Fatigue, hyperpigmentation, genetics, stress, aging, or sleep deprivation – anything can make the skin around your eyes dark. These dark circles could be tough to deal with. Most often, dark circles are a result of the skin around the eyes growing extra thinner, making the dark blood vessels underneath it more apparent.
Almond oil (particularly, sweet almond oil) may help reduce the appearance of dark circles. Although there are no proven studies in this regard, anecdotal evidence suggests the oil could be used for this purpose. Scroll down to find out how almond oil can keep the skin around your eyes healthy and how you can use it.
In This Article
- Does Almond Oil Reduce Dark Circles? What Are The Benefits?
- How To Use Almond Oil For Dark Circles
- 1. Honey And Almond Oil
- 2. Rose Water And Almond Oil
- 3. Olive Oil And Almond Oil
- 4. Castor Oil And Almond Oil
- 5. Vaseline And Almond Oil
- 6. Almond Oil And Lemon Juice
- 7. Aloe Vera And Almond Oil
- 8. Almond Oil And Turmeric
- 9. Vitamin E Oil And Almond Oil
- 10. Almond Oil And Milk Powder
- Risks Factors And Precautions
- Best Amond Oil Brand For Dark Circles
Does Almond Oil Reduce Dark Circles? What Are The Benefits?
There is no scientific evidence stating the effectiveness of almond oil in reducing dark circles. However, anecdotal evidence claims that regular use of almond oil can help. Almond oil can promote skin health in different ways:
- Almond Oil Keeps The Skin Hydrated. Dehydration is one reason your skin looks dull. As the area around your eyes is thinner than the rest of the face, it can easily get dehydrated, making the dark blood vessels more apparent. This leads to dark circles. Almond oil is an excellent emollient (1). It can keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated and plump and may help minimize dark circles.
2. Almond Oil Can Brighten Your Skin
The emollient properties of the oil can help improve skin tone and complexion with regular massaging (1). This property may also help reduce dark circles.
3. It Prevents Damage By UV Rays
Exposure to UV rays can worsen your dark circles by increasing melanin production. Topical almond oil was shown to prevent structural damage caused by UV rays in mice studies (2).
4. It Protects The Skin Barrier
Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is one of the reasons for dry skin. When the skin barrier is compromised, the delicate area around your eyes becomes thinner and drier, causing dark circles. Moisturizing the skin and minimizing TEWL can help prevent dark circles. This is where almond oil can help (3).
These are some reasons almond oil can help reduce dark circles. However, you have to use it continuously to get any results. Also, ensure you are using cold-pressed and organic oil almond oil. Unrefined and organic oil contains maximum nutrients and is good for the skin.
How To Use Almond Oil For Dark Circles
1. Honey And Almond Oil
Honey keeps the skin young and hydrated. It is an emollient and a humectant. It soothes the skin and also prevents wrinkle formation (4).
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the honey and almond oil. Blend well.
- Apply this mixture under your eyes before going to sleep.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night.
2. Rose Water And Almond Oil
Rosewater has an anti-inflammatory effect on your skin. It also feels extremely soothing on your skin and can rejuvenate tired eyes (5).
You Will Need
- A few drops of almond oil
- Rosewater
- A cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Dip the cotton ball in the rose water and apply it under your eyes.
- Let it dry naturally.
- Once the rosewater has dried, apply the almond oil and massage for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave the oil on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day before going to bed.
3. Olive Oil And Almond Oil
Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids along with oleic and linoleic acids (2). These antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. They may also improve skin hydration and keep it nourished.
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the two oils.
- Take a few drops of the blend between your fingertips.
- Rub your fingers together to warm the oil.
- Apply this blend under your eyes and on the eyelids very carefully.
- Massage in circular motions for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave the oil blend on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day.
4. Castor Oil And Almond Oil
The ricinoleic acid found in castor oil acts as a skin-conditioning agent (6).
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of castor oil
- 1 teaspoon of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the oils and apply the mixture to the under-eye area.
- Keep it on for as long as possible.
How Often You Should Do This
This is best done at night, before going to bed.
