Whole and shelled almonds.
Almond oil has various benefits, most of them cosmetic; It is perhaps most commonly used as a skin and hair moisturizer, but it also has antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for use as a healing agent as well. It can also be rubbed on the skin to help relieve muscle pain or diffused in a room as aromatherapy, primarily to promote a sense of calm and well-being. Usage specifications generally depend on the type of oil used, i.e. sweet or sour. Each comes from a different variety of almond tree, and in most cases the oils are not interchangeable. They are not always safe for everyone and should generally only be used after some research to avoid allergic reactions or interactions with medications or other natural supplements.
Differentiation of available types
Almond oil can be found in many skin care products.
In general, there are two main types of almond oil. Sweet almond oil is most common for use in cosmetics and skin and hair care, and comes from the flowers and nuts of the tonsil variety of the almond tree, which is usually the type grown for human consumption. Bitter almond oil, on the other hand, is from the variety of the amara tree. This tree also produces nuts, but they tend to be smaller and are not normally sold commercially like sweet almonds. The oil is usually more concentrated and is more commonly used in essential oils for aromatherapy and medicinal uses.
As a skin moisturizer
Almond oil can be used to make hair thicker and stronger.
Sweet almond oil is a natural moisturizer that can be used topically to treat dry, flaky skin, and because it is easily absorbed by the top layer of skin, it is often used as a lubricating massage oil. It is usually quite heavy, but it is a natural emollient that is not too greasy and absorbs quickly. This rapid absorption is essential to help repair dry, cracked or scaly skin and soften areas of hard skin, especially on the elbows, heels and knees. When used regularly as a moisturizer, it makes the skin soft and supple and has been found to be a soothing agent for various skin inflammations. It can also be used to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Gently rubbing a drop of almond oil under each eye at night will rehydrate delicate skin and reduce puffiness.
The benefits of almond oil for the skin extend to the treatment of dark circles.
A related benefit of almond oil relates to medical skin problems. Sweet versions have been used since ancient times to treat chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Two plant-derived compounds in almond oil, oleic acid and ursolic acid, are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and a restorative and healing effect on the outer layer of the skin. It’s also rich in skin-nourishing vitamins A and E, as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B6, making it prominent in many soaps and beauty products, especially moisturizers.
For the hair
Sweet almond oil can be used during aromatherapy.
The benefits of almond oil for hair are almost as numerous as for the skin. In addition to helping dry, brittle hair become thicker and stronger with its moisturizing properties, almond oil nourishes hair cuticles and adds a healthy shine to even the dullest hair. It is also a good hair cleanser and can help keep your hair and scalp healthy. Regular use of almond oil as a scalp lubricant has been found to facilitate hair growth.
antimicrobial properties
Almond oil has natural antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat minor wounds, sunburns, and infections. In addition to helping prevent infection, it can help moisturize the skin and thus aid in the body’s natural regeneration process. It’s also a common ingredient in products designed to relieve acne, as it can help stop the spread of bacterial infections that are often the cause.
Muscle pain relief
Rubbing almond oil directly on the skin has also been shown to relieve minor muscle pain. Its rich emollient qualities allow it to penetrate deep below the skin’s surface and, with proper pressure and sustained application, can help release tension and promote relaxation of muscle fibers. Almond oil is similar to olive oil in its composition of essential fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and omega-3s. As such, it is often used as a substitute in salad dressings and recipes that call for oil, such as stir-fries.
aromatherapy
Of the two types of almond oil, only bitter almond oil is an essential oil; sweet almond oil is a base or carrier oil. Carrier oils typically don’t work well in diffusers since they aren’t as concentrated. Bitter almond oil is common in aromatherapy, whether in diffusers or sprays, and is often said to promote a sense of calm and invigoration.