What is almond oil?
Almonds are the edible seeds of the Almond tree (Prunus dulcis), more commonly known as the almond tree. Although almonds are commonly referred to as nuts, they are actually the seeds located at the center of the almond fruit, which closely resembles a peach.
Almonds can be consumed whole, ground into flour, and even made into almond milk. It is very rich in fat, making it an ideal source of oil.
Sweet and bitter almonds
Sweet almonds are a variety commonly eaten as food, used for oil production and cosmetics.
Meanwhile, bitter almonds are believed to have medicinal properties, although they can be toxic if not processed properly. Moreover, this type of almond is not widely available.
Refined and unrefined almond oil
After the harvest, the almonds are selected and dried, after which various methods are used to obtain almond oil.
Refined almond oil is extracted from almonds using high temperatures and chemicals. This method negatively impacts the nutritional value of the oil, as many of the nutrients found in raw almond butter are destroyed during heat or chemical processing (1).
Although this method results in a significant reduction in nutrients, refined almond oil can withstand much higher temperatures and costs less than unrefined almond oil, making it a more economical option for consumers.
Unrefined almond oil is made by pressing raw almonds without the use of high temperatures or chemicals. This process helps this product retain most of the nutrients contained in the almonds, making unrefined almond oil a better choice for culinary use.
Summary:
Almond oil is extracted from the seeds of the almond fruit. The methods used to produce refined almond oil destroy most of the nutrients. Thus, unrefined almond oil is the best choice for culinary purposes.
The benefits and harms of almond oil for the face: reviews from cosmetologists
Benefits of using almond oil
We're still not done celebrating the virtues of one of our favorite oils. Here are some bonus skin care benefits we love.
- It can lighten dark circles under the eyes
- It may protect against sun and rashes
- This is a fantastic natural makeup remover
- The zinc in sweet almond oil is great for healing brittle nails
- Since many hair care products strip your hair of its natural oils, sweet almond oil can help restore this protective barrier.
Harm from using almond oil
Almond oil is generally considered safe to use on your skin. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
- If you have a nut allergy, avoid using almond oil on your skin.
- If you have never used almond oil on your skin before, do a patch test before applying to your face.
- You can do a patch test by applying a small amount of almond oil to the inside of your wrist or elbow. If there are no signs of redness, itching, burning, or swelling for several hours, the oil is probably safe to use on your skin.
Nutritional value and composition
Although almond butter is not as rich in nutrients as whole almonds, it does have some benefits.
Nutrients and calories
The following is the amount of nutrients contained in 1 tablespoon (14 g) of almond butter (as a % of the recommended daily intake) (2):
Almond oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and contains small amounts of vitamin K. Most of its health benefits come from its high content of healthy fats.
Fatty acid
Here are the proportions of fatty acids found in almond oil:
- Monounsaturated fat: 70%.
- Polyunsaturated fat: 20%.
- Saturated fat: 10%.
Diets rich in unsaturated fats are associated with a wide range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity (3, 4).
What's more, monounsaturated fats may help lower high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease (5, 6).
Diets high in monounsaturated fats have also been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, such as endometrial cancer, and they may even help you lose weight (7, 8).
In fact, a recent review of 24 studies involving a total of 1,460 people found that a diet high in monounsaturated fat was more effective for weight loss than a diet high in carbohydrates (9).
Summary:
Almond oil is a good source of antioxidant vitamin E and unsaturated fat. Diets rich in unsaturated fat may provide some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and obesity, and helping you lose weight.
Almond oil in cosmetics
Almond oil is widely used in the cosmetics industry to create creams for the face, body, lips, hair, lotions, etc. Thanks to the beneficial components in its composition and its wide spectrum of action, the oil is actively used in the manufacture of facial, hair and body care cosmetics.
Properties of almond oil in cosmetology
The effectiveness of the product is explained by its properties, among which the most pronounced are:
- regenerating;
- anti-inflammatory;
- painkillers;
- anti-aging;
- calming;
- bactericidal;
- softening.
In addition, with proper and daily consumption, the product helps regulate water-lipid balance and accelerate regeneration processes.
You can read more about the use and properties of almond oil in general in one of our earlier articles.
Beneficial properties of almond oil
Whole almonds are believed to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and may help with weight loss, but almond butter may also be good for your health.
In fact, almond oil is associated with a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stabilizing blood sugar levels (10, 11, 12).
May Help Keep Your Heart Healthy
Almond butter is 70% monounsaturated fat, which has been found in numerous studies to be very beneficial for heart health.
Monounsaturated fats have been shown to increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.
HDL is a type of protein that carries cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body. This prevents the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels (cholesterol plaques) and the development of atherosclerosis. Healthy levels of HDL cholesterol are known to help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease (13).
Both almonds and their oil have been shown to have lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol (14).
High levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol are considered risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Reducing their levels can help keep your heart healthy.
One small study found that a diet rich in almond butter significantly reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels by 6% (15).
