturizing can go a long way to support your skin.
Benefits Of Sweet Almond Oil For Hair Growth
6. Promotes Hair Growth
Sweet almond oil is rich in magnesium, zinc, calcium and fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6—minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. Massaging your scalp with sweet almond oil stimulates blood circulation, which helps nourish the hair follicles and promote growth. Over time, you’ll notice stronger, thicker, and longer hair.
7. Strengthens And Repair The Scalp
Almond oil is highly rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids that are vital for hair health. A study on Brazillian nuts which has formulations similar to almond oil showed a reduction in split ends and reduced hair breakage. Also, Almond oil is rich in magnesium, a mineral that is linked with hair growth and thickness.
By moisturizing and nourishing the scalp, the oil can help reduce breakage and split ends, keeping your hair healthy and intact.
8. Adds Shine and Softness
If your hair is dull or dry, sweet almond oil can help restore its natural shine and softness. The oil’s emollient properties smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and leaving your hair silky and manageable. It’s an excellent treatment for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair.
9. Seals In Moisture
Almond oil is an excellent sealant. When applied to hair, it locks in moisture, nutrients and prevents dryness to keep hair healthy. Ensure you apply from the scalp to the tip of your hair.
10. Protects Hair from Damage
Whether you’re dealing with heat damage from styling tools or environmental stressors like pollution, sweet almond oil can help protect your hair. The oil forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, shielding it from damage and keeping it strong and resilient.
Side Effects Of Sweet Almond Oil
While sweet almonds may provide lots of health, skin and hair benefits, it is worth noting that they also induce adverse effects in people allergic to nuts. Allergy to almonds resembles that of other nuts allergies like nausea, hives, swelling, itching, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
If you are reactive to nuts, please do not put almond oil on your skin. It is as bad as ingesting it.
How to Use Sweet Almond Oil in Your Routine
For Skin:
- Moisturizer: Apply a few drops of sweet almond oil to your face and body after cleansing. You can use it alone or mix it with your favorite moisturizer for added hydration.
- Makeup Remover: Use a cotton pad soaked in sweet almond oil to gently remove makeup. Rinse with warm water and follow up with your regular cleanser.
- Face Mask: Mix sweet almond oil with honey and yogurt to create a hydrating face mask. Apply to your face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off for glowing skin.
For Hair:
- Scalp Massage: Warm a small amount of sweet almond oil and massage it into your scalp in circular motions. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deep conditioning treatment, then wash your hair as usual.
- Hair Serum: Apply a few drops of sweet almond oil to the ends of your hair after styling to add shine and tame frizz.
- Deep Conditioner: Mix sweet almond oil with coconut oil and apply it to your hair from roots to ends. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for an hour before washing out with shampoo.
Sweet Almond Oil Face And Body Products
You can use sweet almond oil as a standalone by applying it to your skin or hair. However, you may also get in skincare products to boost almond oil effectiveness. You can use sweet almond oil as an oil cleanser, make-up remover, nails and apply to your skin.
