Almond Oil

Have your parents been giving you almonds for improving mental function? Do those almonds help you get good grades on a math test? Almonds are well known for increasing your mental performance and reducing the risk of related disorders. The reason why they help you perform better in exams is that almonds improve your cognitive function and strengthen your memory. Almonds are hulled and dried to extract almond oil which increases the range of benefits that almonds have to offer since oils are more versatile. The use of almond oil dates back to 4000 B.C. for different ailments as well as for revamping your skin. (1)

Let’s solve the mystery between the characteristics and use of sweet and bitter almond oil. Bitter almond oil is an essential oil that is extracted directly from the almond plant. This type of oil is volatile and used for aromatherapy and adding flavors to products. On the other hand, sweet almond oil is a fixed carrier oil that does not evaporate and is used in skincare products. Each of the oil is derived from a different tree in different regions of the world. You should always opt for sweet almond oil when applying the oil on the skin and ingesting it, as bitter almond oil may be toxic and should be used in small amounts for adding fragrance. (2)

Almond oil contains vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids with antioxidant properties that protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin look smoother. Almond oil is famous in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat scarring. Vitamin A in the oil has similar effects and it also helps replenish the skin. The anti-aging effect of almond oil makes it an essential ingredient for related skin care products. (3)

The oil has antibacterial properties which prevent acne-causing bacteria from affecting the skin. The oil dissolves the dirt and accumulated sebum in the clogged pores making the pores cleaner. This also prevents acne and skin breakouts. Almond oil also contains zinc which also helps reduce acne and acne scars. (4)

Almond oil maintains the integrity of the natural skin barrier and prevents the skin from losing excess water. This indirectly moisturizes the skin and relieves the symptoms of eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. (5)

Puffy eyes and dark circles are the evidence of those sleepless nights and immense efforts you put into achieving your goals. There may be other causes including genetics, inflammation, and impaired blood flow to the eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of almond oil aid in minimizing dark circles and under-eye bags. (6)

You can massage your foot regularly to prevent an athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. Almond oil also smoothens the skin of your foot and improves cracked heels. You don’t have to hide your feet anymore and can flaunt them confidently. (4)

Almond oil is an emollient which makes hair smoother and shinier. Soft hair experiences less friction which results in lesser split ends and hair fall. Well-nourished hair is stronger, healthier, and less prone to damage. (7)

Almond oil contains essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids which prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Anti-inflammatory properties of the oil reduce inflammation and calm the scalp which further enhances the hair growth process. (8)

Want to get rid of the white flakes on your shoulder? Almond oil softens the dandruff particles and makes them less sticky to the scalp. Shampooing and combing hair after applying the oil will remove dandruff. Dandruff in the future can be prevented by the moisturizing effect of almond oil. (9)

Almond oil is the universal solution to many skin and hair problems. You should supplement this with other oils to get the most benefits out of it.

1. Ahmad, Zeeshan. “The uses and properties of almond oil.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 16,1 (2010): 10-2. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
2. Jones S. What is the difference between Sweet Almond and Bitter Almond [Internet]. Susan’s Soaps & More. 2020 [cited 4 December 2021]. Available from: https://www.susansoaps.com/what-is-the-difference-between-sweet-almond-and-bitter-almond/
3. Gallagher G. Almond Oil for Your Face: Benefits and How to Use [Internet]. Healthline. 2019 [cited 4 December 2021]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/almond-oil-for-face
4. Ferreira M. Almond Oil: What Are the Benefits? [Internet]. Healthline. 2017 [cited 4 December 2021]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/almond-oil
5. Van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Christensen R, Lavrijsen A, Arents BWM. Emollients and moisturizers for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Feb 6;2(2): CD012119. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012119.pub2. PMID: 28166390; PMCID: PMC6464068.
6. Ahmad, Zeeshan. “The uses and properties of almond oil.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 16,1 (2010): 10-2. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
7. Shi, Z et al. Se PU = Chinese journal of chromatography vol. 17,5 (1999): 506-7.
8. Jordan A. Almond Oil Is The Most Underrated Ingredient For Soft, Healthy Hair: Here’s Why [Internet]. mindbodygreen. 2020 [cited 4 December 2021]. Available from: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/almond-oil-for-hair-5-benefits-for-healthy-strands
9. Patwardhan R. Know The Many Benefits of Almond Oil For Hair [Internet]. Femina. in. 2018 [cited 4 December 2021]. Available from: https://www.femina.in/beauty/hair/the-many-benefits-of-almond-oil-for-hair-80677.html