Almond oil is rich in antioxidants
Almond oil is an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant vitamin E. In fact, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of this nut oil provides 26% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that have antioxidant properties. These compounds protect cells from harmful substances called free radicals. Although free radicals are essential for health, they can cause damage if their levels are too high in the body.
Excess free radicals lead to oxidative damage and are associated with a number of chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease (16).
Research has shown that higher doses of vitamin E may help reduce the risk of heart disease, age-related macular degeneration, and cognitive decline in older adults (17, 18, 19).
Helps control blood sugar levels
Adding almond butter to your diet can help keep your blood sugar levels stable. It is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes (20).
In fact, replacing carbohydrates with unsaturated fats lowers blood sugar and improves insulin resistance and HbA1c levels, a marker for long-term blood sugar control (21).
In one study, participants who consumed a breakfast with added almond butter had lower blood sugar levels, both after meals and throughout the day, compared to participants who did not consume the product (22).
Moreover, participants who consumed almond butter felt more full after eating, which led to less food intake throughout the day.
May help you lose weight
A diet rich in healthy fats can help you lose weight. Many people avoid eating fat in an attempt to lose weight, but consuming the right types of fat can be beneficial for weight loss.
A diet that includes healthy amounts of whole almonds has been shown to help people lose weight. Likewise, adding almond oil to your diet can help you get rid of excess body fat.
Diets rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have been shown to reduce body fat and promote weight loss. In one study, a diet high in monounsaturated fat improved excess weight loss and body composition in obese women (23).
Another large study of 7,447 people found that a diet high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats resulted in greater weight loss and belly fat compared with a low-fat diet (24).
Summary:
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fats. Adding this food to your diet may help promote heart health, weight loss, and maintain blood sugar levels.
How to use almond oil in cosmetology?
- The oil can be used for the face in its pure form, as part of masks, in combination with cream, or in the form of applications. Massaging while applying the oil will increase its penetrating properties, allowing beneficial components to reach the deeper layers of the skin.
- A mask made from one ripe banana, egg yolk and almond oil will help eliminate dry skin. The yolk must be ground with a small amount of butter, the banana must be pureed. Mix everything to obtain a homogeneous consistency. Steam your face and apply the mask for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water.
- A massage with one drop of almond, rose, sandalwood and neroli oils will help maintain youthful and elastic skin. Should be used once a week.
- To prevent stretch marks and stretch marks, it should be applied to the abdomen, chest and thighs. For cellulite, you need to massage problem areas and wraps.
- For those who want thick and healthy hair, this natural product can be added to shampoos and conditioners. It smoothes hair and stimulates its growth. With regular use, the result will not take long. Your hair will become shiny, manageable and strong.
- Another effective way to improve the condition of your hair and scalp is to rub the elixir into the scalp, onto the ends and entire length of the hair. Leave the oil for 5-6 hours. You can wrap your head in cling film and a towel on top. This way the effect will be better. Afterwards, rinse with shampoo 4-5 times.
- A mask of 30 ml of vodka, 25 ml of sea buckthorn oil (can be replaced with peach oil), 45 ml of almond oil and four yolks will help stimulate hair growth. Apply to hair roots, wrap head with cling film. Leave the mask on for about an hour. Afterwards, rinse with shampoo several times.
- Since miracle oil promotes hair growth, it can also be applied to eyelashes. The eyelashes will thank you for this by becoming longer and thicker.
Benefits of almond oil for hair and skin
Almond oil is a popular ingredient in natural beauty products. This gentle and soothing oil is beneficial for both skin and hair, partly due to its emollient properties, which means it helps prevent moisture loss from the skin.
This quality makes almond oil an excellent choice for softening and moisturizing the skin, hair, eyelashes, and scalp (25).
Its moisturizing effect may be especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin. It is rich in vitamin E, which can help protect skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Animal studies have shown that when applied to the skin, vitamin E can help protect cells from sun damage. By doing this, it reduces DNA damage and chemical and structural changes in the skin caused by sun exposure (26, 27).
This makes the use of unrefined almond oil very beneficial for skin care, since unrefined almond oil contains significantly more vitamin E than refined almond oil.
What's more, it may even help prevent stretch marks from spreading on your skin. One study of 160 women found that topical application of almond oil reduced the spread of abdominal stretch marks, as well as redness and itching (28).
This versatile oil is an excellent choice for people looking for natural beauty products that can be used in many ways.
It can be used as a gentle makeup remover, a natural moisturizer for the body or hair, or a velvety massage oil.
Summary:
Almond oil can help protect your skin from sun damage and prevent stretch marks. It can be used as a moisturizer, massage oil or makeup remover.
Face masks with almond oil
Face mask with almond oil and coffee
This mask-scrub is applied to a previously cleansed face and preferably after a shower or bath, when the pores on the face are open.
Mix two tablespoons of ground coffee, 100 g of almond seed oil and a small amount of brown cane sugar in a separate bowl.
Apply the scrub to your face, massage gently so as not to scratch the skin for a few minutes and rinse with warm water.
Face mask with almond oil and mumiyo
Mask for aging skin with a moisturizing effect.
