Delicate baby skin is one of nature's most precious gifts. Its delicate scent, soft little feet and incredible gentleness make parents' hearts beat faster. But precisely because this skin is so sensitive, it needs special care. One of the most popular natural products that is ideal for both babies and adults is almond oil.
But why is almond oil so good for the skin? In this article, you will learn everything about the possible uses, the benefits of almond oil and we will give you tips on what you can use almond oil for - on your baby and on yourself.
Where does almond oil come from?
Almond oil is extracted from the seeds of the almond tree (Prunus dulcis). The almond tree belongs to the rose family and originally comes from regions in western Asia and northern Africa, where they were cultivated several thousand years ago. The trees thrive particularly well in warm, dry climates, which is why they are now mainly grown in countries such as Spain, California and Italy. California is the world's largest producer of almonds and supplies around 80% of the world's harvest. Even in ancient times, almond oil was known for its healing and nourishing properties and was used both for beauty care and to relieve skin problems.
There are two types of almonds: sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis var. dulcis) and bitter almonds (Prunus dulcis var. amara). Almond oil is mainly obtained from sweet almonds because they have a mild, pleasant effect on the skin and, unlike bitter almonds, do not contain any toxic substances. The oil is obtained by cold pressing the almond kernels, which preserves the valuable nutrients.
Why is almond oil so valuable for the skin?
Almond oil is a true miracle cure for skin care, thanks to its special composition. It contains a variety of valuable ingredients that nourish and protect your skin:
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Vitamin E is one of the most important antioxidants for skin care. It protects skin cells from free radicals that can be caused by environmental stressors such as UV radiation or air pollution. Free radicals damage cell membranes and accelerate the skin's aging process. Vitamin E in almond oil supports the skin's natural protective mechanism by strengthening the lipid layer that maintains the skin barrier and reduces moisture loss.
Additional benefit: Vitamin E can even help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, which also makes the oil attractive for anti-aging care. - Vitamin A : Another valuable component of almond oil is vitamin A, also known as retinol. This vitamin promotes cell regeneration and accelerates the skin's renewal process. This is a great advantage, especially when caring for sensitive baby skin, as the skin is optimally regenerated and strengthened. Vitamin A also supports the development of the skin structure, which is particularly beneficial for dry and cracked skin.
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Fatty acids : Almond oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid and linoleic acid. These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- Oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) is known for its powerful moisturizing properties. It penetrates deep into the skin and provides it with long-lasting moisture.
- Linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) is particularly important as it has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the skin. It helps heal irritated skin and supports the skin's barrier function, making it particularly suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Minerals and proteins : Almond oil also contains a number of important minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, which help regenerate and strengthen the skin. The proteins contained in almond oil promote the elasticity of the skin and ensure a youthful appearance.
- Hypoallergenic and mild : One of the outstanding features of almond oil is its gentle and non-irritating action, making it the ideal choice for sensitive baby skin. Almond oil is hypoallergenic, which means it rarely causes allergic reactions, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film on the skin.
6 reasons for almond oil in baby care:
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Natural moisture source
Baby skin is thinner and more prone to dryness than that of adults. Your baby's sweat glands are not yet able to regulate body temperature sufficiently, especially in hot weather. The sebaceous glands also do not produce enough oil. For this reason, baby skin tends to be dry. Almond oil is a natural moisturizer that forms a protective film on the skin and helps to lock in moisture. This natural protective shield can also protect baby skin from moisture loss in wind, cold and sunlight. Unlike many synthetic moisturizers, it does not contain any chemical additives that could irritate sensitive skin. -
Soothes and cares for irritated skin
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, almond oil can help to relieve skin redness, which often occurs in the diaper area. Almond oil can have a cooling and pain-relieving effect on irritated skin. It reduces irritation, has a calming effect and supports the natural healing process. With its mild formulation, almond oil can also be used as a preventative measure against skin redness and irritation. -
High skin tolerance
Thanks to its high oleic acid content, almond oil is particularly well absorbed by baby skin and is extremely skin-friendly. Many baby products contain synthetic ingredients, fragrances or preservatives that can irritate your baby's sensitive skin. Organic almond oil, on the other hand, is purely natural and is obtained without the use of harmful chemicals. This makes it ideal for caring for sensitive baby skin.