5. Vaseline And Almond Oil
Vaseline locks in the moisture in the skin, which alleviates skin dullness and prevents water loss (7). This helps to keep the skin hydrated and may reduce dark circles.
You Will Need
- A pea-sized amount of Vaseline
- A few drops of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Massage the almond oil around your eyes.
- Wait for 2-3 minutes and then massage the area with Vaseline.
- Leave this on overnight.
- Apply the remaining Vaseline around the lips to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night.
6. Almond Oil And Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains vitamin C. This antioxidant enhances the production of collagen and elastin in the skin and also brighten it (8). This property of lemon may also help minimize dark circles and keep the under-eye area healthy.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of almond oil
- A few drops of lemon juice
What You Have To Do
- Add the lemon juice to the oil and mix well.
- Apply it under your eyes and keep it on overnight.
- Rinse with cool water in the morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every alternate night.
Caution: Lemon juice can dry the skin out. Use it in moderation and with an oil or other moisturizing agents. If it causes irritation, discontinue using it.
7. Aloe Vera And Almond Oil
Aloe vera replenishes and rejuvenates the skin by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It also contains natural enzymes and antioxidants that can help prevent the damage caused by free radicals (9).
You Will Need
- 1/2 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix equal quantities of fresh aloe vera gel and almond oil.
- Apply this mixture under your eyes and keep it on for an hour.
- Rinse with cool water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day. You can also use this remedy as an overnight under-eye mask.
8. Almond Oil And Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin that acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin cells from oxidative damage (10). This remedy can help even out the skin tone under the eyes and may make it lighter and brighter.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of almond oil
- A pinch of turmeric powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix the turmeric with the almond oil and apply this under the eyes.
- Let this sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1-2 times daily.
9. Vitamin E Oil And Almond Oil
Topical vitamin E is often used as an ingredient in OTC skin anti-aging products. This antioxidant protects your skin and has been proven to be moderately effective in reducing dark circles (along with other ingredients) (11).
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil
- 2-3 drops of almond oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the oils.
- Apply the mixture gently to the area around your eyes.
- Massage for a minute.
- Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Every night before going to bed.
10. Almond Oil And Milk Powder
Milk contains lactic acid, which is known to have a moisture-binding property and is a potent antioxidant (12). This may help in lightening dark circles.
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon of almond oil
- ½ teaspoon of milk powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the ingredients.
- Gently apply the paste around your eyes and massage for a minute.
- Leave it on for 15- 20 minutes or until it dries.
- Wash it off and follow up with a good eye cream.
How Often You Should Do This
Once every day before going to bed.
These are some easy recipes that you can easily follow at home without any hassle. However, before using almond oil, you need to be aware of a few risk factors associated with it.
Risks Factors And Precautions
Topical almond oil is usually considered safe for the skin unless you have a nut allergy. If you are allergic to it, it may cause:
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Breakouts
There is very little scientific evidence available to establish these effects. However, almonds are known to trigger certain allergies (13). Hence, some believe the oil may also act as an allergen in certain cases.
Before you use almond oil on your skin, make sure
- To do a patch test to determine if it suits your skin.
- You buy a good quality cold-pressed almond oil. Avoid buying refined or processed almond oils as they might contain other additives.
If you are looking for a good quality almond oil, here is our suggestion.
Best Amond Oil Brand For Dark Circles
Mother Nature’s Essentials 100% Pure Organic Sweet Almond Oil
Applying almond oil alone won’t help. You also need to regulate your overall lifestyle and diet. Follow a balanced diet, keep yourself hydrated, and get adequate sleep. If your body is rested properly and feels replenished from within, it will automatically reflect on your face. Also, try to cut down your stress levels and dedicate a certain time of your day for skincare. You will eventually see those dark circles fading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How long does almond oil take to lessen dark circles?
A. It may take around a month after regular usage.
Q. What is the difference between sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil?
A. Almonds come in two varieties – sweet and bitter. Sweet almond oil is safer to eat and use. Bitter almond contains cyanide precursors and can be toxic if not processed properly.
Q. Are there any alternatives to using almond oil for treating dark circles?
A. There are creams, peels, and laser therapy available to reduce dark circles. You may consult the doctor to see which one is suitable for you.
