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How Effective Is Almond Oil for Acne?
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Studies have indicated that using almond oil for acne is effective. Users often prefer almond to other oils because it is not greasy, it has a pleasant fragrance, and it works well in many cases. As with any remedy, whether homeopathic, prescription, or over-the-counter, results may vary from person to person. With its high levels of fatty acids, almond oil has been used to treat skin problems, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, since the 1500s, making it one of the most-used oils for acne treatment.
Some may wonder why using almond oil for acne actually works. In general, some people produce too much of a fatty substance called sebum from their sebaceous glands, which causes their facial pores to become clogged. Eventually, the clogged pores will lead to a mild infection, creating acne. Almond oil is made up of fatty acids that dissolve substances such as sebum. As a result, using the oil works to clean the pores and repair the damage to the skin.
There are several different ways to use almond oil for acne. For example, a user can wash her hands and face to provide a clean surface. She can then place a couple drops of almond oil on her hands and rub it onto her face, letting it soak in. This is often done in the evenings before going to bed.
Other ways to use it include rubbing the oil onto an unwashed face with clean hands. The oil will clean off any debris, makeup, or other substances. It should then be rinsed off and the skin dried. A second layer of almond oil may then be applied to the clean skin to treat the acne and moisturize the face.
There are a few factors that should be considered before using almond oil for acne. For example, it generally is best to use therapeutic grade oils for the most effective treatment of acne. It is also important to select sweet almond oil versus bitter almond oil. Testing a small area of skin for a few days may be beneficial as well, to ensure the oil doesn't irritate sensitive skin or result in breakouts or other skin issues.
People who are allergic to nuts should avoid using almond oil or start by using very small amounts. The oil can be purchased at most apothecaries and in many beauty supply stores. It is a relatively inexpensive oil as well, making it a good alternative to many other acne treatments.
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.
Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.
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Discussion Comments
Betterment. Sorry but there is nothing natural about a "face cream." There are other added ingredients. The words "natural" in the "title bar" of the object don't mean purity. Almond oil, on the other hand, if purchased from GNC or the vitamin store, is strictly the oil itself. No other additives.
I have extremely sensitive skin and have found almond oil to be the best moisturizer I have ever used (and i have used heaps) lol. This oil is also great for my shaved head as it breaks down excess sebum which is probably why it works so well for acne prone skin.
I highly recommend this oil and will be using this nightly with a cool rinse in the morning after the oil has worked its wonders, also got rid of my undereye dark circles in less than a week. It's amazing stuff and so affordable!
I alternate between extra virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil as a natural moisturizer before bed. It works amazingly, gives my face a healthy glow and keeps it even.
I love using natural products and remedies on my skin and sweet almond oil is one of my favorites. If you don't have almond oil on hand, you can also use olive oil but I prefer the almond oil because of the light, pleasant smell.
I actually use almond oil to remove my makeup at night. I know it seems crazy that you would use an oil to remove makeup, but it works. It also works to remove eye makeup and is much cheaper than buying the expensive products at the store.
I feel good about using almond oil on my skin whether I am trying to clear up some acne, or just wanting to moisturize my skin. I know exactly what is in it and don't have to worry about using any harmful chemicals on my skin.
@andee -- When I use almond oil on my face I just apply it at night. You would be amazed at how soft and smooth your skin feels after using it, and it works as a natural moisturizer.
If you apply this before bed, you can let the oil soak into your skin and get the benefits without having the almond oil on your face during the day. I would not call almond oil greasy, but it is still an oil, and if this is your first time using it, will probably feel a bit greasy at first.
I usually associate acne with oily skin and it seems strange that you would use almond oil to clear up acne. When I get acne my skin is super oily and I am looking for ways to dry my skin so the acne will go away. After reading the article, I kind of understand why almond oil would work, but still don't know if I would want that greasy feeling on my face.
@Monika -- I also have adult acne and was so frustrated by this because I thought this was just supposed to happen during your teenage years. I went to the doctor about it and she said this is very common and prescribed an antibiotic for me.
I took the medication but don't really like the idea of taking this very often. I would rather try a natural remedy and the next time I have a breakout will try almond oil first to see if it helps. It sounds like it would be much healthier for me and much less expensive.
If you're going to use almond oil to treat your acne, I think you should definitely follow the advice from this article and test a small patch of skin first. Just because something is natural doesn't mean you can't have a reaction to it!
One of my good friends had a horrible reaction to some natural face cream recently. She's sensitive anyway, but she thought because the product was natural it wouldn't bother her. Wrong! So it's better to find out on a small patch of skin rather than slather you whole face with something and then find out you're sensitive to it.
@indemnifyme - That's a good idea. I've just started suffering from acne as an adult (so embarrassing) and I've been looking for a natural way to treat it. I hate putting harsh chemicals on my face, and I would much rather use something a little gentler for this problem. I also love the smell of almonds, so that helps too!
Anyway, I don't know anyone who uses almond oil on their face, but I do know a few people who use coconut oil in place of moisturizer. Supposedly coconut oil is also really good for the skin.
I have never heard of using almond oil for acne, but I have heard of using various other natural oils for different complexion related things. For example, tea tree oil is supposed to be good for acne as well as skin infections.
Tea tree oil is really strong though, so you definitely shouldn't rub it all over your face like you apparently can with almond oil. Instead, you should dot it on the pimples or other skin problems.
Actually, it sounds like you could probably use tea tree oil with almond oil. You could put the almond oil on your face before going to bed, and then use some tea tree oil in the morning after showering.
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