Mix 2 powdered mumiyo tablets, 2-3 drops of almond oil and 3 tbsp in a ceramic bowl. liquid honey. Heat the mixture slightly in a water bath.
Use the mask up to three times a week.
Face mask with almond oil and vitamin E
This mask works to lighten the pigmented areas of the face.
Heat 1 tsp in a water bath. cosmetic product, add 2 drops of oil vitamin E. Rub in circular motions into age spots for 5-10 minutes. Dry your face with a damp, clean towel.
How to use? For faster results, it would be better to use this mixture in the evening every day.
Face mask with almond oil, aevit and glycerin for sensitive areas around the eyes
Glycerin is used to fill wrinkles and moisturize the skin, while Aevit is used to stimulate collagen production and nutrition.
Mix 2 tsp. glycerin and almond oil. Open 2 capsules of Aevit vitamins and add to the mixture. Stir. Heat by placing the bowl of mixture in a container of warm water.
Store the composition in the refrigerator in a closed glass container.
Apply locally once every two days to the area of wrinkles, ALWAYS on moisturized skin, an hour before bedtime.
You can put damp cotton pads on top. The effect of the mask is from 20 to 40 minutes. Then blot the remaining mixture with a dry cloth and do not moisten it with anything else overnight.
Course: 3-4 months, then for prevention 1-2 times a week. It is better to carry out procedures in the autumn - winter period or use day cream with spf.
Face mask with almond oil and sour cream
A mixture to combat expression lines.
Grate or grind in a blender one sour apple. Add tbsp to it. country sour cream or cream, add 2 tsp. almond oil and apply to areas of the face where there are wrinkles for 5 minutes. Rinse off.
Overnight face mask with almond oil
An anti-wrinkle mask with almond and castor oil is perfect for applying at night.
Face masks with almond oil for rejuvenation
- Honey and almond seed oil - 1 tsp each.
- Ripe avocado fruit - quarter.
Grind the avocado thoroughly in a food processor or blender. Add remaining ingredients. Leave the mask on your face for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Can be used on the body and décolleté area.
Mask for sensitive skin
Dilute oatmeal or finely ground oatmeal flakes with warm water to a paste. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of almond oil. Apply for 20 minutes, avoiding sensitive areas around the eyes and lips.
Mask for oily skin
Before the procedure, wash thoroughly with soap.
Mix black clay with almond and rose oil (1 tsp each) and apply for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Mask for dry skin
- Liquid flower honey – 1 tsp.
- Cocoa powder – 1 tbsp.
- Almond oil – 2 tsp.
- Full-fat warm milk – 1 tbsp.
Apply the mixture to your face, including the sensitive area around the eyes. Wash off after 10 minutes.
Uses of almond oil
Almond oil is a multi-purpose product that can be used both as a food product and as a natural skin and hair care product.
In the kitchen
Unrefined almond oil should not be used in cooking as high temperatures can destroy the nutrients it contains. This type of almond oil should be added to dishes after the cooking process is complete.
However, refined almond oil has a higher smoke point (215°C) and can be used in cooking processes such as frying. It is less expensive and more heat resistant than unrefined almond oil because the refining process destroys most of the nutrients in unrefined almond oil.
Here are some ways to use unrefined almond oil:
- For a delicious salad dressing : Combine unrefined almond butter with apple cider vinegar and chopped herbs.
- To add a nutty flavor to dishes : Sprinkle almond butter on your favorite side dish to enhance its flavor.
- Add to pasta : Add a little of this oil to pasta to add healthy fats.
In skin and hair care
If you're looking to replace some of your skin and hair products with more natural, non-toxic options, almond oil can help. It's cheaper than most commercial moisturizers and doesn't contain any harmful ingredients. It is also a multi-functional beauty product as it can be used on both skin and hair.
Below are some ways to use almond oil for skin or hair care.
- As a moisturizer : Almond oil works great for this purpose.
- As a moisturizer : Almond oil is an ideal moisturizer for sensitive skin.
- Apply it to dry areas of skin : Apply almond oil to your elbows, feet, and any other areas that tend to dry out and crack.
- Make a homemade hair mask : Make a moisturizing hair mask by mixing almond oil with avocado puree, then apply it to damp hair.
- Mix it with essential oils : Use almond oil as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils when applying to the skin.
Summary:
When using unrefined almond oil in the kitchen, do not heat it. Instead, use it by adding it to already prepared dishes. You can also use it as a cosmetic product. It can be used as an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair.
How to store almond oil?
Before opening the bottle, it is best to store the oil in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight, at room temperature. After opening, store in the refrigerator in a glass container with a tightly screwed lid.
Shelf life: 12 months from the date of opening. Moreover, before each use of the product, it is advisable to check whether such parameters as color, smell, consistency have remained unchanged since the last time. If not, then you should not use such a drug.
The smell should be light, with a nutty aftertaste. Color – golden, light yellow. In order to acquire a sufficiently high-quality product, it is better to buy oil in trusted places: specialized stores, pharmacies, well-known online stores.
