This vegetable oil, with its fluid texture and somewhat greasy touch, can be identified on I.N.C.I. lists under the name" Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil". It is the ultimate ally for dry skin. But what could be its benefits on more or less pronounced wrinkles and mature skin in general?
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Almond oil to combat facial wrinkles?
Summary
Published February 9, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Sweet almond oil to combat dehydration wrinkles.
The ageing of the skin is due to intrinsic factors, such as a decrease in the rate of cell renewal, a change in the composition of the dermis and the molecules that constitute it (hyaluronic acid, collagen...) and the loss of fatty and muscular tissue which no longer plays its supporting role. Extrinsic factors that depend on the lifestyle of the individual can greatly accelerate the process (poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep...). In response to this, wrinkles deepen, the skin becomes drier, pigment spots may appear, as well as dilated vessels. Moreover, the epidermis changes, it thickens or thins depending on the individual.
The first wrinkles that appear around the age of thirty are most often dehydration wrinkles (generally around the eyes and/or on the forehead). Thesweet almond oil helps to slow down this process due to its lipid-replenishing and emollient action. The vegetable oil of sweet almond mainly containsoleic acid or omega 9, a monounsaturated fatty acid (62 to 86%). Oleic acid is a lipid that is part of the composition of sebum, a substance naturally secreted by the body to counteract the dryness of the skin and hair. It stimulates the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. The vegetable oil of sweet almond is thus relipidating, it is recommended for taking care of dehydrated skin which tends to show the signs of ageing more quickly.
Sweet almond oil to limit photoaging.
Throughout life, the body's cells are subjected tooxidative stress. This refers to the generation of highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. These are ubiquitous in the process of cellular metabolism and can interact with DNA, proteins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body, causing DNA chain breaks and oxidative damage such as lipid metabolism oxidation. All these alterations are the primary internal causes of ageing and skin dysfunctions. This observation has led to a revolution in the cosmetic field; for several years, the focus has been on antioxidants and free radical scavengers in the prevention and management of skin ageing. In this regard, sweet almond oil is an interesting treatment.
Indeed, this vegetable oil is rich in vitamins A and E. These active ingredients are well-known for their particularly effective properties in combating photo-ageing of the skin. From a chemical perspective, these two compounds possess free hydroxyl functions carried by aromatic cycles. These functions capture free radicals and stabilise them by providing the missing electron. As a result, they become less reactive and no longer degrade the compounds present at the level of skin cells.
Research has thus shown that sweet almond oil is effective in slowing down premature ageing caused by the damage inflicted by the sun's UV rays.
Therefore, sweet almond oil is an excellent ally in preventing skin ageing and combating the onset and/or intensification of wrinkles.
Sources:
Miyar ME, Diven DG, Cosulich MT, et al. Serving the underserved: creating a low-cost sunscreen with natural ingredients for humanitarian medical trips to the developing world. Br J Dermatol. (2014)
Sultana Y, Kohli K, Athar M, Khar RK, Aqil M. Effect of pre-treatment of almond oil on ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice. J Cosmet Dermatol. (2007)
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