At Branru Farm , essential oils are among our favorite ingredients to use in our products. Essential oils are natural plant extracts . Many of them have multiple medicinal uses. For example, some of their scents can be calming and soothing. Reducing stress also means some can help you sleep better. Quite a few essential oils also have physical health benefits ranging from settling the stomach to improving skin health. Today, we want
to talk specifically about the many benefits of sweet almond oil.
What is Sweet Almond Oil?
To understand sweet almond oil, you must first understand the difference between sweet and bitter almonds. Bitter almonds are not directly consumed by people as snacks. However, after a good deal of processing, oil from bitter almonds is used to create almond flavored extracts . Sweet almonds are the almonds you are likely to see on a day-to-day basis on store shelves. They are commonly eaten as snacks or used as cooking
ingredients. Sweet almond oil is extracted from the plants from which those snack nuts are grown. It is also sometimes referred to as just “almond oil.” The oil has several potential benefits, many of which are described below.
Sweet Almond Oil and Hair Health
Sweet almond oil has multiple potential hair benefits. Most are due to its emollient properties. Emollients assist with hydration by filling in gaps and providing barriers to keep moisture in. Thus, over time use of emollients can make hair look more healthy and shiny. Almond oil and other emollients can also give hair a softer texture and make it feel better. However, those effects can take a while to show themselves, so regular use is required.
Sweet Almond Oil for Skin Hydration
The same emollient properties that make sweet almond essential oil great for hair health also make it great for skin health. It provides fortification at the cellular level. Creating a barrier to prevent escaping moisture helps skin stay hydrated. That is one of many reasons we are proud to include it in our Branru Farm lotions.
Soothing and Repairing Skin With Sweet Almond Oil
When it comes to skincare, sweet almond oil has a multitude of uses. Locking in moisture is only one. Some others are:
Reduction of Irritations Like Sunburns
Lessening the Appearance of Wrinkles (Due to Vitamin E and Fatty Acid Content)
Lessening the Appearance of Certain Types of Skin Blemishes.
When using lotion or other products containing sweet almond oil or any other essential oil for skin health, the key is consistency. You won't see any of those results after a few hours or a day. You have to give the essential oil enough of an opportunity to do its job. That's why it needs to become a regular, integral part of your daily skincare routine.
Direct Applications for Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is typically incorporated into lotion or other products. However, there are times when it can be effectively used on its own. For instance, many people find sweet almond oil on its own is a great natural lip balm. It provides a lot of hydration directly to the lips, which is perfect in a hot, dry climate or on a cold, blustery winter day when moisture is in short supply. Some users also swear by the use of sweet almond oil to reduce dark circles and under-eye bags. However, it's worth noting that you have to be careful not to get any of the oil in your eyes when using it for that purpose. It also takes time for the oil to really soak into your skin. It is best applied before bed so it can work while you are sleeping.
Your hair and skin are not the only parts of your body that may benefit from sweet almond oil. It can also be directly applied to your toenails and fingernails. The same properties that make it good for skin and hair make it excellent for nails. Applying it regularly can help keep your nails from cracking. It can also help prevent fungal infections, which often pop up under and around nails.
Relaxing With Sweet Almond Oil
A final reason to give sweet almond oil a try is it can be great for your mental and emotional health. Consuming it in food and beverages can boost your memory, according to some studies. At Branru Farm, we are particularly fond of its aromatherapy benefits. It works well when mixed with lavender or other essential oils, as in our Calm Me Down lotion. So give one a try, and let your worries start to slip away.