Description
The almond is a species of tree native to the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and North Africa. Almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Almonds are regarded today as the most nutritious nuts on the planet. Their kernels are also precious, by their cold pressing resulting a vegetable oil with multiple properties.
History
Almond oil has been used since Cleopatra’s times, from ancient China and India to Greece and Persia, for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It was used to treat dry skin, eczema or psoriasis. In India, it has been included in Ayurvedic medicine for 5,000 years, being recommended for skin and hair care, but also for domestic consumption. We also find it mentioned in the medieval medicine textbooks. Discordes, author of Materia Medica, recommends it as a remedy for more affections, including brain activity improvement.
Properties
Almond oil is preferable not only for internal consumption, but also in the cosmetic industry for the preparation of masks, body oils, face creams, and even natural soap compositions. It is a natural emollient, giving skin elasticity and actively protecting it against dehydration. It also has the property of being nutritious, nourishing all skin types and contributing to its regeneration as well as maintaining the integrity of its natural protective barrier.
Almond oil has a low viscosity and absorbs quickly, making it the first choice in the top of the preferences for massage oils, skin and hair maintenance. Due to the generous chemical composition, almond oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, for wrinkle and stretch marks prevention or alleviation. Even from the first application it invigorates and nourishes the skin in depth, giving it suppleness, softness and glow. Fatty acids work successfully on irritated areas, alleviating itching, hurrying the process of healing wounds without leaving scars. With such a fine texture, almond oil is also used to hydrate delicate skin under the eyes to prevent wrinkles. Used regularly or in various body care products, almond oil greatly improves the elasticity and quality of the skin, making it ideal for the delicate skin of babies.
Almond oil can be found in the following products:
