Almond oil: the cosmetic uses for skin and hair
Almond oil, whose scientific name is prunus amygdalus dulcis, is a vegetable oil with multiple properties that is obtained from the cold pressing of the oily seed contained in the fruit of the manodrlo plant and is widely used in the cosmetic field, making it ideal for skin and hair care.
For example, it is ideal for giving elasticity and tone to the skin during pregnancy, helping to prevent stretch marks. But in general, there are many benefits it can give to the skin of the face and body, especially if it is particularly dry and dehydrated.
There are two varieties, the one derived from the sweet almond and the one from the bitter almond, but in general, if the wording is not specified, it means the sweet one.
It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, especially Vitamin A, E and D and those of group B, but also in amino acids, carbohydrates and mineral salts. These elements make it an excellent natural remedy with emollient, elasticizing and nourishing virtues that can bring many benefits to the health of skin, nails and hair, as we will see specifically shortly.
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All cosmetic uses of almond oil
As mentioned, thanks to its emollient and nourishing properties, sweet almond oil can be used for many cosmetic purposes. Below you can find all its most effective uses in the field of beauty.
1. Dry skin
Sweet almond oil is a panacea for treating dry skin, both on the face and body, because it nourishes and moisturizes it effectively, making it softer and smoother and thus also helping to prevent wrinkles and skin aging.
Given its composition, it is less suitable for oily and impure skin, with acne problems, which in themselves are already particularly oily.
Also by virtue of its emollient action, it is perfect for soothing red and irritated skin.
2. Make-up remover
It can also be used as a face make-up remover, instead of cleansing milk or micellar water, because it is able to effectively and gently remove all impurities and make-up without altering the natural hydrolipidic balance of the skin.
3. An excellent natural remedy for dark circles
Pure sweet almond oil is also a perfect natural remedy to combat bags and dark circles: just apply a few drops under the eyes before going to sleep, tapping gently and without letting it absorb completely, and let it act overnight. Upon awakening you will have a softer eye contour and a rested look.
4. Ideal ingredient for scubs and masks
It is a presiozo ingredient that softens and completes beauty recipes for face and body: from masks to scrubs and exfoliators to creams.
One of the most effective is the one for the face or body scrub: just mix two tablespoons of brown sugar and four tablespoons of pure sweet almond oil and you will get an ideal compound to apply on wet skin by making gentle circular massages. Repeated at least once a week, it guarantees a softer and smoother skin and a healthier and more even complexion.
It also lends itself well to lip balm or lip scrub recipes and DIY eye contour creams or masks, especially against puffy eyes, bags and dark circles.
5. Perfect against stretch marks
As anticipated, it is excellent against stretch marks, especially in pregnancy or where you are following a slimming regimen. The ideal is to massage it daily on critical areas, such as belly, hips and breasts.
A perfect recipe sees the use of sweet almond oil added with an essential oil of your choice, preferably chosen from chamomile, lavender, mandarin or rose, as they are all products with relaxing and soothing properties.
Just perform a delicate but firm massage at the same time, to nourish, hydrate and firm the skin, improving its tone and elasticity.
6. Anti-cellulite massage
In addition to serving as the perfect ingredient for an emollient and nourishing massage, it also has draining properties, an aspect that makes it an ideal product for a highly effective anti-cellulite massage.
Just add 50 milliliters of sweet almond oil, 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 10 of grapefruit essential oil and 5 of lemon essential oil.
Then apply it every day, once or twice a day, preferably in the evening, starting from the ankles upwards and making decisive and energetic circular massages.
7. Ideal product to soothe irritation and sunburn
The emollient properties of almond oil make it a real panacea to soothe irritated, inflamed and chapped skin, bringing relief against itching and discomfort.
It can be used pure or diluted in creams or other vegetable or essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile oil, the most effective for their soothing and calming properties.
Not only that, this precious product is also known to be an effective ally to heal sunburn or soothe skin redness caused by cold,
A perfect remedy, especially against sunburn, is to combine almond oil with a little aloe vera gel, which has healing powers.
It is also ideal to apply after hair removal, as a soothing oil to calm irritation and remove any residue from the wax.
8. Restructuring hair pack
Its nourishing and emollient virtues make it a product indicated to be applied on dry, frizzy and brittle hair, for an effective restructuring treatment that also helps prevent the appearance of split ends.
A pack of sweet almond oil, to be applied on dry hair, before shampooing, for 20-30 minutes will restore your hair softness and brightness. Repeat the treatment once or twice a week and you will quickly notice visible results.
It is also excellent for protecting hair from sun and salt both before exposure and after returning from the beach, as a pre-shampoo pack.
You can also add drops of other vegetable oils, such as coconut, sesame, or flaxseed.
9. Fortifying nails
The presence of zinc and magnesium make it a perfect product for fortifying weak nails that tend to break.
Add some drops of lemon essential oil and you will get an effective compound; take care to spread it on your fingers by making a gentle massage, every evening, before going to sleep and in a short time you will have stronger and healthier nails.
It is not the only natural remedy for our nails, in fact there are many do-it-yourself beauty treatments that can help us to show off perfect hands.
10. Protect and nourish children's skin
Being 100% natural and without contraindications, it can also be used to adequately protect and nourish children's sensitive skin from redness, irritation and cracking.
It often comes to the rescue in case of dermatitis and diaper rash, especially if associated with ointments based on mallow or calendula with a flaming power.
