A unique natural remedy: almond oil for face

Almond oil is one of the most popular products in the beauty bag of natural beauty enthusiasts. It is suitable for all skin types, heals hair (read more about using almond oil for hair) and nails, but it costs a penny. What is his secret? How to use almond oil on your face to get glowing healthy skin?

Beneficial properties for the skin

Constant use of almond oil will improve the condition of your facial skin. It is used in various recipes as it is known for its beneficial properties.

1. Promotes the regeneration of skin cells, thereby rejuvenating it.
2. Eliminates flaking and soothes irritation, which is the most valuable quality for sensitive and dry skin.
3. Regular use transforms the skin, making it soft and velvety.
4. Eliminates inflammatory processes.
5. Protects from adverse environmental conditions: frost, strong wind, sun, etc.
6. Suitable for any skin type, it is recommended even for babies.

The positive qualities of almond oil are due to its composition.

1. Oleic acid – cleanses pores, moisturizes, increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, promotes regeneration of the skin at the cellular level.
2. Linoleic acid – promotes the synthesis of collagen fibers, helps reduce the formation of wrinkles and smooth out existing ones, increases the elasticity and tone of the muscle structure of the face.
3. Vitamin complex (A, E, B, D) – promotes the regeneration of skin cells, eliminates inflammatory processes, eliminates acne and pimples.
4. Bioflavonoids are neutralizers of free radicals, which are one of the main “culprits” of rapid skin aging.
5. Carotenes - eliminate inflammation, slow down the aging process of the skin, nourish the skin.
6. Minerals – participate in the process of formation of new cells, normalize enzymatic metabolism.

What does almond oil look like for the face?

Compound

Almond oil is particularly valuable and can be used for cosmetic purposes due to its high content of acids and other vital substances:

• Oleic acid is an excellent stimulator of intracellular metabolic processes and increases the protective properties of the skin.
• Palmitic – allows other beneficial components to penetrate deeper into the dermis and softens the skin well.
• Linoleic acid – promotes deep hydration, smoothes skin, and prevents the early appearance of wrinkles.
• B vitamins – improve the general condition of the skin, increase its tone and elasticity, and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Retinol – regulates the process of sebum secretion, eliminates signs of photoaging, helps eliminate pigmentation.
• Tocopherol is a strong natural antioxidant that protects cell membranes from destruction by free radicals.

Minerals and trace elements in almond oil include zinc, selenium, potassium, manganese and others.

Many people mistakenly believe that mandelic acid, which gets its name from this nut, gives the substance a slight whitening effect. Sweet almond oil contains an extremely small amount. Therefore, it practically does not irritate the skin, even very sensitive ones. But if a bitter variety was used for production (this is usually indicated on the label), there is much more of it and people prone to allergies need to be more careful with such a product.

Indications for use

There are quite a few indications for use of this product:

• dry or oily facial skin;
• peeling during periods of unfavorable natural conditions (frost in winter, heat in summer);
• redness, inflammation;
• rashes of various types (acne, pimples, allergic rashes);
• local irritation;
• bags and bruises under the eyes;
• presence of spider veins;
• wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) and on the forehead;
• changes in facial skin color due to vitamin deficiency;
• aging facial skin type.

Criterias of choice

Currently, you can find almond oil in both pharmacies and cosmetic stores. It is preferable to choose a pharmacy product, as they more carefully monitor the expiration dates of the products sold. But if you still have to buy in a store, then you should pay attention to the following oil parameters:

1. Be sure to read the information on the packaging. Unrefined almond oil is more beneficial. It retains more essential nutrients.
2. Check the expiration date. It should be normal and until the end of its expiration for at least 2 months.
3. You should not buy oil in plastic containers. Dark glass bottles are best suited for it.
4. It is also necessary to carefully read the composition of the product, since other oils are often mixed with almond oil. It is better to refuse such a purchase.
5. The oil should be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place.

During pregnancy

Almond oil is one of the few products that can be completely safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Moreover, cosmetologists often recommend applying it to prevent the appearance of stretch marks and pigmentation.

Due to hormonal changes, a pregnant woman's skin becomes much more sensitive, including to sunlight. A mixture of cocoa and almond butter effectively protects the face and prevents it from drying out. It can also be applied at night as a nourishing cream. But after 10-15 minutes, be sure to blot off the remaining residue with a paper napkin, and in the morning, don’t forget to rinse everything off thoroughly.

