Almond Milk Magic: The Surprising Benefits of Almond Milk for Your Skin + How to Use
This creamy and delicious drink isn't just for lattes, but also a go-to ingredient in skincare. So, let's dive deeper into all the game-changing benefits of almond milk for the skin.
February 13, 2023 7 minutes readIn This Post
The favorite among vegans and those less fortunate, lactose-intolerant, almond milk has been a popular milk alternative for years. But did you know that besides adding it to your breakfast cereals and smoothies, almond milk has a plethora of benefits for your skin as well?
With its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, almond milk can hydrate, soothe, brighten, exfoliate, and nourish the skin and is perfect for any skin type – dry, oily, or sensitive.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of almond milk for the skin and provide tips on how to use it for skin care for maximum benefits. Plus, we'll share a simple recipe for making your own almond milk at home.
But before we get into all the goodies...
What Is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a non-dairy alternative to traditional cow's milk, typically made by soaking almonds in water and then blending them. The mixture is then strained to remove solid pieces, resulting in a smooth and creamy liquid that resembles the texture of dairy milk.
Almond milk is a popular choice among those who are lactose-intolerant or have a cow's milk allergy, as well as those following a vegan or plant-based diet. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is lower in calories and fat than cow's milk, but it also contains less protein.
Almond milk can be used in a variety of ways, including in coffee and tea, smoothies, baking, and cooking. Additionally, it's often fortified with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, to make it a nutritionally balanced alternative to dairy milk.
And above all, you can reap all the skin-loving benefits of almond milk when you apply it topically, as it is, or mixed with other skincare products, like DIY face masks and mists.
Benefits of Almond Milk for the Skin
From soothing to moisturizing, almond milk has a lot of perks to offer for your skin, improving its appearance and overall health. Plus, it's an all-natural and gentle product, making it ideal for everybody and all skin types, including people with dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. Here's a rundown of all the benefits of almond milk for the skin:
- Hydrating: Almond milk is rich in healthy fats and vitamins E and D, making it an excellent hydrator for the skin. These nutrients keep the skin soft, supple, and moisturized, reviving dull complexion and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protecting: Almond milk contains ample amounts of antioxidants, like vitamins A, E, and D, preventing and healing damaged skin.
- Brightening: The vitamin A and magnesium in almond milk can brighten the skin and improve its overall appearance. These nutrients work to even out skin tone and give the skin a healthy glow.
- Anti-aging: Another amazing benefit of almond milk is boosting collagen production and making wrinkles and sagging skin less prominent. This is again all due to its vitamin A and D content that improve skin elasticity and prevent premature aging.
- Soothing: Thanks to its magnesium content, almond milk is an excellent natural remedy for sensitive skin as it can soothe and calm irritations and inflammations. This makes it a great choice for people with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, as it can reduce redness, itching, and swelling.
- Strengthening: Magnesium and calcium in almond milk can enhance and maintain the skin's natural barrier function.
- Nourishing: Almond milk is rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and iron, all essential for healthy, glowing skin that feels plump and soft.
How to Use Almond Milk for Skin Care
Almond milk is a versatile natural skincare ingredient, and incorporating it into your routine is an easy and affordable way to achieve your skincare goals. So here are some ideas on how to use almond milk for skin care – whether you're looking to hydrate, nourish, soothe, or exfoliate your skin, you'll find a recipe here for you:
Almond Milk Face Mask: Easy Recipe
This recipe uses almond milk and green clay as the main ingredients, which make a perfect combination for oily skin. However, if you have dry skin, use almond powder instead of clay and add more sweet almond oil. To learn how to make almond powder, check the recipe for homemade DIY almond milk below.
You'll need:
- 4 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 tablespoon green clay
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
Preparation and application:
- In a small bowl, mix the green clay powder (or almond powder), almond milk, honey, and aloe vera gel until smooth paste forms.
- Apply the mask to your face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with the rest of your routine.
The honey in this recipe is optional, but it can boost the mask's hydrating properties. Use this green clay mask once or twice weekly for best results.
Almond Milk Face Scrub: Easy Recipe
This face scrub is suitable for all skin types, as all the ingredients we use in this recipe are gentle and soothing. The almond milk nourishes the skin, while the honey provides antibacterial and hydrating benefits. And the oatmeal acts as a mild exfoliant, while nourishing the skin at the same time.
You'll need:
- 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal)
Preparation and application:
- In a small bowl, mix together the almond milk, honey, and oatmeal until well combined.
- You should get a paste-like consistency; so if it's too thick, add more almond milk; and if it's too liquidy, add more colloidal oatmeal.
- Apply the mixture to your face and massage in gentle circular motions.
- Then, leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow up with your regular moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
If your skin needs some exfoliating, you'll enjoy making and using this simple and natural scrub. However, it's best not to use it more often than once a week, or two weeks, as mechanical exfolaitaion can damage your skin if overused.
