Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic practices have used almond oil for centuries to help soothe and soften the skin and to treat minor wounds and cuts. Today it’s not uncommon to find almond oil in a wide variety of cosmetics and beauty products.

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of almond oil and the ways it can be used on your skin.

• What nutrients does almond oil have?

There are two types of almond oil: sweet and bitter. Sweet almond oil is the kind that’s better suited to skin. It contains the following nutrients.

1. Vitamin A: The retinol in vitamin A has the ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells and smoothen fine lines.
2. Vitamin E: This nutrient has antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage and help reduce ultraviolet damage to the skin caused by the sun.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids: These nutrients may help prevent premature aging and are a safeguard against sun damage.
4. Zinc: This is an essential nutrient for healing acne or other facial scars.

• What are the benefits of using almond oil on your face?

Applying almond oil on the skin may have the following benefits.

1. Reduces puffiness and under-eye circles. As almond oil is anti-inflammatory, it may help ease swelling of the skin.
2. Improves complexion and skin tone. Almond oil has the potential to improve both complexion and skin tone.
3. Treats dry skin. It has been used for centuries to treat dry skin conditions including eczema.
4. Improves acne. Almond oil can help to dissolve excess oil on the skin and reduce acne.
5. Helps reverse sun damage. Vitamin E, one the nutrients in almond oil, may help reduce damages to the skin caused by UV exposures.
6. Reduces the appearance of scars. In ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, almond oil was used to reduce scarring and smoothen the skin.
7. Reduces the appearance of stretchmarks. Sweet almond oil may be effective treatment for preventing and reducing stretchmarks.

Note

If you are allergic to nuts, avoid using almond oil on your skin. If you have not used almond oil on your skin before, do a patch test before applying to your face.

The columnist manages Ishrat’s Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta. Contact @ishratansar