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protection of the skin barrier
The fatty acids contained in almond oil strengthen your baby's skin barrier. They help to stabilize the skin's own protective film, which is particularly important for warding off external influences such as cold or dry air. -
Helps against cradle cap
In the first few months of life, babies often develop a layer of cradle cap or cradle cap on their scalp. Almond oil can help gently remove these crusts. -
Easy to use
Almond oil is easy to spread and absorbs well into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. It can be used both as an after-bath treatment and during baby massage to keep the skin soft and supple.
Uses of almond oil for babies and adults
Almond oil is incredibly versatile and is not only suitable for caring for baby skin, but also as a valuable beauty product for adults.
For babies:
massage oil
The rich almond oil is ideal for gently massaging your baby. Whether after bathing or as a calming ritual before going to bed - a massage with almond oil has a soothing and relaxing effect. Baby's tummy in particular benefits from the gentle care, as it can prevent cramps and stomach aches.
A regular baby massage has numerous advantages: Your child gets to know its body better, which is otherwise often hidden under cute baby clothes. In addition, the gentle touch reduces stress and promotes well-being by relieving tension that can quickly build up through exploring and carrying around. A big plus point: almond oil does not absorb into the skin too quickly, so you have enough time for the relaxing massage.
body oil
Almond oil can be used wonderfully as a nourishing body oil. Particularly dry areas of skin need moisture and fat to stay supple - and almond oil provides exactly this combination. After the baby bath, you can apply the oil to the still damp skin, which creates a protective barrier that prevents drying out.
Even children who suffer from neurodermatitis often tolerate the combination of oil and water very well. Almond oil can also be used in the diaper area to protect the skin from irritation caused by urine and stool.
hair care
Almond oil is a true miracle care product, not just for the skin, but also for the hair! It can be a gentle alternative to shampoo, especially for babies, who often have very little hair. It gives the hair shine and at the same time cares for the sensitive scalp. And the best thing: adults can also benefit from this natural hair care product.
The oil is said to promote hair growth and smooth brittle ends, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. But it's worth trying - both for you and your baby!
Care and cleaning of the diaper area
Almond oil is great for cleaning the diaper area. Combined with lukewarm water and soft cloths, you can gently clean the area and protect it from irritation. Thanks to its soothing and nourishing properties, it helps prevent skin irritation and keeps the diaper area clean and healthy.
bath additive
Your baby's skin is particularly sensitive and tends to dry out quickly. A few drops of almond oil in the bath water can work wonders. The oil forms a protective film on the skin and ensures that it does not need to be moisturized after bathing. Ideal for babies who want to snuggle up in their cosy bathrobe straight after bathing!
Almond oil for neurodermatitis
Many babies and small children suffer from atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin. Almond oil can be a real lifesaver here. It nourishes the skin intensively and helps to relieve the itching. Even though atopic dermatitis is a complex skin problem, almond oil can provide relief as a supportive care product.
Almond oil for removing cradle cap
Cradle cap, also known as seborrhoeic eczema, occurs in many newborns in the first few weeks of life and appears as greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp. The cause is the hormonal changes after birth, which lead to an overproduction of the sebaceous glands. Cradle cap is harmless to health and usually disappears on its own after a few weeks or months. However, if you want to remove the scales for cosmetic reasons, you can use almond oil. Simply apply a few drops to the affected areas, leave them on overnight and gently remove them the next morning with a baby brush.
For adults :
Almond oil is not only ideal for babies, but also a wonderful care product for adults. It can be used in many ways - whether as a nourishing body oil for dry skin, for hair care or for relaxing massages.
Stretch Mark Prevention During Pregnancy
Almond oil also offers numerous benefits for you as a mother - especially during pregnancy. Regularly oiling your growing belly with almond oil can keep the skin supple and thus reduce the risk of stretch marks. At the same time, it relieves the unpleasant feeling of tension that occurs when the skin stretches.
