Go nuts about almonds!

Almond is one of the most versatile and best know natural cosmetic aids and has a long history of usage. It is said to be extremely nutritious, as it is rich in Vitamin E, protein and magnesium. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has age control benefits too and helps to delay the manifestation of ageing signs on the skin, keeping it looking youthful for a longer time. The almonds that are generally eaten are the sweet almonds and they are also used in beauty care. Due to its properties, it is also very nourishing for the skin and can be used in various forms. That is why it is a common ingredient in skin care formulations, from nourishing creams, eye creams, scrubs, face packs and massage oils.  
One of its best uses in skin care is as an exfoliator, or scrub, helping to remove dead skin cells and thus both refining and cleansing the skin. Exfoliation is an important aspect of skin care, as it helps in the removal of cellular build-up on the skin surface, improving skin texture, accelerating the cell renewal process, minimising dark patches, producing an even colour tone and delay ageing signs. Exfoliation is a powerful deep pore cleansing procedure too. It is carried out with scrubs.
Almond meal makes for an excellent scrub. To make almond meal, pour hot water on the almonds and allow them to soak till the skin comes off. Dry them thoroughly. This can be done in an oven, or by keeping them in the sun over a few days. Then dry grind them into a powder. Keep this in a jar. Use it as a scrub by adding milk or yogurt. Or, mix it with honey and apply on the skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rub gently with small circular movements. Then, wash it off with water. It has a revitalising and rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Face masks and body scrubs

Almond meal can also be added to face masks. Mix it with ingredients like wheat bran (choker) or oatmeal, along with other ingredients, like dried orange and lemon peels, honey, yogurt and egg white. If you wish, you can make a paste of almonds, mix it with rose water, honey or orange juice and apply on the face. Wash it off after half an hour. Almond nourishes and softens the skin and helps the skin retain moisture.  Almonds also have a mild bleaching effect on the skin and help to remove tan and lighten skin colour over a period of time.  
Almond oil too
Pure almond oil, or ‘badaam rogan’ has been used in India since the ancient times both for skin and hair care. Almond oil contains linoleic acid, which helps to both nourish and moisturise the skin. A very dry skin can be massaged daily with pure almond oil for a few minutes and then wiped off with moist cotton wool. Due to its Vitamin E content, it helps to minimise the visible signs of ageing on the skin.
It is ideal for the care of the delicate skin around eyes and also a useful home remedy for dark circles under the eyes. Daily apply pure almond oil sparingly (very little quantity) around eyes and massage it lightly on the skin, using only the ring finger, for one minute under each eye. Massage in one direction only. Leave on for 15 minutes and wipe off gently with moist cotton wool. Actually, the area around eyes is vulnerable to the early formation of tiny lines and wrinkles.
 
Internal health

Daily massage with pure almond oil, or the application of an almond cream would help to delay such ageing signs. Pure almond oil can also be applied on the lips daily at night and left on overnight. It not only nourishes the skin and eliminates dryness, but also helps to lighten the colour of the lips. An almond cream can also be used for the same purpose.
Internal good health reflects on external beauty and recent research shows that a few almonds can be included in the daily diet. You can add them to leafy green vegetables and fruits and other vegetables containing Vitamin C and thus derive the benefits, as Vitamins E and C go well together and are particularly beneficial to the skin. Indeed, the diet can also influence the skin's moisture level and keep it youthful for a longer time.