Dry skin is caused by different skin problems. One way of avoiding the discomfort and irritation caused by it is to use a moisturizer. Plant oils are commonly incorporated into the formulation of moisturizers because they are safer, healthier, and effective. One of the natural oils being used is sweet almond oil (Oleum amygdala) due to its emollient and sclerosant properties. (1) These properties can help to improve complexion and skin tone. (1) Moreover sweet almond oil has anti-inflammatory, (2) antioxidant, and photo-aging effects.
Take a peek at this article to learn more about the efficacy of sweet almond oil as a moisturizer for different skin concerns.
Moisturizer for dry and xerotic skin
Winter months and other environmental exposure could lead to dry or xerotic skin. (4) Sweet almond oil contains high levels of fatty acids particularly oleic and linoleic acids, (2) which are recognized to have skin protection and hydration ability. Oils rich in fatty acids are helpful in the formation of main barrier lipids (ceramides, CERs) (4) Previous research has shown that a product containing sweet almond oil and evening primrose oil increased ceramide levels. (4) Moreover, the high content of oleic acid in sweet almond oil enables skin penetration of its active components. It is also a carrier for varieties of lipo-soluble actives. (4) These effects are the reasons why sweet almond oil is considered a good carrier oil and has been recognized to have skincare benefits for adult and juvenile applications (4)
Moisturizer for hand dermatitis
To treat hand dermatitis as well as prevent it, regular moisturizing of the affected area is needed. A 2018 study investigated the efficacy of a formulated moisturizer containing 7% sweet almond oil and 2% colloidal oatmeal. The findings of the study revealed that the moisturizer is a safe and effective treatment for people with moderate to severe hand dermatitis. (2)
Skin hydration effects
The effect on skin hydration and immediate and long-term effects on the skin barrier function of a moisturizer product containing sweet almond oil was investigated in another 2018 study. The oils that were used here are licuri oil, catolé oil, and spent coffee grounds oil. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil was used as a positive control. (3)
To evaluate the efficacy of the moisturizer, 30 healthy female volunteers aged between 18–40 years old participated in the study. The moisturizer was applied to the lower middle portion of their forearms. The two forearms were subdivided into three regions. One area was reserved for the cutaneous application of moisturizer cream containing catolé, licuri, spent coffee grounds, and sweet almond oils. The other specific region is for the placebo formulation. While another part was for the control area. (3)
Their skin was assessed by measuring the water content of the epidermis (WCE) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). They were measured before and after 2 hours of a single application and 20 days after the daily application. To evaluate the immediate effects of the WCE and TEWL, measurements were performed in an air-conditioned room, with an ambient temperature. Before measuring was performed, the subjects have to stay in the room for 15 minutes. (3)
To test the long-term effect of the moisturizer, the cream was applied daily on the lower forearm of the participants for 20 days in their homes. The volunteers returned to the same laboratory after 20 days, for new measurements. (3)
The findings of the study yielded that 10% of the oils in moisturizing cream have skin hydration effects, as the water content of the epidermis and skin barrier function increased. These effects resulted in the reduction of the TEWL. It has been shown that skin hydration and skin barrier function improved when compared with the placebo and control areas. (3)
Furthermore, the study demonstrated the immediate efficacy of moisturizer as it significantly increased the epidermis water content and function of the skin barrier after two hours of application. Meanwhile, the TEWL significantly reduced after 2 hours of application and 20 days after daily application, which could be interpreted that it has improved the protection of the skin barrier function. (3)
The formulated cream containing sweet almond oil increased epidermis water content (WCE). The effect of the formulated moisturizing cream and the placebo control (sweet almond oil showed similar results, thus proving sweet almond oil’s moisturizing and toning properties on dry skin. (3)
Moisturize well
References:
- (1) Lin T.K, Zhong L., Santiago J.L. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Science. 2018, 19, 70; doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
- (2) Zeichner J.A., Berson D., Mariwalla K., Donald A. The Use of an Over-the-Counter Hand Cream With Sweet Almond Oil for the Treatment of Hand Dermatitis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2018;17(1):78-82
- (3) Sousa G.D., De Souza Dantas I.M.F., De Santana D.P., Leal L.B. New Oils for Cosmetic O/W Emulsions: In Vitro/ In Vivo Evaluation. Cosmetics 2018, 5, 6; doi:10.3390/cosmetics5010006
- (4) Blaak J., Staib P.. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose, and jojoba oils in skin care Applications. International Journal Cosmetic Science. 2022;44:1–9. DOI: 10.1111/ics.12758
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