Sweet almond oil is particularly recognized as beneficial for dry skin, as well as against stretch marks and photoaging of the skin. But what about its effect on brown spots?
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Facial Care: Sweet Almond Oil to Erase Brown Spots?
Summary
- The various types of common brown spots on the face
- Is sweet almond oil recognized as effective against pigmentation spots?
Published December 20, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
The various types of common brown spots on the face.
Pigment spots are caused by a disruption in the pigmentation process (melanogenesis). The melanin, pigment responsible for the natural coloration of the skin, is overproduced in certain areas, leading to the appearance of brown spots. These spots most often appear on the face. However, they can manifest anywhere on the body, particularly on the forearms, décolletage, upper back, backs of the hands, and shoulders. They can affect all skin tones and types. Nevertheless, they appear more frequently in individuals over the age of 40 and in those with darker phototypes (IV to VI). Sometimes they fade over time, but occasionally they persist for many years.
There are three types of brown spots:
Melasma:
Also referred to as pregnancy mask, brown spots primarily appear on the face due to hormonal fluctuations. They often form during pregnancy, hence their nickname, or also when taking a medication that influences the hormonal system.
Lentigo:
Also referred to as age spots or sun spots, lentigo occurs due to photo-aging of the skin. These brown spots appear on the areas most exposed to the sun's UV rays, namely the back of the hands, the face, the neckline, and the back.
Thepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation :
Itresults from an overproduction of melanin following inflammation (injuries, burns, blemishes, acne flare-ups).Even though this phenomenon is generally associated with the appearance of red or even rosy spots, on dark skin, it can cause brown spots.
Is sweet almond oil recognized as effective against pigmentation spots?
Obtained through cold pressing the seeds of the almond tree's fruits, this vegetable oil is nearly odorless and has a fluid texture with a greasy feel. It is generally pale yellow in color, but it can be slightly darker, depending on the production conditions. In cosmetics, its I.N.C.I. name is " Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil". Sweet almond oil is primarily recognized for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is used to maintain the skin, nails, scalp, and hair. Sweet almond oil is suitable for all skin types. Unlike essential oils, vegetable oils can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
To date, no scientific study has reported any beneficial effects of sweet almond oil when topically applied to reduce pigmentation spots.
Nevertheless, thanks to its content of antioxidant compounds (vitamins A and E, phytosterols), when applied daily, this skincare product could prevent the appearance of sunspots. Indeed, the phenomenon known as "oxidative stress" is largely stimulated by UV rays. Oxidative stress causes the deterioration of healthy molecules and compounds in the skin. These are "attacked" by oxygen radical species (free radicals) generated in excess by the sun's UV radiation. Free radicals are particularly unstable compounds due to their unpaired electrons. In cosmetics, certain active ingredients have the ability to stabilize these free radicals by donating an electron, thus making them much less harmful to the skin and preventing the appearance of several deteriorations such as brown spots but also wrinkles, sagging, etc... Among these preventive molecules on hyperpigmentation, we find the tocopherol or vitamin E contained in sweet almond vegetable oil.
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