Sweet Almond Oil Conditions And Nourishes Skin Of The Feet
Preface
Sweet almond oil is a skin conditioning agent that moisturizes and nourishes the skin of the feet. It is a botanical emollient rich with fats and vitamins.
Definition: What is sweet almond oil?
Sweet almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) is obtained by pressing the oils from ripe seed kernels of the almond tree. The almond fruit is not actually a true nut but is referred to as a drupe, having an outer hull and hard shell with the seed "nut" inside. Sweet almond oil is lightweight, has a pleasing aroma, and does not produce a sticky residue when applied to the skin's surface. It acts as an emollient (moisturizer) and also nourishes the skin with fats (fatty acids) and vitamins E, A, B1, B2, and B6.
History: What is the origin of sweet almond oil?
The origin of the almond can be found in the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East and reaching eastward into parts of eastern Pakistan. In ancient times, the almond was carried by humans along the shores of the Mediterranean into northern Africa and Southern Europe. Almonds are thought to be one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees grown in the Early Bronze Age (3000–2000 BC) of the Near East. Almonds have even been discovered in the tombs of Egypt and dated back to 1325 BC. Today, almonds are also grown in other parts of the world including California.
Body Elements: What parts of the skin does sweet almond oil act on?
Sweet almond oil when applied topically (externally) will absorb into the outer epidermal layer of the skin moisturizing and nourishing the skin cells. The epidermal layer of your skin actually consists of several layers itself. The deepest layer, the basal layer, is continuously creating new plump skin cells that receive their nutrients from the blood vessels just below the basal layer. As new skin cells are created, the existing skin cells are pushed toward the surface of the skin. It is here on the skin's surface, away from the blood supply, where the skin cells can become dry, scaly, itchy or even form cracks in the skin. The fats (fatty acids), vitamins, and moisturizing components of sweet almond oil can benefit and remedy dry or cracked skin on feet.
Functions: How does sweet almond oil work?
The two most prominent fats found in sweet almond oil are 1) monounsaturated oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid) and 2) linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acid). Oleic acid strengthens skin cell membranes and helps to repair damaged skin cells that can be the result of dry skin. Linoleic acid is known as an "essential fatty acid" in that the body cannot manufacture it and must be obtained through diet or external sources. Linoleic acid "waterproofs" the skin by holding moisture in the skin.
The vitamins found in sweet almond oil are E, A, B1, B2, and B6. Vitamin E is considered to be an excellent softening agent as well as having the ability to soothe dry, rough skin according to American Academy of Dermatology. Your body requires Vitamin A to maintain and repair skin tissues. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry, flaking skin of the feet. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is necessary for your skin cells to function (lubricate) properly. Dry skin is the result of a loss of water in the skin cells. However, vitamin B1 will hold moisture in the skin cells. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is referred to as being "immune protective". Vitamin B2 re-energizes the skin cells after exposure to damaging environmental (external) elements so that they can continue to protect the body from acquiring infections. Vitamin B6 is used to treat dermatitis. Dermatitis is inflammation (e.g. redness, soreness, swollen tissues) of the skin. In addition, both amino acids and nucleic acids (two very important elements in the formation of new skin cells) require vitamin B6 to function.
Audience: Who would benefit from a foot product containing sweet almond oil?
Persons who could benefit from the use of sweet almond oil applied to the feet are those who are experiencing dryness, scaling, itching, small tears, deep fissures, or irritation of the skin. These conditions can develop as the result of poor diet, dry or cold weather, hormonal imbalances, dermatitis, allergic reactions, exposure to chemicals, or fungal infections
Importance: Why is sweet almond oil a good ingredient in a foot care product?
Organic sweet almond oil benefits skin as a conditioner that can bring the skin of the feet into good condition by attracting and holding moisture in the skin. It is a natural botanical oil obtained from the almond seed. It is rich in unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids as well as vitamins E, A, B1, B2, and B6 to nourish dry or cracked skin of the feet.
Conclusion
Sweet almond oil is a fat-rich, vitamin-rich botanical oil that restores moisture and nourishment to dry, irritated, flaking, or cracked skin on the soles of the feet.