Sweet Almond Oil...an almond update

Selah asks a great question: "This makes me wonder... is Sweet Almond Oil as helpful?"

I have never personally used sweet almond oil although I am contemplating using it in my next Shea butter whip mix. There are so many great natural oils out there that have many uses. Here are a few things SAO is good for:

Sweet almond oil is one of the less expensive essential oils, and it can be used in many ways. High in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, sweet almond oil is wonderful as a culinary oil. It is odorless and comes from pressed almonds. You can use it on salads or sandwiches, but you can also use it as a massage oil or as a moisturizer.

How to Use Sweet Almond Oil

Step1

Use as a carrier oil for aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, you can use different essential oils to achieve different effects. But many essential oils can irritate the skin if applied directly. Therefore, you need a carrier oil, and sweet almond oil makes a wonderful carrier oil.

Step2

Use for making soap. Sweet almond oil is often used for superfatting soaps because it is a great moisturizer. If you dabble in soapmaking, add sweet almond oil to your soaps because it makes stable lather.

Step3

Use as a massage oil. Sweet almond oil is widely used as a massage oil because it is easily absorbed and serves as a great emollient. It also makes a great lubricant, and therefore it helps combat itching and inflammation. Sweet almond oil is also great for massage because it has a high concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids, which help relieve muscle pain.

Step4

Use for removing eye makeup. Not only does sweet almond oil remove your eye makeup, but it hydrates and softens the skin around your eyes.

Step5

Use as an all-purpose moisturizer. Use sweet almond oil as a moisturizer after you get out of the shower. You can use it on your face as well as the rest of your body, and it can even moisturize dry cuticles.

Step6

Use as a salad dressing. Combine 3 tablespoons of sweet almond oil with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Check out CurlyNikki's awesome post about using Sweet almond oil in your hair!