Tips for the correct use of almond oil
To ensure that you and your baby enjoy the best benefits of almond oil, there are a few tips to keep in mind when using it:
- Use the oil sparingly – a small drop is often enough to care for sensitive baby skin.
- Apply the oil to slightly damp skin immediately after bathing to better lock in moisture and keep the skin supple
- Massage the oil gently into the skin with loving caresses. This not only nourishes the skin, but also promotes the bond between you and your baby.
- Make sure it is organic and cold pressed to ensure that it does not contain any harmful additives.
- To avoid skin irritation, use only almond oil that is free of dyes, mineral oils and artificial additives.
Other natural oils for baby skin
In addition to almond oil, there are other natural oils that are used in baby and skin care. Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, while jojoba oil is characterized by its light texture and good tolerability. Both oils also offer excellent care options for sensitive baby skin.
Can I use almond oil for skin care if I have an almond allergy?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes! A food allergy to almonds is different from a contact allergy. While a food allergy can be inherited, a contact allergy only develops with repeated skin contact with the allergen and is extremely rare. Even if you or your baby has a food allergy to almonds, you can usually use almond oil for skin care without any problems.
It is important to ensure that the oil does not come into contact with your mouth to avoid allergic reactions - it should therefore not be used as lip balm. If you are still unsure, it is advisable to consult your doctor to be on the safe side.
Almond oil in Milli's magic cloths
An insider tip for daily care in the diaper area are Millis magic wipes . The nourishing diaper rash pads, which contain skin-care, natural active ingredients, have a soothing effect on sore bottoms in cases of diaper rash. In Millis magic wipes, almond oil works harmoniously with aloe vera and Q10 to ensure the best possible care for your baby's skin:
- Almond oil: Almond oil has exceptionally skin-friendly and soothing properties and is therefore highly effective against diaper rash. It is one of the highest quality care oils and counteracts dry skin, ensuring a supple complexion. Thanks to its protective and enveloping effect, the oil also reduces the frequency of future episodes of wound irritation. It is particularly well tolerated by sensitive skin, which is why it has also become established in the field of sensitive baby care. The use of almond oil makes baby skin particularly soft and moisturizes it. At the same time, almond oil is non-greasy to use, even if, as a non-drying oil, it stays on the skin longer than oils that are quickly absorbed. The unsaturated fatty acids it contains moisturize and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Aloe Vera: Since aloe vera is a plant-based product, the use of this active ingredient causes fewer side effects than chemical products. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and proven improvement of the skin barrier, aloe vera is ideal for treating diaper rash, as it soothes, nourishes and regenerates irritated skin. Especially in the case of long-term treatment with chemical agents or steroids, the plant-based therapy is a gentle alternative that is in no way inferior to chemical treatment. It also provides important moisture without keeping the diaper climate too moist and protects sensitive skin from drying out.
- Ubiquinone-10: Q10 is known specifically for smoothing wrinkles, but it has enormous advantages that speak in favor of its use in our Millis. Ubiquinone-10 is the body's own coenzyme and an important component for functioning metabolic processes. It promotes the energy metabolism of cells, which leads to rapid regeneration and healing of damaged skin. As an energy source, it helps the skin cells, prevents cell damage and thus contributes to the efficient regeneration of irritated skin. Q10 offers extremely effective skin cell protection and gives the skin new energy. It helps with oxidative stress and inflammation of the skin and ensures a smooth complexion. This supplies the cells of the baby's bottom with energy and supports the smooth skin structure.
Conclusion
Almond oil is a real all-rounder in skin care and offers numerous benefits for both babies and adults. Thanks to its valuable ingredients such as vitamin E, linoleic acid and oleic acid, it is ideal for caring for dry and sensitive skin and protecting it from external influences. In baby care, almond oil helps to protect your baby's delicate skin, soothe irritations and provide moisture. It is particularly gentle and easy to spread, which makes it pleasant to use. For all-round natural care, you can safely integrate almond oil into your daily routine - for you and your baby.