Get to Know: Almond Oil

What is Almond Oil?

Nearly half of a dried almond’s weight is oil. Ripe almonds are pressed to extract the oil with minimal heat.

This unrefined almond oil protects the nutrients and the flavor of the oil. High heat and sometimes chemicals are used to create refined almond oil.

While refined almond oil is more heat-tolerant, it may lack the nutritional value of unrefined varieties. Almond oil, which is also called sweet almond oil, is not the same as bitter almond oil.

Bitter almond oil is made from a different variety of almonds. It is refined to remove toxins that are naturally present in the skin of the almonds.

Almond Oil Benefits

According to some clinical studies and anecdotal evidence, applying almond oil to the skin may have the following benefits:

• Reduces puffiness and under-eye circles. Because almond oil is anti-inflammatory, it may help ease swelling of the skin.
• Improves complexion and skin tone. Due to its emollient properties, almond oil has the potential to improve both complexion and skin tone.
• Treats dry skin. Almond oil has been used for centuries to treat dry skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.
• Improves acne. The oil’s fatty acid content may help dissolve excess oil on the skin, while the retinoids in the oil may reduce the appearance of acne and improve cell turnover.
• Helps reverse sun damage. Studies have shown that vitamin E, one of the nutrients in almond oil, may help reduce damage to the skin caused by UV exposure.
• Reduces the appearance of scars. In ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, almond oil was used to reduce scarring. The vitamin E content may contribute to helping smooth the skin.
• Reduces the appearance of stretch marks. According to a 2016 study, sweet almond oil may be an effective treatment for preventing and reducing stretch marks.

Almond Oil Nutrition Facts

• Vitamin A: The retinol in vitamin A has the ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells and smooth fine lines.
• Vitamin E: This nutrient has antioxidant properties that may help prevent cell damage and help reduce ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin caused by the sun.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These nutrients may help prevent premature aging and safeguard against sun damage.
• Zinc: This is an essential nutrient for healing acne or other facial scars. However, it’s worth noting that zinc is more effective for this purpose when taken orally.