How to Use Almond Oil for Aging/Dry Skin

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos

Last Updated: November 2, 2021 References

Almond oil is wonderful for your skin. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, a vital nutrient that protects your skin from the sun. Vitamin E also helps the body produce collagen, which smoothes and tightens skin.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} Almond oil is also a gentle exfoliator, so it helps remove dry, dead skin cells and reveal the smooth, glowing skin underneath.^{[2]
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Research source} While you can always apply it on its own to your skin, you can make it even more effective by combining it with other ingredients, such as essential oil, to make a moisturizer that will greatly enhance your current skincare routine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Almond Oil to Your Face

1
Start with a clean face. If you have not yet done so, wash your face using your usual facial cleanser, then pat it dry with a soft, clean towel. You should never apply oil (or any type of moisturizer) to a dirty face. If you apply oil to a dirty face, you'll trap the dirt; this could lead to blackheads and breakouts.^{[3]
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2
Place a few drops of almond oil onto your palm. A little bit goes a long way, so you only need 2 to 4 drops. You can always apply more oil later, if necessary.^{[4]
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3
Rub your palms together to warm the oil up. This will help make it easier to absorb into your skin. It will also reduce the chances of you applying too much.^{[5]
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4
Gently pat your hands against your face and neck. Avoid rubbing the oil in. If you only want to use the oil to spot-treat a dry patch, pick the oil up from your palm with your ring finger, then gently pat your finger against your skin. This is especially important if you are treating the delicate skin under your eyes.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.}
5
Wipe off any excess oil, if necessary. If you have very dry skin, you could leave some of the excess oil on your skin. If your face feels too greasy, however, use a cotton pad to gently wipe off any residual oil.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Almond Oil for Cleansing

1
Mix together some almond oil and castor oil. You will need 1 teaspoon castor oil and 2 teaspoons almond oil. Mix the oils in a small, glass jar or bottle.^{[7]
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- If you don't have any castor oil, use hazelnut oil instead.
- You can use other amounts, as long as you stick to these proportions: ⅓ castor oil and ⅔ almond oil.
2
Massage the oil onto your face. Pour a small amount of the oil onto your hand, then massage it onto your face, taking care to avoid your eyes. You do not need to wash or dampen your face first. This technique is known as "oil cleansing," and you can use it to remove dirt and makeup.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.}
- You have made enough oil to last a few treatments. You do not need to use all of it.
- You typically don't want to apply oil to a dirty face, but this is the once exception; you will be wiping this oil off later on.
3
Consider leaving the oil on as a mask. You don't have to do this, but it certainly would not hurt to do so. If you have very dry skin, or simply want to treat yourself, this would be an excellent idea.^{[9]
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4
Place a damp, clean, washcloth over your face. Soak a clean wash cloth in hot water. Wring out the excess moisture, then drape the cloth over your face. Leave it there for a few minutes or until it cools. This will help open up your pores and make the oil more effective.^{[10]
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5
Wipe the oil away. Use the damp washcloth that you draped over your face to do this. Do not scrub your skin, however. If your face still feels oily, you can repeat the damp washcloth treatment two to three more times.^{[11]
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- If you have very dry skin, consider leaving a thin film of oil on your face.
- If your face still feels dry afterwards, you can apply some moisturizer to it.
6
Cleanse your face with oil as often as needed. It is best to do this in the evening, just before you go to bed. This will give your skin time to soak up the beneficial oils. You can do this daily, but if you have normal or oily skin, it's best if you do it once a week.^{[12]
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- You likely won't see results overnight; give the oil cleansing method a few tries before deciding whether or not it is right for you.
- If you have any oil left over, you can use it as a body massage oil. You can also discard it or pour it into a small, glass bottle for later.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Almond Oil in Homemade Cosmetics

1
Create a facial oil. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of almond oil into a dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1 to 2 drops of one of the essential oils listed below based on your need. Close the bottle, then shake it to mix the oil blend. Apply a few drops of the blend to a freshly-washed face, then store the bottle in a cool, dry, dark place.^{[13]
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- Aging skin: chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, helichrysum, myrrh, palmarosa, rose, or sandalwood
- Dry skin: chamomile, geranium, helichrysum, lavender, myrrh, palmarosa, rose, or sandalwood
- Sensitive: chamomile, lavender, geranium, or palmarosa
2
Make an anti-wrinkle oil. Combine the ingredients listed below in a glass jar, preferably a dark one. Apply a few drops of the oil to your face every night after you have finished washing it. Store the bottle in a cool, dry, dark place.^{[15]
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- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet almond oil
- 4 drops of carrot seed essential oil
- 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 4 drops of rose or lavender essential oil
3
Mix together a firming and anti-aging serum. Pour the ingredients listed below into a 2-ounce (60-milliliter) glass bottle, preferably a dark one. Close the bottle, then shake it to mix everything together. Apply a few drops to your face in the morning and/or evening.^{[16]
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- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rosehip seed oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet almond oil
- 10 drops cypress essential oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 7 drops frankincense essential Oil
4
Whip up an anti-aging face cream. Place the ingredients listed below into a glass jar. Set the jar into a pot filled with 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) of boiling water. Let the ingredients melt, then stir them together. Pour the mixture into a 4-ounce (120-milliliter) glass jar. Let it sit at room temperature until it hardens, then put the lid on. Apply the cream to your face after washing it every morning and/or evening. Store the jar in a cool, dry place.^{[17]
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- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) almond oil
- 2 tablespoons (26 grams) coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) beeswax
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) shea butter
5
Create a rosehip and almond body oil. Combine all of the ingredients in a glass bottle--a dark-colored one would be the best. Massage a few drops of the oil onto your body in the evening before going to bed. Store the bottle in a cool, dry, dark place for up to three months.^{[18]
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- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) almond oil
- 6 drops frankincense essential oil
- 6 drops rose essential oil
- 4 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 drops myrrh essential oil

Community Q&A

Question

How do I use almond oil for black areas around my eyes?

Community Answer

Apply sweet almond oil on the black areas around your eyes gently using a cotton ball. Leave it on overnight so your skin can fully absorb it. You'll see great results in about 2 weeks if it's done daily.
Question

How many days should I try this?

Community Answer

Try using the almond oil continuously for two weeks, or regularly during your daily routine if your skin is very dry.
Question

Does sweet almond oil have the same effects as plain almond oil?

Community Answer

Sweet almond oil and regular almond oil are essentially the same thing. Bitter almond oil, however, is an essential oil and typically comes in a much smaller bottle. It is fragrant, and not the same thing as (sweet) almond oil.

Warnings

Never apply almond oil, or any type of moisturizer, onto a dirty face. If you do, you will simply lock and seal that dirt in. Wash your face first, then apply the oil or moisturizer.^{[21]
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Avoid using almond oil if you have any nut allergies.^{[22]
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Almond oil may not work as well as professional skin care products.^{[23]
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