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by John Staughton (BASc, BFA)last updated - Medically reviewed by Vanessa Voltolina (MS, RD)
Sweet almond oil is a potent essential oil used for treating dry and sun-damaged skin and hair.It is also sometimes used for lightening the skin, acting as a gentle cleanser, preventing acne, strengthening the nails, and helping with hair loss. It also has a number of health benefits, which include lowering cholesterol, protecting the heart, and boosting the health of your liver and colon.
What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Sweet almond oil is the essential oil of sweet almonds that is extracted through an oil distillation process; it can also be extracted with an almond kernel press. This concentrated oil is packed with saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, the latter two in notably higher levels than the former. This oil also contains high levels of fatty acids and has been used for over centuries to treat skin diseases, namely, eczema and psoriasis.
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This carrier oil is known to heal superficial skin burns, boost collagen production, keeps skin supple and hydrated, and it also protects against potential damage caused by the harmful UV rays. Due to its rich source of minerals, it can relieve muscular aches, get rid of toxins present in the skin, and also boost the growth of thick, soft, and shiny hair.
Sweet almond oil is packed with plenty of habits which include skin rash and body pain relief, reduces stress, boosts circulation, and addresses the undiagnosed issues of varicose veins and spider veins.
Nutrition Facts Oil, almondServing Size : Nutrient Value Energy 884 Energy [kJ] 3699 Total lipid (fat) [g] 100 Choline, total [mg] 0.4 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 39.2 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 7 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 8.2 16:0 [g] 6.5 18:0 [g] 1.7 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 69.9 16:1 [g] 0.6 18:1 [g] 69.4 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 17.4 18:2 [g] 17.4 Phytosterols [mg] 266 Sources include : USDA [1]
Sweet Almond Oil Nutrition Facts
This oil is particularly high in vitamin E, supplying over 200 percent of your daily requirement in a 100-gram amount. As per the USDA National Nutrient Database, sweet almond oil is also rich in vitamin K and essential B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and folate. It has high levels of omega-6 fatty acids which is excellent for strengthening hair from the roots and for supple skin. [2] [3] [4]
Sweet almond oil is a rich source of minerals like calcium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Almonds contain L-carnitine and phenylalanine, chemicals that are associated with improved cognitive function and enhanced mood. [5]
Health Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil
The most important health benefits of sweet almond oil include protecting the skin from damage, moisturizing the face, lightening the skin, reducing inflammation, boosting hair health, and strengthening the nails, among others.
Skin Care
Skin Lightening
Sweet almond oil can work as an excellent topical skin treatment for sunburns to lighter skin coloration disorders, under-eye circles, scars or other blemishes that you want to reduce oreliminate. Apply a few drops to the affected area and gently massage the oil into the spot. Repeating this process 1-2 times once per day for a week will give your skin a more even and balanced color profile. [6]
Prevents Premature Aging
The regular use of this essential oil can help you look your youthful best. A research paper published in the Journal of Nursing and Health Science states that the antioxidant potential of vitamin E, certain fatty acids, and other active ingredients in almond oil neutralizes free radicals that cause issues like reduced skin elasticity, wrinkles, and age spots. [7]
Heals Chapped Lips
Sweet almond oil is an excellent way tomoisturize chapped lips. The oil is rich in vitamins and has moisturizing qualities that make it ideal for use as a natural lip balm. Simply apply a little sweet almond oil onto dry, cracked lips. [8]
Reduces Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Pat some sweet almond oil around the eye area for a wonderful natural solution to crow’s feet and puffy eyes. Do this every night before going to bed, carefully avoiding direct contact with your eyes, and allow it to work as your sleep. [9]
Almond oil is beneficial for nourishment and strengthening of hair. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Hair Care
Improves Hair Quality
The oil has the ability to strengthen your hair. Dr. HH Hazen, in an article published in the American Journal of Nursing, stated that the rejuvenating quality of vitamin E can help boost the health of your hair follicles, and increasing the luster and volume of your hair. Replace your hair conditioner with a coin-sized amount of almond oil tosee these results! [10]
Treats Dandruff
Sweet almond oil may also cure dandruff by deeply moisturizing and removing dead skin cells on the scalp. Author Sylvia Sage in her book, How to Overcome Dandruff and Other Scalp Disorders, recommends massaging your scalp with gently warmed sweet almond oil, preferably mixed with olive oil. Leave on for an hour and wash off with a mild shampoo to clean your scalp of flakes. [11]
Overall Health
Relieves Inflammatory Conditions
If you suffer from inflammatory conditions of any kind – either internally or on the skin – sweet almond oil can be a fast and effective remedy. A 2010 research paper published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practicestated that when almond oil is applied to thepatches ofeczema, psoriasis or rosacea, among other inflammatory conditions, it can quickly stimulate the healing process and mitigate the allergic response in that part of the skin. Similarly, if you are consuming small amounts of sweet almond oil may help to eliminate inflammation in the gut, helping to regulate digestive health. [12]
Improves Nail Strength
The same benefits that this oil imparts to your skin and hair can also be used for your nails. If you want to reduce nail breakage, protect against fungal infections, and stimulatehealthy growth, simply apply some of this oil to your nails and nail beds daily until you begin to see results! [13]
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
If consumed internally, sweet almond oil can have a major impact on your heart health.Some research has shown that the health benefits of almonds, including omega-3 fatty acids, can help to reduceLDL cholesterol levels, and thus also reduceyour risk of certain cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes. [14]
Improves Cognitive Ability
Almonds are often associated with boosting well known to boost brain power and improve memoryand retention, so it comes as no surprise that a concentrated dose of almond oil can have much the same effect. Along with a balanced diet, regularly integrating a bit of the oil to your morning tea, simply using it forcookingor even adding a few drops of this oil on your pillow may help give you a cognitive edge. [15] [16]
