A popular radio program in the UK called Desert Island Discs asks a variety of listeners what they would take to a Desert Island. If they were only allowed 8 records what would they pack? A friend asked me what my beauty version would be. So here's the sixth entry of an eight part Beauty & Wellness Series about what I would take with me if I was only allowed one item.
On a desert island I would assume coconuts would grow naturally in abundance, so the benefits of using coconut oil would already be readily available. As an alternative, I would pack almond oil. You can use it to bake, cook, make salad dressings with it along with using it on the face, hair and body. It is so versatile and smells lovely!
Benefits of using Almond Oil on the skin:
Reduces puffiness and dark circles - applying almond oil can help to lighten the dark circles under your eyes and reduce under - eye puffiness. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil natually contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which keeps the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it.
Improves complexion and skin tone - almond oil is a great emollient to use as a massage medium. Massaging the skin in upward motions once or twice a day improves circulation, brings fresh skin cells to the surface, and helps tone the skin giving is a natural healthy glow.
Treats dry skin including eczema and psoriasis - almond oil is rich in vitamin E which gives skin an intensive moisture boost and nourishes the skin leaving it glowing.
Improves acne - the fatty acid content in almond oil helps to dissolve excess oil on the skin. The natural retinoids from vitamin A in the oil can reduce the appearance of acne and improve cell turnover.
Helps reverse sun damage - using the nourishing oil on a daily basis provides antioxidants and nourishment to the skin along with helping to lighten age spots.
Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks - massaging this nourishing oil into the skin daily helps to heal and reduce the appearance of scars.
Nourish and plump lips - applying a few drops onto dry cracked lips, the oil locks in moisture to nourish, brighten and plump the lips.
Almond oil is rich in magnesium, calcium and zinc, all of which are important for healthy hair, so the oil can also be massaged into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and used to moisturise the dry ends of longer hair. Please note that using almond oil before a heat styling tool is not recommended because it can heat up and burn the scalp or damage the hair shaft. My blog advice is all about natural beauty on a desert island using natural ingredients to help maintain a healthy skin and body with limited resources.
Whenever I pack for holiday I always try to pack multi-functional items, and almond oil is a winner! So if you're headed somewhere hot, pop a bottle in your luggage and the natural soft scent and conditioning benefits will keep your skin glowing and healthy!
Another great question, they both work differently. Rose hip is great for boosting collagen and brightening the skin, while almond oil is more nourishing. I would only use one at a time.
Thank you D 💚
Which is better for your skin, Rosehip Oil or Almond Oil - or do they work differently? Or is it good to alternate? Too many questions.... 🤪 xx
Hi Jo, Great question! Almond oil would be used on top of a hyaluronic acid or water based serum and under a moisturiser.
That’s interesting D. How would you incorporate almond oil into a daily routine i.e. before/after serum or in place of? Thank you