Almonds have been a savior in the health space, and now it’s their time to shine in skin care. Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD says the natural ingredient can be super beneficial for skin. However, she points out that it’s not ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin. She also notes that those with nut allergies should avoid the ingredient.
L’Occitane has been the gold standard for almond oil-based skin-care products for years. The brand’s senior learning and development representative, Zeika Arntt, explains that the ingredient is rich in a handful of skin-protecting compounds, including squalene, to make skin more supple and omega nine fatty acids to nourish and soften skin. We talked to skin-care experts to get a deeper understanding of all that almond oil has to offer our skin.
It boosts hydration
Dr. Blyumin-Karasik says almond oil is great for preserving skin’s moisture. “Almond oil is a humectant. This means that it will tend to draw water into the skin, and it is also a good barrier to seal the moisture in,” explains West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer.
It improves the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Perhaps one of almond oil’s most prized benefits is its ability to reduce the appearance of pesky stretch marks. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik says almond oil’s “hydrating silky skin smoothing effect translates to an improvement in scars and stretch marks.” Dr. Beer explains that as the oil draws water into the skin, it “will cause the stretch marks to expand, and this will decrease their appearance.”
It helps reduce irritation
Since almond oil is a mild anti-inflammatory, it can help calm the skin if it’s irritated, says Dr. Beer. He adds that the barrier formed by the oil can help shield skin to a degree. “It soothes skin irritation by reinforcing skin barrier function (sealing skin cracks) with its high fatty acid content,” explains Dr. Blyumin-Karasik. However, almond oil should not be used by those with overly oily or acne-prone skin.
It helps improve skin elasticity
Arntt explains that the ingredient is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and b-sitosterol. These antioxidants can help fight the loss of skin elasticity common with aging.
It helps combat sun damage
Almond oil’s ability to reduce inflammation caused by UV damage makes it a great post-sun skin-care ingredient. “Having high content of vitamin D and E, it’s an antioxidant that helps protect and repair photo damage,” explains Dr. Blyumin-Karasik.
Almond oil skin-care products to try
Both Dr. Blyumin-Karasik and Dr. Beer recommended L’Occitane products. Dr. Blyumin-Karasik suggests trying the Almond Oil Duo ($77), which includes the brand’s beloved Almond Shower Oil and Almond Supple Skin Oil. Arntt says one Almond Shower Oil is purchased every 10 seconds worldwide. He also suggests trying the Almond Milk Concentrate ($55), which delivers 48 hours of hydration.
Dr. Blyumin-Karasik also recommends La Mer Mini The Renewal Oil ($140). While this product is a bit of a splurge, it’s worth it because the oil does it all—hydrates, improves firmness and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re looking for some all-over almond oil love, try Nécessaire The Body Oil ($35), which promotes healthy, glowy skin.
