Who has never had the curiosity to try sweet almond oil? And especially because it is called "sweet"? Find out, along with everything that makes for the skin
Historians speak of a millennial use of almond oil in cosmetics by ancient peoples. Its origins can be traced back to 4000 years ago when almond oil was cultivated in Persia, Assyria, and Palestine. Since then, its pressing has been used to produce a special oil to soften the skin. There is also evidence that the almond tree arrived in East Asia and China about 3000 years ago, and that traders brought it to Greece in about 600 BC, and then introduced it to the Romans.
Properties and benefits for the skin
Rich in fatty acids very similar to those of human sebum, almond oil is a portent for nourishing the skin. This makes it defined as "endermic oil" (similar to the skin), a type of oil that can nourish the skin without weighing it down. To be absorbed better, it is good to be carried by water. Just moisten the skin slightly and massage the oil in small quantities. Its smell is slightly hazelnut: if you do not like it, try to miscellany with a few drops of essential oil of lavender or any other scented essential oil of your choice.
Stretch Mark Prevention
The rest is modern history: sweet almond oil is a precious ally for the skin and, indisputably, the main ingredient to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. The reason? It is safe, well-tolerated, and above all, it intensely strengthens the elastic fibers, responsible for the elasticity of the skin. The skin is thus shaped to the body that changes during the months of gestation, without undergoing "loosening", the first cause of stretch marks. Simply apply it to the freshly moistened belly from the fourth month of pregnancy with circular movements. Possibly every day.
But in addition to stretch marks, there is more. It can be used 100% pure as a skin elasticized, so even during an important diet where you risk "seeing" the tissues of the whole body fall. Thanks to its endemicity, sweet almond oil is often used as an ingredient to formulate the base (oily, precisely) of creams for the face and body. You can recognize its presence by reading the INCI on the back of the package: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil.
Perfect for sensitive skin
Often sensitive skin is the manifestation of an emotionality particularly reactive to external stimuli. The surface layers of sensitive skin are more porous and therefore easier to penetrate, which is why almond oil is ideal for its treatment. Almond oil is characterized by its peculiar "shield effect" that protects the skin without suffocating metabolic processes that occur within it, ie the birth and growth of new epidermal cells.
Natural against the signs of age
Thanks to its vitamin E content, almond oil has a powerful antioxidant action that repairs the damage caused by oxidative stress to collagen fibers. It is perfect to be applied pure on the delicate periocular area, where hen's feet are formed. Being particularly rich in protein, it can also provide the amino acids necessary for the formation of new collagen. Regular application of creams containing almond oil prevents dehydration, counteracting fine lines and other signs of aging.
Gentle as a scrub
In a bowl, combine almond oil and brown sugar. Apply the mixture to the moistened face, massaging it with circular movements. Rinse with lukewarm water and proceed to your usual facial treatment.
Effective as make-up remover
There's a chemistry law that says "oil takes away more oil." If you think about sebum and traces of makeup and smog, this law is particularly evident if you use almond oil as a make-up remover. Proceed as follows: massage a few drops of oil on a dry face, including the eyelids. Wait a few seconds, then moisten a microfiber panel with lukewarm water and remove the makeup. Your skin will be perfectly cleansed and purified. Then finish with a tonic wipe.
Soothing on eczema and psoriasis
Those who suffer from it know it well: the skin itches and is annoying just because it exists. And any cream doesn't seem to work on itching. Try to relieve it with almond oil: delicate and hypoallergenic, it moisturizes the skin without irritating it further. But remember, it is only an adjuvant of eczema and psoriasis and not a curative. For the treatments entrusted to the dermatologist.
Curiosities
Have you ever wondered why it's called "sweet almond oil"? To distinguish it from bitter almonds, whose use is reserved for pharmacology. Bitter almonds are a non-edible variant of almonds, whose extracts are used to formulate some medicines and perfumes.