Almonds commonly referred to as ‘nuts’, are nothing but the edible seeds of the fruits obtained from the almond tree (Prunus dulcis). Being a satisfying food, these are widely consumed as whole nuts or used in trail mixes for snacking. Almonds are also made into non-dairy milk or ground into flour for culinary uses.
The peach-shaped seeds can be categorized into sweet almonds and bitter almonds. Sweet almonds are used for consumption and preparing cosmetics while bitter almonds are admired for their medicinal properties. However, bitter almonds are not easily available and they also need to be processed rightly to avoid toxicity.
Almond oil has many potential health benefits. According to ancient Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, it can even heal minor cuts and injuries while soothing the skin wonderfully. It is an amazing natural moisturizer for our skin and hair too. Being a non-toxic beauty treatment, almond oil is also used in a wide range of skin and hair care cosmetics.
# Moisturizes IntenselySweet almond oil is known to be one of the best natural moisturizers that lubricate skin perfectly and preserves its natural moisture by restoring its normal pH. It is even effective in treating dry skin conditions, such as mild eczema, psoriasis, etc.
# Softens the SkinIt is a great emollient that gets absorbed into the skin upon a little massage and prevents water loss from the skin. As a result, the skin feels well-hydrated, softer, and smoother sans greasiness.
# Protects from the SunAlmond oil works as excellent natural sun protection that may also reverse the effects of long sun exposure efficiently. Animal studies have concluded that the antioxidant vitamin E in the oil may prevent the damage of skin cells caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
# Fights Against AgingVitamin A, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids in sweet almond oil may help the skin fight against the effects of damaging free radicals. This is essential to avert the appearance of the signs of premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and so forth. It also stimulates the production of new cells to smooth out the existing fine lines on the skin.
# Reduces InflammationThe oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which offers soothing and calming effects on the skin while treating various allergies and infections. Moreover, the fatty acids and the retinoids in it are effective in dissolving excess sebum as well as increasing cell turnover respectively, which cumulatively helps in healing acne.
# Treats Dark Circles
Almond oil treats dark under-eye circles successfully with its high vitamin and antioxidant components. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also helpful in easing the swelling of the skin, thereby reducing periorbital puffiness.
# Heals Facial ScarsIf you have old scars on your facial skin, using almond oil may help. It contains vitamin E and zinc, which may decrease scarring to a great extent by smoothing out the skin in the affected areas.