Dermatologists Say The Secret To Super-Soft Skin May Be In Your Kitchen Cabinet
If you've ever dealt with common skin woes like melasma or dryness, you've probably spent a lot of time (and money) investing in skincare products that promise to address your concerns. While it's nice to splurge, sometimes the most effective (and non-irritating) ingredients are the simple ones that can be found in your local supermarket or pharmacy at a fraction of the price. The truth is, these ingredients have been used for generations to remedy skin woes, and thanks to social media, they're becoming popular once again.
The lastest example: sweet almond oil—it's packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it super nourishing for your skin.
Think of almond oil as an MVP that can do it all. Even though it's hailed as a great natural remedy, plenty of people also use it on their nails as a cuticle oil to prevent cracking and splitting, while others apply it as a hot oil treatment for hair to reduce frizz and soothe an itchy scalp. If you're wondering how you can incorporate almond oil into your skincare routine, you're in luck.
To give you the full scope of the benefits, risks, and possible uses, WH chatted with leading dermatologists for all the details.
Meet the experts: Anna Karp, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York. Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
What is almond oil?
Almond oil is a natural oil extracted from the nuts of almond trees, "specifically from Prunus dulcis," says Anna Karp, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York. This is done through a process called pressing. "Almond oil is very moisturizing and can reduce skin irritation and inflammation," adds Jeannette Graf, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist. "So adding it to your skincare regimen makes sense."
What are the two different types of almond oil?
There are two different kinds of almond oil: bitter and sweet. Bitter almond oil comes from bitter almonds, which contain a compound called amygdalin. When processed, amygdalin can produce a toxic cyanide and can therefore only be used in small quantities for medicinal purposes or as an essential oil in aromatherapy, says Dr. Karp. For this reason, Dr. Graf doesn't recommend using this kind of almond oil on your skin.
Sweet almond oil (the type that your skin will love) is frequently used for cosmetics and cooking. It comes from edible almonds that are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and nutrients. "Cold-pressed sweet almond oil is considered particularly advantageous because it helps preserve the oil's essential nutrients," explains Dr. Karp
What are the benefits of using almond oil in your skincare routine?
In case you didn't know, almond oil has many benefits that make it worth the investment. Here are a few standouts to keep in mind:
It contains anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acids.
It prevents loss of hydration on the skin.
It contains vitamin A, which softens skin.
It contains vitamin E, which reduces hyperpigmentation.
It contains B7, which can strengthen nails and promote hair growth.
What are the potential side effects?
If you have an almond or nut allergy, avoid using almond oil altogether as it may cause side effects such as redness, itching, swelling, or hives. Dr. Karp adds that in severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Aside from that, almond oil is usually well-tolerated and isn't known for causing frequent side effects.
Will almond oil clog my pores?
Generally, almond oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may experience some breakouts. "Although oils are made in a very different process than they were back in the day, someone who hasn't had good reactions to other kinds of oils might not want to use almond oil," says Dr. Graf.
With potential breakouts and previously mentioned side effects in mind, Dr. Karp recommends doing a patch test on your forearm and seeing how your skin reacts over the course of a day before fully integrating almond oil into your skincare routine.
How can I use almond oil in my skincare routine?
A few ways, actually. For starters, you can apply it after moisturizing at night to maximize the benefits of its emollient properties, says Dr. Karp. She adds that it can also be used as a makeup remover—just make sure you rinse and follow up with a cleanser after.
If your nails are an issue, almond oil can be applied to your cuticles to keep them soft and prevent fungus. There are no limitations on how often you can use it, so long as your skin continues to respond well to it. If you're still unsure if almond oil is right for you, talk with your dermatologist about the best course of action.
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