Features and rules of use

In order to achieve the maximum effect from use, you should adhere to certain rules:

1. Before use, the oil should be warmed to room temperature. This way it will be more effective.
2. Only sweet almond oil should be used for cosmetic procedures. Bitters are not suitable for this and even have a harmful toxic effect on the skin.
3. The course of treatment is from 3 to 4 weeks. But no more than 1 month, after which a break of 5-7 days.
4. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the skin. It should not be allowed to become too oily.
5. In order for the effect of use to become noticeable, the duration of the procedure using pure oil should be at least 30 minutes. If other components are added to it, then the duration varies, but should not be less than the specified time.
6. Before using almond oil for the first time, you should test for allergies. To do this, apply a small amount to the back of your wrist and leave for 30-40 minutes. If redness, rashes and other signs of individual intolerance are absent, then the product can be used without fear.
7. Before applying the product, the skin should be cleansed of cosmetics and decorative cosmetics, and it should be thoroughly dried.

Almond oil should be warmed to room temperature before use.

Use Cases

There are many options for using almond oil. But when choosing, you should consider your skin type and the effect you want to achieve.

Scrubs

In scrubs, almond oil acts as a base to which abrasive particles are added. The latter can be: soda, salt, sugar, dried coffee grounds, etc.

1. Soda scrub. Heat the almond oil a little in a water bath. Add soda in a 1:1 ratio. Apply to skin with light massage movements. After 25-30 minutes, rinse with warm soapy water. This scrub will have a disinfecting, toning, cleansing effect and will increase facial skin turgor.
2. Coffee scrub. Dilute coffee grounds with almond oil to the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply a thin layer to the skin of the face and leave for half an hour. Afterwards, rinse with warm water. This scrub tones well, gives firmness and elasticity, moisturizes, nourishes, and rejuvenates the skin.
3. Oatmeal scrub. Grind oatmeal (rolled oats) in a coffee grinder or blender. Mix with oil in the same ratio and apply the resulting mixture to your face. You can wash it off after 25-30 minutes. This product helps cope with irritations and rashes, it cleanses the skin and pores well, promotes skin regeneration at the cellular level, and increases elasticity.

Masks

Almond masks also have different effects depending on skin type and existing problems. At the same time, the oil can be used both in combination with other products, and independently, applying it for a certain time. It is not recommended to use these products for oily skin types, as this may aggravate the condition.

Compresses

Almond oil is often used as compresses. In this case, it must be heated in a water bath, but it should not be too hot to avoid burns to the delicate skin of the face. Then moisten a thin material (gauze, chintz, etc.) in oil and carefully place it on your face. Leave for 20-25 minutes, after which you do not need to wash your face, just remove the residue from the skin using a cotton pad or swab.

This compress is perfect for aging, dry skin types, and also helps eliminate or reduce small facial wrinkles and skin creases.

Massage

Oil massage is often used for various problems. For the face, it is cosmetic in nature, gives greater tone to the skin and muscles, improves blood circulation, metabolism, creates a lymphatic drainage effect, eliminates stress, fatigue, tension.

1. Apply a small amount of oil to your fingers and rub it between your palms.
2. The massage starts from the upper part of the face. Place three fingers (index, middle, ring) above the eyebrows in the central part of the forehead and gently move them upward with little effort. Repeat 10-15 times.
3. Use all five fingers to move from the eyebrows to the beginning of hair growth, as if smoothing the skin on the forehead. Repeat 10-15 times.
4. Let's move on to the eyes. We make circular movements along the eyelids: we start from the inner corner of the eye along the lower eyelid to the outer corner. Next, we do the same from above, as close to the eyebrows as possible, in the opposite direction (from the outer corner to the inner). Repeat 10-15 times.
5. Nose. Massage lines on the nose are placed from the top, closer to the eyebrows to the tip. Thus, we run our fingers along them, you can make light spiral movements. Repeat 10-15 times.
6. With four fingers of both hands in the direction from the lips to the temples, we make stroking movements, as if straightening the skin of the face in the area of ​​the cheekbones, cheeks, and lower jaw. Repeat 10-15 times.
7. We massage the central part of the neck upwards, the side part downwards. The movements are stroking, spiral, light patting.

For lips

Almond oil can be used for lips as part of masks, scrubs, and also on its own as a balm.

Rules for applying the product

Depending on the nature of the problem, the duration of use of almond oil also differs:

• severely sluggish, flabby skin - the effect of the drug should last at least a day, with repeated application of the product every 6-8 hours;
• slight peeling, primary signs of aging – 2-3 hours is enough;
• excessive shine of the eyelids is a clear need for special masks, light compresses based on almond extract, the procedure must be carried out every day until the effect of “glossy eyelids” completely disappears.
• preventive lotions, nourishing face masks – recommended 2-3 times a week;

Skin mask recipes

You can prepare many masks at home based on almond oil or simply using it. They are in no way inferior in effectiveness to those sold in stores, but they have a big advantage - they are natural.

