Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is made from the dried kernels of the nut-like drupes of Prunus amygdalus, a Middle East native and relative of the peach tree. Two subspecies produce two different kinds of almonds. The tree bearing white flowers results in the sweet almond, while its cousin, the bitter almond, is produced by the pink-flowering variety. Sweet almond oil is rich in oils and fatty acids, which provide several benefits for the skin.

Conditioning

According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," sweet almonds contain up to 77 percent oleic acid, a form of omega-9 fatty acid. Sweet almonds also contain a range of 17 percent to 24 percent linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acid, as well as a small amount of the saturated fatty acid known as palmitic acid. Although sweet almond oil is said to be a moisturizer, it's really more of an emollient because it softens skin rather than hydrates it. However, sweet almond oil acts as a humectant to help prevent the loss of moisture.
Margaret Grieve, author of "A Modern Herbal," says sweet almond oil contains more olein than olive oil, and that it's an excellent remedy for chapped hands. The oil is also reputed to relieve dry, flaking and itchy skin due to eczema, psoriasis and rashes. In addition, sweet almond oil may be applied to the scalp to relieve dryness and to condition hair roots. Sweet almond oil is readily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It's also suitable for all skin types.

advertisement

Other Therapeutic Effects

Sweet almonds are rich in tocopherol, or vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. For years, claims have been made that the topical application of vitamin E, or the use of lotions containing this vitamin, can help to reduce scarring of the skin. For the most part, clinical evidence to substantiate this claim is mixed. However, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported in the May 9, 2010 issue of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology that vitamin E minimized discoloration and improved the appearance of skin in patients with existing keloids and hypertrophic scars.
The "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" lists a number of antioxidant agents in sweet almond oil that provide anti-inflammatory properties. These include quercetin, quercitrin, morin and kaempferol. Two in particular, quercetin and kaempferol, may protect skin from sun damage. A study published in the March 2010 issue of the International Journal of Dermatology described the photoprotective effects of quercetin and kaempferol in cultured human skin cells.

Massage

Sweet almond oil is widely used by massage therapists as a carrier or base oil. This means that one or more herbal essential oils that might otherwise cause skin irritation if applied "neat," or undiluted, are added to a larger quantity of sweet almond oil.