How to Use Almond Oil for Skin and Get All the Glowy Benefits

Almond milk is the trendy dairy alternative that we've all been adding to our morning lattes, but did you know that almond oil can be just as good for not only your skin but also your overall health? Apparently, we're late to the game—according to aesthetic doctor and oculoplastic surgeon Maryam Zamani, as ancient cultures used almond oil as a medicine to treat dry skin as well as hypertrophic scars and general skin rejuvenation. How have we just found out about this now, and where can we buy some? We consulted Dr. Kevin Mun, cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer of VENN; Rose Ingleton, MD, of Ingleton Dermatology; and Marie Hayag, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics to find out.

What Is Almond Oil?

The benefits don't end with skin. Zamani adds that there are also some serious almond oil benefits that happen internally. It contains anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, both of which are super useful for the colder seasons, as well as cardiovascular benefits that help to improve your body's cholesterol. Yeah, we're pretty impressed, too.

But it's not just for ingesting. "Almond oil is rich in vitamin D, vitamin E (Tocopherol), and various minerals that help soothe the skin from irritation, protect the skin from UV radiation damage and restore the skin’s moisture barrier," explains Mun. That's right, incredibly enough, there's even more to almond oil.

Benefits of Almond Oil for Skin

• Reduced Skin Irritation: Almond oil can be used to calm your skin in times of need. Whether you're dealing with itchiness and swelling or something more clinical like psoriasis or eczema, almond oil can soothe the irritation as a quick fix before finding a more permanent solution. Applying it topically to the areas of need adds an extra dose of moisture, which can help relieve irritation.
• Calms Inflammation: "For acne patients, it is an alternative to harsher ingredients," says Hayag, "Because it not only dissolves excess oil on the face but also decreases inflammation."
• Skin Rejuvenation: Zamani suggested that almond oil can be used to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin when it's looking a bit dull or tired. Almond oil contains softening properties that come in handy when your skin isn't looking its best.
• Evens Skin Tone: It can even out your skin tone and improve your complexion over time, revealing a new and improved version of your skin.
• Provides Antioxidants: It's also another form of environmental protector: "Almond oil has high concentrations of vitamin E, magnesium phosphorus, and copper, and therefore is a rich antioxidant," Ingleton notes.
• Reduces Stretch Marks: Although more research needs to be done proving that almond oil is a cure for stretch marks (cure is a tricky word), one study involving a series of women shows that it can be used to prevent their stretch marks from spreading as well as from forming. As we mentioned earlier, almond oil has incredible softening properties, so when it is applied to areas where stretch marks typically occur on your body, it works to soften that skin and allow for it to stretch without exacerbating the marks. The softened skin can handle stretching more than untreated skin—we're definitely trying this one out.
• Hydrates Skin: Applying almond oil to your skin is a great way to lock in moisture and keep your skin glowing all day long. Face oils leave your skin the dewiest it has ever looked, and almond oil is no exception. Not only will your skin be left hydrated, but it will also have an overall better complexion and even tone.

Side Effects of Almond Oil

"Avoid using almond oil if you have a known nut allergy," Ingleton emphasized. Putting it on your skin is almost as bad as ingesting it.

How To Use It

Sweet almond oil is available for sale on its own, and some people use it that way. "Since almond oil has a very slow skin absorption rate, it is good to use almond oil as a standalone ingredient directly on the skin," Mun explained.

It's good for your skin and hair, and if you're looking for as simple a product as can be, that's where to go. However, almond oil can be integrated into any product that needs a moisturizing component. "Because almond oil is rich with nutrients that help protect and soothe the skin, it is often used in baby skincare formulations," says Mun.