Almond oil is an age-old ingredient for health and beauty. Its use has been recorded much before science figured out the goodness of this seed oil.
Owing to the generous amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, potassium, proteins, zinc, and a number of other vitamins and minerals that the seed and the oil contain, almond oil works wonders for the skin, hair, and health.
Note: There are two kinds of almond oils.
- The bitter almond oil: This comes from pressing bitter almonds that contains amygdalin that turns into toxic hydrocyanic acid once it is processed. Though it has some medicinal properties, bitter almond oil cannot be ingested. This oil can be used for topical application only.
- Sweet almond oil: This comes from edible almonds. This oil is used extensively for skin and hair. This oil has culinary uses too.
Quickly, let’s consider some of the benefits of almond oil for the skin, hair, and health.
For easy understanding; I am going to discuss the benefits of Almond Oil under the following sections: Skin, Hair, and Health.
Skin Benefits Of Almond Oil
Almond oil is one among the many miracle oils that truly help in enhancing the complexion and dealing with a lot of skin problems.
- Makes Skin Healthier
Almond oil improves the complexion greatly and imparts a warm glow to the skin. It completely nourishes the skin, making it smoother and softer.
2. Reduces Dark Circles
A sure shot solution to get rid of dark circles is by massaging your under eyes with almond oil before you go to bed.
3. Delays Signs Of Aging
Applying almond oil on your skin regularly will make your skin feel younger and fresher.
- Treats Chapped Lips
You can make your very own lip balm to make use of its goodness. Every time your lips feel rough and chapped, you can just roll on a little, and you will be good to go.
5. A Good Solution For Acne And Eczema
Almond oil is a time-tested remedy for all kinds of skin troubles like acne and eczema. It soothes irritation and relaxes the skin.
6. Reduces Tan
Almond oil is a natural sunscreen and has SPF 5 (7). It not only reduces the likeliness of tanning and sunburn but also reverses the effects of the sun.
7. Substitutes For Hand And Foot Cream
Almond oil is a light oil, and therefore, is less greasy compared to other oils. It is a great substitute for hand and foot creams. It smoothens the skin and makes it baby soft.
8. An Ideal Makeup Remover
Almond oil acts as an ideal makeup remover as it is lighter than and not as greasy as the other available options.
9. Removes Impurities And Dead Skin Cells
The skin tends to look dull due to the accumulation of dead skin cells that originate due to external factors like pollution, dirt, sweat, etc.
You Will Need
- 4-5 almonds (crushed)
- A teaspoon of milk
- A few drops of lemon juice
- gram flour
Combine the above ingredients and apply the mixture on your face. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with water. Alternatively, a scrub can be made using a tablespoon of almond oil and a teaspoon of sugar. Massage this scrub on the face in small circular motions to get rid of dead skin cells and blackheads.
10. Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Getting rid of wrinkles is one of the most known benefits of almond oil. Massaging your skin with this oil will help in improving the blood circulation and tighten your dull, aged skin.
This Is What You Need To Do
Heat 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Add 2 drops of Vitamin E oil to it. When the heat is bearable, start applying this oil on your face and massage gently with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue this process for about 10-15 minutes and wipe off your face with a soft towel or tissue. Splash water and pat dry.
Hair Benefits Of Almond Oil
- Gets Rid Of Split Ends
Unhealthy hair is never a good sign. But the dirt and pollution, along with our busy schedules, never really help our case. This might be the solution to healthy, split end-free hair.
This Is What You Need To Do
A mixture of almond, castor, and olive oil in equal proportions massaged into the hair will help you get rid of split ends. Apply this once or twice a week, and notice a change in no time.
2. It Can Substitute Shine Enhancers And Leave-In Conditioners
If you have dry hair, almond oil will come to your rescue. Of course, you can oil your hair and leave it in for a few hours, but that will not solve the problem completely. So, every time you wash your hair, you could gently massage in a few drops of this miracle oil that will condition your hair and keep it soft, hydrated, and shiny.
3. Treats Dandruff
Almond oil effectively cures dandruff by removing dead cells. It also nourishes the hair and keeps it healthy, and keeps hair troubles at bay.
This Is What You Need To Do
A mixture of mashed gooseberry and almond oil applied generously on the hair and left for about 30 minutes, followed by a hair wash, is sure to soothe the scalp and ensure dandruff-free hair.
4. Reduces Scalp Inflammations
Our scalp is frequently exposed to dust, heat, pollution, and chemical styling products. All of this can lead to inflammation. If ignored, this inflammation can cause an acute case of hair fall and dandruff.
This Is What You Need To Do
Almond oil should be regularly used, and massaged on the scalp to reduce these inflammations.
Health Skin Benefits Of Almond Oil
We all know that eating raw almonds is extremely beneficial. But you might not know that almond oil too has its own set of health benefits. Take a look:
- Prevents Heart Ailments
Sweet almond oil is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats promote the heart’s health and prevent cardiovascular diseases
This Is What You Need To Do
Cook your food with a teaspoon of sweet almond oil.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure And Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Almond oil is known to solve a host of health problems. It helps keep type 2 diabetes at bay; it restores liver health and maintains the health of the heart. It also regulates blood pressure and maintains the cholesterol levels.
3. Boosts Immunity And Aids Digestion
Almond oil is known to boost immunity. Regular consumption makes the body stronger and enables it to fight common infections. It also proves to be an effective laxative and aids digestion.
This Is What You Need To Do
You could add almond oil as a dressing for tasty salads. This is one of the best ways to consume almond oil.
4. Boosts Memory And Strengthens Nervous System
They say if you eat five almonds a day, your memory improves. Even almond oil boosts your memory and strengthens the nervous system.
This Is What You Need To Do
Add a few drops of the oil to a glass of milk and drink this every night before you go to sleep.
5. Enhances Blood Circulation And Baby’s Bone Development
Massaging a newborn baby’s joints with almond oil enhances the blood circulation and also helps in the right development of the bones.
This Is What You Need To Do
Give your baby a regular massage with almond oil for soft skin and healthy bones.
6. Relieves Pain And Muscles Stress
Any kind of massage is therapeutic, but a good massage with almond oil can also relieve muscular aches and pains.
This Is What You Need To Do?
A few tablespoons of heated almond oil, when massaged into the affected area, almost instantly relieve you from joint or muscular pains.
Please Note!!! Too much of anything is bad, even water. So, make sure you do not over do with the almond oil, and do ask a nutritionist or a physician before you consume the oil. Also, it is extremely important to be aware of which almond oil you consume. Make sure you pick sweet almond oil only. The bitter one is toxic.