What is Sweet Almond Oil made from?
Similar to olive oil, sweet almond oil is extracted by pressing nuts or fruits to obtain the oil. It's called "sweet almond oil" to distinguish it from bitter almond oil, which is mainly used for its fragrance.
Benefit 1: Nourishes the Skin
Almond oil is an excellent emollient that effectively softens and conditions the skin. By doing so, it helps to alleviate the rough texture that many individuals with dry skin often encounter.
Benefit 2: Locks in Moisture
Almond oil serves as a lightweight moisturizer by acting as an emollient to smooth rough skin and an occlusive agent to retain moisture. This quality makes almond oil a beneficial substitute for petrolatum jelly in the "slugging" method. Since the skin is more absorbent during the night, using an occlusive agent to seal in moisture becomes essential.
Benefit 3: Promotes Skin Barrier Health
Almond oil aids in restoring and preserving skin barrier function. The abundant linoleum acid content is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Visually, a well-maintained skin barrier will appear evenly toned, plump, radiant, and smooth.
In terms of functionality, a robust skin barrier can fight infections and prevent harmful bacteria. In conclusion, maintaining your skin barrier is crucial, and almond oil can assit you in achieving that.
Benefit 4: Functions as an Antioxidant
Almond oil contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E, which safeguard the skin against the harmful impact of free oxygen radicals. These unstable oxygen molecules can harm cellular structures and are generated by various sources like UV rays, environmental pollution, and stress. Consider almond oil as a shield against oxidative stress.
Benefit 5: Helps Alleviate Itching and Irritation
Camp highlights "Almond oil has the potential to decrease the skin irritation". He further explains "This could be beneficial for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, as it can alleviate symptoms like itchiness, swelling, and redness."
However, individuals with highly sensitive skin are advised to opt for pure almond oil and opt for fragrance-free, mild products that include almond oil to avoid other potentially irritating components.
Benefit 6: It Might Help Reduce Scars and Stretch Marks
Due to the presence of Vitamin E in the sweet almond oil, it could be useful in preventing and treating scar tissue. When applied topically, this vitamin has demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing the visibility of scars, such as those resulting from acne, stretch marks, or surgery.
Although there is not an abundance of evidence supporting these claims, it is suggested that the oil's potential lies in its anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to control scar formation while the body heals.
