If you have acne-prone skin, I’m sure you can relate when I say that I have a push-pull relationship with face oils. On the one hand, you want to use it to moisturize, smooth and plump your skin, especially in the cold season. When I see people with glowing skin after applying face oil, I think, “Oh, I want to be like that too.” On the other hand, you don’t want your pores to get clogged and breakouts to form. That would be a shame. Therefore, this internal struggle continues indefinitely.
That being said, we know that not all face oils are the same. In fact, many face oils are suitable for acne-prone skin, providing firming, hydrating, and radiance-enhancing effects without causing pore-clogging side effects. Almond oil is one of them. In fact, dermatologists say almond oil is an underrated ingredient, especially when it comes to acne-prone skin. Keep scrolling to see all the details.
Almond oil benefits for skin
First, we need to make an important distinction. There are different types of almond oil. In every sense of the word, we’re all about sweet almond oil. There is no need to apply bitter almond oil. Hear from Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College. “Sweet almond oil, which contains anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and E, is a great choice for its excellent moisturizing and antioxidant properties,” she says. On the other hand, “bitter almond oil is not recommended for topical use on the skin or for oral consumption.”
Now, with that out of the way, let’s take a look at the specific skin benefits of sweet almond oil. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double board certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, says sweet almond oil is moisturizing, rich in antioxidants, and has a soothing effect on sensitive skin. “As a light moisturizer, almond oil acts as an emollient to fill in the cracks and crevices of rough skin and as an occlusive to lock moisture into the skin,” he says. “The antioxidants found in almond oil, such as vitamin E, help protect the skin from the effects of free oxygen radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cell structures. Almond oil helps reduce skin inflammation. This may help with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which may improve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness.
(Image credit: Stocksy)
King supports this, saying, “Sweet almond oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, monounsaturated omega fatty acids, protein, potassium, zinc, and several other vitamins and minerals. It is mild and hypoallergenic, so it can be used directly on sensitive skin. Fatty acids are great for moisturizing your skin and hair, and vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, so regular use protects your skin from free radical damage from UV rays and pollution. Almond oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can have a soothing effect on irritated skin, and anecdotally, it may help rejuvenate damaged skin.
In summary, sweet almond oil is moisturizing, rich in antioxidants, soothing, and anti-inflammatory. It’s all thanks to individual components such as:
Vitamin A: King says vitamin A may help with skin texture and tone issues. “Retinol is derived from vitamin A and is a popular skin care ingredient because of its anti-aging properties and ability to fight acne,” Camp added. Vitamin E: “Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from oxidative stress and free radicals,” says Camp. “Additionally, vitamin E provides hydrating properties by helping with water retention.” Fatty acids: King says these have anti-inflammatory effects. “Zinc also strengthens and strengthens the skin’s surface, strengthening the skin’s barrier,” Camp adds. Zinc: “Zinc has antioxidant and soothing properties and is a popular ingredient for combating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne,” says Camp. King added that it has wound-healing properties.
Almond oil for acne-prone skin
Let’s talk about almond oil and acne-prone skin. There are multiple reasons why it’s great for acne-prone skin, including the aforementioned zinc and vitamin A content and anti-inflammatory properties. But as it turns out, it’s not as comedogenic (or pore-clogging) as other oils. “The comedogenic potential of almond oil is low,” Camp says. “Rated 2 on a 5-point scale, which means it’s less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne formation.”
This means that if you’ve had trouble using other face oils, sweet almond oil may be for you. However, there are two caveats. First, if you have severe acne-prone skin, it’s best to stick to a completely oil-free skin care routine to clear your skin. Second, it doesn’t necessarily treat acne, even if it doesn’t make acne or clogged pores worse. “Almond oil is mostly non-comedogenic, but if you’re specifically looking to treat clogged pores or acne, we recommend ingredients like salicylic acid,” says King. “For example, I like Bioelements Pore Thing Daily Cleansing Gel ($51), which contains 1.5% salicylic acid and azelaic acid to target pores in a moisturizing base with mild surfactants .”
Who should/shouldn’t use almond oil?
Both experts agree that almond oil is generally well tolerated by most skin types. However, there is one exception. “People who are allergic to almonds or nuts should not use almond oil because of the potential for allergic reactions,” Camp says. As always, we recommend performing a patch test before using any new skin care product. This helps prevent widespread irritation and reactions.
Buy Almond Oil Skin Care Products
Prador
organic sweet almond oil
Start with pure sweet almond oil. This is available on Amazon. Premium grade, unrefined, cold-pressed and USDA certified organic.
Now Foods
sweet almond oil
This is 100% pure and unscented.
L’Occitane
A supple skin oil with almonds that smooths and beautifies your skin.
“Rich in fatty acids, this almond oil nourishes and softens the skin and protects it from dryness. It can also be used to treat stretch marks,” says Camp.
Caudalie
vinoclean cleansing almond milk
“Part of our range of eco-friendly, vegan, naturally formulated products, this cleanser uses sweet almond oil, soothing cornflower water, and antioxidant polyphenols to protect skin from dryness,” says Camp.
Irene Forte
almond cleansing milk
This cleansing milk is very gentle and soothes stressed skin. Cleanses, nourishes and softens skin with sweet almond oil, aloe and vitamin E.
biological elements
Absolute Moisture Lightweight Facial Moisturizer
King recommends this moisturizer because it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and is a good choice for combination skin. “Sodium hyaluronate hydrates the skin, while triglycerides, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil support the skin barrier.”
foam
sweet almond face moisturizer
This moisturizer contains sweet almond oil, macadamia nut, and avocado oil to hydrate your skin and support its barrier. It is fragrance-free and color-free, so even those with sensitive skin can use it with confidence.
beauty pie
Super Healthy Skin Moisturizing Shea Butter Foam Body Wash
King recommends Beauty Pie Body Lotion, which is infused with sweet almond oil. “The creamy, moisturizing formula with ingredients like glycerin, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter has moisturizing, emollient, and occlusive properties,” says King. “It also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties from ingredients such as aloe vera, and is free of sulfates and other harsh detergents.”
beauty pie
Superdose Vitamin C Biovitamin Brightening & Firming Body Lotion
King recommends another Beauty Pie skin care product. This time it’s a body lotion containing vitamin C. “Combined with humectants such as sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, triglycerides, emollients such as sweet almond oil, argan oil, and sunflower seed oil, and occlusive agents such as dimethicone, this body lotion is hydrating and an excellent moisturizer. It ticks all the boxes: it supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture,” says King. “Plus, we’ve added the whitening benefits of stable vitamin C and tranexamic acid, and the firming benefits of brown algae extract. Cica has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.”
beauty pie
Youth Bomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate
The third and final Beauty Pie product recommended by King is this anti-aging body product. It contains 2% GranActive Retinoid, a “bioavailable, non-irritating retinoid,” which also “helps improve tone and texture and combat potential irritation from retinoids.” Contains 5% Niacinamide. In addition to glycolic acid, which has exfoliating and anti-aging properties, it also contains “humectants such as glycerin and polyglutamic acid, which moisturize the skin, emollients such as triglycerides, and sweet almond oil and meadowfoam seed, which support the skin barrier.” It also contains bases that contain “oil, shea”. Butter and coconut oil help lock in moisture. ”
nivea
Essentially Enriched Hand Cream
A moisturizing hand cream whose main ingredients are almond oil and shea butter.
