What Is Almond Oil Good For?

There is a long history of the use of almond oil for health and beauty purposes in various areas around the globe, including ancient China, India, Greece and Persia. One prominent use in most cultures was to treat dry skin and associated problems such as eczema and psoriasis. In India, almond oil has been included in the traditional ayurvedic system of health and beauty care and is recommended for specific body types for use on skin, on hair and internally.

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Skin Care

Almond oil is a common ingredient in skin care products, including many commercially available moisturizers and face creams. It contains antioxidants believed to be good for the skin, including vitamins E, A and B. It can also be applied directly to the skin as a moisturizer or mixed with other ingredients to make moisturizers at home.

Massage

A massage with almond oil can be a luxurious experience, since almond oil is lightweight enough to allow the hands to glide easily over the skin without becoming sticky. The antioxidant properties of almond oil also add a benefit to its use as a massage oil, since besides feeling good, it heals the skin.

Aromatherapy

In the ayurvedic traditions of India, almond oil is commonly used as a carrier oil for aromatherapy. Because it is moderately priced and contains healthy linoleic acid and antioxidants, it is recommended and used by many aromatherapists in both the East and the West. Its light scent makes it good for holding other scents when they are mixed together.

Hair Care

Almond oil can be used in hair care and is especially useful in preventing or treating dry hair. It has also been used to bring a shine to hair, promote hair growth and help keep hair from falling out.

Postoperative Uses

Some researchers are interested in looking at the use of almond oil in preventing and healing scars after surgery. Anecdotal evidence from doctors and patients indicates almond oil can reduce scarring postoperatively, according to the article "The Uses and Properties of Almond Oil" in the February 2010 issue of Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Warning

Only sweet almond oil is suitable for external beauty and health uses. Bitter almond oil should not be applied topically or used in skin care, since it contains compounds that can seep into the skin and cause poisoning.