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Compared to other plants, the almond tree pit holds the record for the amount of oil it contains.
The benefits of almond oil
Almond oil contains many acids: almost 70% monounsaturated oleic acid, linoleic acid and a small amount of saturated fatty acids. The latter are less useful and, when taken orally, can affect the increase in fat mass.
Almond oil contains phytosterols, high concentrations of vitamins E and K and cholines. They have a positive effect on skin health, give it softness and even out complexion.
| The content of substances in almond oil | % |
| Oleinovaya Chisloth | 64 – 86 |
| linoleic acid | 10 – 30 |
| Palmitic acid | 9 |
Harm of almond oil
It is forbidden to use almond oil only with individual intolerance. You can check this by conducting a test – rub a drop of oil on your wrist and observe the condition of the skin. If no irritation occurs within half an hour, then the oil can be used without restrictions.
It is worth remembering that there is sweet and bitter almond oil. Their difference is that the kernels of bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which gives this nut a specific taste and smell. At the same time, amygdalin is able to decompose into poisonous hydrocyanic acid in the process of specific processing to the state of an essential oil. Essential oils are used with extreme caution and in very small quantities, adding a few drops to the base oil. In its pure form and without any fear, you can use sweet almond oil, which is just the base.
With excessive use of almond oil, skin irritation and increased activity of the sebaceous glands can occur.
How to choose almond oil
Before buying, you need to pay attention to the packaging. Quality oil is sold in dark glass bottles of small volume, and the indicated shelf life cannot exceed 1 year.
High-quality almond oil is transparent, with a yellow tint and a slight nutty sweet smell. Precipitation is unacceptable, this indicates a low quality oil or artificial additives.
Store almond oil in a refrigerator or other cool place away from direct light.
Application of almond oil
Almond oil is actively used in cosmetology for the care of the skin of the face and body, as well as hair and nails. With regular use, it improves the complexion, gives the skin smoothness, improves elasticity and smoothes wrinkles.
Almond oil is suitable for all skin types, it is universal. It is even used to care for the delicate skin of babies. It brings the greatest benefit to excessively dry, cracked skin of the lips, hands, feet. Also suitable for light massage around the eyes. Such a massage improves blood circulation, helps to reduce mimic wrinkles and nourishes eyelashes, making them thicker and healthier.
Almond oil well protects the skin from the adverse effects of the environment. It can be applied to dry areas of the skin before leaving the house in frost and wind, and also as a protective barrier against ultraviolet radiation.
Like most vegetable oils, almond oil can be used to remove make-up from the skin of the face and eyes. The oil is preliminarily slightly warmed up and the skin is wiped with a cotton swab slightly moistened with liquid. Excess oil is removed with a paper towel.
To strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth, warm almond oil is applied to the roots and rubbed in. Wash off with shampoo after an hour. You can also lubricate the ends of the hair to reduce brittleness.
Almond oil improves the condition of brittle nails. Regular rubbing of oil into the nail plate and cuticle eliminates dryness, peeling and brittle nails.
In addition, almond oil is suitable for full body massage. You can add a few drops of essential oil to it to enhance the effect. For example, for an anti-cellulite massage, a couple of tablespoons of basic almond oil and 3-4 drops of orange essential oil are mixed.
Can it be used instead of cream
You can apply the oil on the skin undiluted, as well as enrich it with essential oils or mix with cosmetics – creams, balms. It should be used with caution on excessively oily or inflamed skin, so as not to clog pores and worsen the condition. For dry skin, oil can be used without restrictions.
Before use, the oil should be heated, this will increase its degree of penetration into the skin and increase efficiency. However, it is important not to overheat it and prevent boiling, so as not to destroy vitamins and other beneficial substances.
Reviews and recommendations of cosmetologists
– Almond oil perfectly moisturizes dehydrated dry skin of the whole body, ideal for massage. It restores the natural protective film of the skin, saturates it with vitamins and fatty acids. Almond oil can be used to reduce the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin, which can reduce the effects of “photoaging” of the skin. You can use the oil in its pure form, since it is basic and does not cause burns, but before using it is necessary to conduct a test, since almonds are one of the brightest allergens, – says Natalia Akulova, cosmetologist-dermatologist.