Almond Milk Face Toner: Easy Recipe
This simple, all-natural toner is particularly beneficial for those with oily skin. The almond milk provides a boost of hydration, while the witch hazel acts as an astringent. To make a dry skin variation, use cucumber juice or aloe vera extract instead of witch hazel.
You'll need:
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 teaspoons witch hazel
- 3 tablespoons rose water
Preparation and application:
- In a small bowl or jar, mix the almond milk, witch hazel, and rose water until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean, empty spray bottle.
- To use, simply spray the toner onto your skin or use a cotton pad and swipe it over your face after cleansing.
- Follow up with a nourishing moisturizer.
Store the toner in a refrigerator for no longer than one month and use it daily, morning or evening, for best results.
Almond Milk Bath: Easy Recipe
This almond milk bath is a real treat for your skin and your whole body, as it's hydrating and relaxing. The almond milk in this recipe provides hydration and nourishment, while the Epsom salt helps soothe sore muscles and improve skin health.
You'll need:
- 2-3 cups almond milk
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (*optional)
Preparation:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water to your desired temperature.
- Add the almond milk and Epsom salt to the water, stirring until the salt has dissolved.
- If desired, add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender, vanilla, or peppermint) to the water.
- Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, allowing the almond milk and Epsom salt to work their magic.
- Drain the tub and rinse off any excess milk or salt with warm water.
- Pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with your nourishing body lotion.
The essential oil in this recipe is optional, but it can add a pleasant scent and additional benefits to the bath. Sprinkle it with some rose petals, and enjoy this almond milk bath as often as you like for a spa-like experience at home.
How to Make Your Own Almond Milk at Home
Yes, you heard it well – you can quickly and easily make almond milk at home, and you'll just need some almonds and water. That is if you plan to use it for skin care. If you want to enjoy it as a healthy beverage, you can mix in other add-ins for flavor, like salt, vanilla extract, honey for sweetness, and cacao powder for a more chocolaty taste.
So, here's a simple recipe for making your own DIY almond milk at home:
Recipe for DIY Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk at home is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy this skin-loving ingredient (or a delicious drink). The milk can be customized to your preferred thickness (or sweetness and flavor). So give this recipe a try and enjoy the benefits of fresh, homemade almond milk!
You'll need:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 4 cups filtered water
Preparation:
- Soak the almonds in cold water overnight, or longer, over two nights if you want a more creamy consistency.
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
- In a blender, combine the almonds and 4 cups of filtered water.
- Now would be the time to mix in other add-ins if you want to have your DIY almond milk as a nutritious beverage. So add 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener of your choice, like honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a bit of salt. If you plan to use it for your skin, leave the extra ingredients out.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a large bowl.
- Squeeze out as much milk as possible from the almonds, and put the almond pulp aside.
- Pour the milk into a clean, airtight jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can discard the leftover pulp, but that would be a waste! Instead, you can dry it in the oven set at low temperature and then blend it in a food processor. What you'll get is almond powder you can use for cooking or your DIY skincare recipes.
Takeaway...
All in all, almond milk is a great choice for anyone looking to improve the health and appearance of their skin. It's hydrating, anti-inflammatory, brightening, exfoliating, and nourishing, making it an excellent choice for people of all skin types. Whether you use it as a toner, face mask, or add it to your bath, you're sure to see the benefits of almond milk for your skin.
Plus, with its distinct combination of nutrients, almond milk will surely benefit you as a drink or added to your breakfasts or desserts as well. And what we like about it the most is that you can quite easily make it yourself at home with just a handful of almonds, some water, and a blender!
FAQs
Is almond milk good for skin and hair?
Yes, almond milk is an excellent skincare ingredient as it's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients beneficial for the skin. Applying it topically, in the form of face masks or toners, will hydrate, nourish, and soothe your skin.
How to use almond milk for the face?
You can use almond milk for the face as it is and apply it as a face toner after cleansing using a cotton pad. Alternatively, you can make DIY face masks or face scrubs using almond milk as a base liquid ingredient.
Is almond milk good for skin acne?
Thanks to its soothing and protective properties, almond milk may help people with acne-prone skin. Its rich antioxidant and mineral content heals and prevents damaged skin, and calms skin inflammations.
Does almond milk make you look younger?
Almond milk offers some anti-aging benefits for the skin as well, thanks to the antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamins A and D. These nutrients repair the skin, prevent free radicals damage, and boost collagen production, preventing the signs of skin aging.
Does almond milk brighten skin?
Almond milk contains magnesium and vitamin A, which offer mild brightening properties. Therefore, applying it to your skin may even out your skin tone, brighten your skin, and give you a youthful glow.