Masks for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs special, gentle care. But it is worth remembering that sensitive skin is not a type, but a skin condition. Initially, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of this condition. These may include improper care or selection of cosmetics. In order to improve its condition, you can use the following masks.

1. Mix egg white with almond oil, add a little honey. Apply the mixture to the skin of the face and neck and leave for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm milk and wash with clean water.
2. Boil potatoes in their skins. Cool to room temperature, remove the peel. Mash with a fork, add a little butter until a soft mass forms. Apply it to the skin of the face and leave for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
3. Grate the carrots on a fine grater, add a little milk or cream and almond butter. Heat in a water bath so that it does not burn, but gives warmth. Apply to skin for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat at least 2 times a week.

Masks for dry skin

Dry facial skin needs constant hydration and nutrition. Almond oil copes with this perfectly, as it fulfills these two requirements, besides softening and giving a more well-groomed appearance.

1. Grind oatmeal into flour, mix with milk or cream to form a thick paste. Next, add almond oil to make the consistency thinner (like sour cream) and apply to the skin of the face. Apply to facial skin for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
2. Grind the cottage cheese through a sieve, add almond oil and honey until a thick mass forms. Gently apply it to your face, leaving it for 20-25 minutes, then remove it with cotton pads and rinse off the residue with water.

Almond oil is great for dry skin

Masks for problem skin

Problem skin, as the name implies, causes many difficulties in care. The main ones: these are enlarged pores, constant rashes (acne, pimples), increased oiliness, etc. In most cases, drying mask compositions are required. But at the same time, hydration and nutrition must be present.

1. Mix egg white, almond oil and St. John's wort tincture. Apply this composition to the face and leave for 8-10 minutes, then rinse with water. This composition is also suitable for acne.
2. Mix rice flour with kefir until the paste becomes thick. Add almond oil to make the mixture thinner and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this composition to clean skin and leave for 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with cool water.

Almond oil: application in cosmetology - sweet or bitter almond oil for the face

The oil product is obtained from the fruits of both sweet and bitter almonds.

• Sweet almond oil for face is obtained from the fruit of the almond tree. The fruit is split open, the kernel (the seed covered with the skin) is extracted, dried and ground. Next, the oil is pressed using cold pressing.

The fruits of sweet almonds are eaten in small quantities to prevent various diseases and provide an additional vitamin boost to nourish the skin and hair, and are used in cooking and medicine. But they are not suitable for making aromatic oils, because they have no smell.

• Bitter almond oil for the face is made from the fruit of the common almond. Their nuclei contain the substance amygdalin glycoside; when decomposed, it forms hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous. To prepare the oil, the seeds are heated, which destroys the amygdalin.

It has a pronounced bitter taste and a distinct aroma of almonds - all this is precisely due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid in the composition. Therefore, it is not used for food, but in cosmetology and aromatherapy, the bitter variety of nut is irreplaceable.

Both bitter and sweet almond oils can be used in cosmetology - they hardly differ in properties and vitamin content.

Sweet almonds are used to produce a product that is intended for consumption both with food and for external use. But bitter is applicable only in cosmetology and medicine. That’s why cosmetologists often recommend bitter almond oil for the face and body.

There are basic (applicable in cooking and perfume production) and essential (in chemical production, soap making and the production of wood impregnations). Essential oils are considered poisonous.

Important!

For the preparation of masks and in aromatherapy sessions, it is allowed to use only bitter almond base oil . In this case, the label must indicate that the content of hydrocyanic acid in the composition is no more than 5%.

The product can be used in combination with other components to rejuvenate, improve the condition and appearance of hair, for skin problems such as peeling and dryness, and to tighten it.

Contraindications

There are practically no contraindications for this product. The exception is individual intolerance, that is, an allergic reaction to the product. To make sure that this contraindication does not exist, you should test for the allergen in advance.

Almond oil is an excellent natural remedy that has universal properties. It can be used with different components and independently without losing its effectiveness. In addition, it is suitable for almost all skin types and helps eliminate a wide range of problems.

To eliminate oily shine

— jacket potatoes – 1 pc.;

- almond oil - 2 tsp;

— lemon juice — 2 tsp;

- calendula - 1 tbsp. l. tinctures.

Peel and mash the potatoes, add all other ingredients to the resulting puree, stir and cool. Leave on the skin for about 15 minutes, then wash with slightly warm water.