What is Sweet Almond Oil?
Organic sweet almond oil is considered one of the classic natural remedies for hair and skin conditions. Rich in proteins, glycosides, vitamins and minerals, organic sweet almond oil is pale yellow in color and is extracted from raw almond kernels. Almonds are native to the Middle East but over the years, they are now extensively cultivated in many parts of the world for commercial purposes with a majority coming from the state of California. What is Sweet Almond Oil?
There are two basic types of almonds
Bitter Almonds
Bitter almonds, in their raw state, are not recommended for most home use as they contain traces of prussic acid, which is lethal to mammals. Just one of this type of almond can produce between four and nine milligrams of hydrogen cyanide which, even in small doses, can have very severe effects. However, their toxicity is usually destroyed by heat and they are usually processed to make an almond extract or almond flavored liqueurs.
Sweet Almonds
Sweet almonds are edible in their raw state and have many culinary uses. They can be used to make an almond milk, almond butter and when pressed, they produce organic sweet almond oil that is usually used as a “carrier oil” or as an emollient in most massage oils and skin oils respectively. Sweet almonds are known to contain phytosterols, which are commonly associated with cholesterol lowering and are therefore recommended for those who wish to watch or lose some weight.
Almond oil vs Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil has many uses, mostly culinary, as a flavor additive and as a ‘carrier’ oil in aromatherapy. It has most of the same properties as sweet almond oil and can be used in most of the same ways. However, almond oil has been seen to be one of the best natural hair oils that adds luster and greatly improves strength, thickness, and length. In addition, consuming almond oil has been known to nourish the brain as well as the nervous system and is known to be an effective and natural painkiller. Application of almond oil to strained muscles is known to provide immense relief.
Organic sweet almond oil is well known for its skin conditioning and softening properties and has been known to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and dry, itchy skin. The oil from sweet almonds is known to penetrate skin easily and to have a long ‘life’, which means that it lasts longer on the skin without leaving a greasy, oily feeling.
In addition to its skin healing qualities, studies have shown that organic sweet almond oil has very good sun protecting qualities. Not only does the oil protect you from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkling and other signs of skin aging, but also works to reverse the damage already caused by the harmful rays as well as slow down one’s skin aging process. It has been known to improve one’s complexion as well as retain a natural and healthy glow as it nourishes the skin. Sweet almond oil has also been used to lighten the dark circles under one’s eyes as well as cure dry, chapped lips.
The Best Natural Oil for Skin & Hair – Sweet Almond Oil
In today’s highly visual world, preserving natural beauty has become one of the major concerns for individuals of all ages. Dermatologists and hair experts are in consensus that sweet almond oil.
Best Natural Oil for Skin & Hair
Commonly used as a ‘carrier’ oil in most aromatherapy massage oils, sweet almond oil is a non-greasy, clear or light yellow colored oil well known for its highly nutritious content.
The oil is rich in zinc, magnesium, potassium as well as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, E, D and K all of which are essential for healthy skin and hair. When applied, the oil is known to have a heating effect and works to reduce muscle tension as well as increase blood circulation.
Sweet almond oil benefits include:
Almond oil for skin
Almond oil, extracted from the sweet variety of the nut, is recommended for those who suffer from:
Skin diseases such as eczema
Dry skin
Age spots
Loose skin
Skin rashes
Prevention and reduction of acne scars and premature wrinkles
Prevention of dark circles and puffiness under eyes
Sweet almond oil is an excellent lubricant and moisturizer. It works to prevent skin peeling and cracking which are normal characteristics of dry skin and problem skin. Almond oil also works to relieve skin irritations, inflammation, and itchiness. One of the great qualities of the oil is that it is not absorbed too quickly yet does not leave one with a greasy or sticky feeling. This effectively enables one to benefit from the longer skin soothing time span.
By thoroughly moisturizing the skin, sweet almond oil enhances skin elasticity and therefore effectively works to also prevent the appearance of scars and wrinkles. The Vitamin E contained in the oil is known to ‘plump’ out the skin or wrinkle line in the areas of the skin that are prone to get premature or small wrinkles. Through balancing moisture levels in your skin, sweet almond oil can reduce the appearance of acne and acne scars. Sweet almond oil softens the scarred skin and evens out one’s skin tone thus making the scars seem to fade away.
The oil is also known to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, which are usually caused by lack of rest or stress.
Almond oil for hair
Hair has been considered to be one of an essential aspect of a person’s beauty and has been associated with a person’s general health.
Sweet almond oil for hair is known to:
Promote hair growth
Enhance shine
Eliminate dandruff
Revive dull hair
Reduce hair splitting and breakage
Reduces hair thinning
Almond oil is known to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and work at moisturizing the strand from within. This effectively stops hair from splitting and breaking. Once these two hair conditions have been dealt with, one will notice that their hair will appear thick and lustrous as each hair shaft maintains its thickness.
A regular gentle scalp massage using sweet almond oil will work at removing any dead skin cells as well as dandruff from the scalp. By eliminating these dead skin cells, hair can freely grow without restraint. Furthermore, the massage improves blood circulation in the scalp which also promotes hair growth.
It is worth noting that a mixture of almond oil and gooseberry oil makes a potent mixture and works very well at preventing hair thinning and hair breakage. It is also a great cleanser and works to further eradicate any dirt or pollutants that may hinder hair growth.
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