Almonds are a nutritional storehouse rich in phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. The American Heart Institution recommends eating almonds regularly as it contains heart-healthy fats.
Is almond oil loaded with the same nutritional benefits? How does it benefit the facial skin? Let's dive into the details of badam oil for face.
What is Badam (Almond) Oil?
The natural badam oil for skin we use is derived from ripe almonds, pressed with minimal heat to extract the oil. The process does not involve high heat or heavy chemicals, thereby protecting the vital nutrients and flavors of the oil.
Refined almond oil, on the other hand, is heat-tolerant, lacking the nutrient profile of almonds.
A study shows that badam oil contains immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Both the properties are vital for the cold season, providing cardiovascular benefits that help improve the body's cholesterol levels.
What Nutrients Does Badam (Almond) Oil Have?
Among the two variants of the almond oil, sweet and bitter, sweet almond oil works best for the skin. Bitter almond oil involves varieties of almonds refined to such an extent that the process removes toxins from the almond's skin. One tablespoon of badam oil has the following nutrient values:
- Total calories: 120
- Fat: 14 grams
This oil is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins in badam oil for face include vitamins E and A, minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Is Badam Oil Good for Face?
Generally, badam oil for face is safe, but one should take some precautionary measures before using it.
- Avoid its use if you are allergic to nuts, as it may cause rashes or redness over the face.
- Take a patch test by dabbing a few drops of almond oil on the inner wrist or elbow. If you do not witness any signs of itchiness, swelling, rashes, burning, or redness within a few hours, it is safe to apply over the skin.
Benefits of Badam (Almond) Oil for Face
The rich nutrient content of almond oil provides several health benefits. People have been using the oil for centuries due to its emollient properties. Badam oil for face helps soften dry skin, provides a radiating glow, and improves skin texture. Here are some popular benefits of almond oil for face:
1. Helps Moisturize Dry Skin
Applying almond oil does not provide a sticky or greasy texture to the skin. Its moisturizing properties help treat dry skin disorders, such as psoriasis. It helps by locking the skin's moisture and getting absorbed into the skin quickly without giving a greasy texture.
2. Reduces Stretch Marks
A study shows that using almond oil prevents the formation and spread of stretch marks. It has properties that quickly soften the skin without worsening the marks. Once the skin softens, it handles the stretching more effectively.
3. Helps against Skin Damage
Research shows that the vitamin E content in almond oil acts as an antioxidant, preventing damage from UV exposure. Omega-3 fatty acid in almond oil acts as a barrier line, helping safeguard the skin's tone, texture, and complexion.
4. Helps Treat Dermatitis and Eczema
Almond oil acts as an emollient and moisturizer. A moisturizer supplies water to the skin while holding it with an oily substance. Emollients smoothen the skin while filling the little pores and gaps.
Almond oil contains both that help retain the skin moisture, enhancing its barrier function. A study shows that moisturizers containing almond oil help treat eczema and reduce the symptoms of moderate hand dermatitis. However, one should seek an expert's recommendation before applying almond oil directly to the skin.
5. Improves Skin's Natural Glow
Sweet almond oil contains nourishing nutrients and emollient properties that help revive the skin's natural glow. The light texture of the oil allows deep penetration into the skin, helping get rid of accumulated dirt. It helps improve the complexion and skin tone, providing a radiant glow to the skin.
6. Prevents Acne and Blemishes
The vitamin A content in almond oil helps reduce acne flare-ups. A study shows that the fatty acid content in this oil helps dissolve excess oil, and the retinoids might reduce acne appearance and enhance cell turnover. It helps unclog the pores and reduce acne breakouts caused due to accumulated sebum.
7. Helps Lighten Under-eye Dark Circles
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of almond oil help reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles. It works better if the under-eye skin is gently massaged with one to two drops of almond oil and left overnight.
How to Apply Almond Oil on Face?
The different ways to use badam oil for face are:
1. Cleanser
Almond oil is an effective carrier oil that carries different essential oils more deeply. Hence, one can mix almond oil with other essential oils, like lemon, rosehip, rose geranium, lavender oil, etc. Mix a few drops of essential oil into an ounce of almond oil and apply over damp skin. Double rinse the face to remove any residues.
2. Moisturizer
When using almond oil as a moisturizer, avoid rinsing after its use. Gently pat a few drops of almond oil over the clean face and let it penetrate the skin.
3. Makeup Remover
Apply small amounts of oil over the skin where you have put makeup. Remove the makeup-laden oil using cotton balls or warm water. Wash after with a cleanser for a thorough removal.
Disadvantages of Badam (Almond) Oil on Face
Although there aren't any proven demerits of using badam oil for face, those with sensitive skin should be extra careful. Hence, take a patch test to check for any adverse reaction. If you are allergic to nuts, avoid using almond oil.
Eczema increases the risk of allergies. In such cases, one should be careful before using almond oil to prevent further itchiness. A study associates preterm delivery with the daily use of almond oil during pregnancy. However, there isn't any valid evidence, and more research is needed on the disadvantages of almond oil on face.
Almond Oil vs Coconut Oil for Skin
Both almond and coconut oil have almost similar benefits, properties, and versatility. Almond oil is a better carrier oil for DIY hacks due to its mild scent. It is a better option for oily skin as it has a lower comedogenic rate than coconut oil.
Summing Up on Badam Oil for Face
The benefits and versatile properties of almond oil make it a popular carrier oil option. It helps soften, soothe, and repair the skin. Its high nutrient content and emollient properties make it a popular skincare product. However, one should follow safety tips and consult a dermatologist if you have certain skin issues before applying it.
FAQS
Is Badam Oil Good for Skin Whitening?
Badam oil does not cause skin whitening. Instead, it helps restore the skin's natural complexion, providing a lighter shade to the skin tone. The vitamin E content in badam oil helps reduce skin dullness, improving the skin's tone.
Can We Apply Almond Oil to Face Daily?
Yes, one can apply almond oil daily as it helps remove dead skin from the face. Apply it over damp skin and leave it overnight. It helps smoothen chapped skin and lips and locks in moisture and natural oils in the skin, reducing sebum accumulation.
Is Almond Oil Good for Face Overnight?
Yes, almond oil is good for the face overnight as it cures dark circles. Moreover, its vitamin E and retinol content help tighten the facial muscles, reducing early signs of aging.
Can Almond Oil Cause Pimples?
No, almond oil does not cause pimples as it prevents sebum accumulation and helps remove accumulated dust. The deep cleansing and antioxidant properties of almond oil soothe the skin, preventing pimple formation.
References
F. Facchinetti, November 2011; Herbal supplements in pregnancy: unexpected results from a multicentre study - https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/27/11/3161/811869
Apostolos Pappa, May 2009; Sebum analysis of individuals with and without acne - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835908/
Esther J Zuuren, February 2017; Emollients and moisturisers for eczema - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464068/
