Nowadays you can’t open a beauty magazine without seeing a reference to natural oils. They have come back into fashion in a big way, being an integral part of many beauty products, plus a key component in the trend of double cleansing and are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to deep conditioning hair masks. So let’s take a closer look at almond oil and coconut oil, two of the most readily available and popular oils, to see how they compare and which is the best for your own particular needs.
What is Almond oil? 
Extracted from the kernels of the Prunusamygdalus plant and native to the warmer regions of western Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, almonds are not actually nuts but drupes, also known as stone fruits. Almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees, with historical sources suggesting that domesticated almonds appeared as early as 4000 B.C. The cosmetic benefits of almonds were recognized and utilised by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.
What is Coconut oil?
The coconut is the edible stone fruit of the coconut palm tree (cocosnucifera) which grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The coconut meat or dried coconut meat, known as copra, contains a moisture content of 50-57% and is cold pressed to obtain the oil.
Why are Almond Oil and Coconut Oil recommended for Skin and Hair Care?
Almond oil is one of the richest natural sources of E and also has abundant sources of vitamin A, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, zinc and fatty acids, in addition to biotin, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamins D & K. It demonstrates strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and providing healing and regenerating action.
Meanwhile, coconut oil is bursting with fatty acids including lauric acid,myristic acid, caprylic acid, palmitic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid, plus vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, C, and E as well as carbohydrates, essential amino acids and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous selenium and sodium. It also exhibits antioxidant, antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The nutrients found within almond oil and coconut oil, combined with their amazing versatility, make these oils extremely popular for skin and hair care. But which is the best option for you?
Moisturising Effects of Almond Oil and Coconut Oil 
Due to the large amount of vitamin E, combined with high concentrates of other hydrating nutrients, almond oil gives an instant moisture boost. As an emollient it helps to maintain the skin’s moisture levels by restoring the skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss and heal dry, flaky and dehydrated skin. It may also be used as a gentle make-up remover and cleanser, and with a comedogenic rating of two (out of five) is mostly non-comedogenic and therefore unlikely to clog pores.
Coconut oil is extremely lightweight and penetrates deeply into the pores, adding hydration and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier to preserve the skin’s moisture levels and bring relief to dry, chapped or dehydrated skin. It may also be used as an effective but gentle make-up remover and cleanser but with a comedogenic rating of 4 is severely comedogenic and best avoided by those with oily skin or prone to acne or breakouts.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil for Skin Ailments and Irritations
Substantial amounts of vitamin E and zinc in almond oil help to alleviate inflammation and irritation. Its emollient and skin rejuvenating properties make it ideal to bring relief to inflammatory and dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis, and it has been used for centuries for this purpose. The antibacterial properties protect against infection and almond oil further restores the skin’s barrier against allergens and environmental factors which could instigate a flare-up. It is also the perfect salve to apply to the skin after shaving/epilation.
Coconut oil has also traditionally been used to moisturize and treat dry skin and skin infections. It has demonstrated its ability to improve the amount of water retained in the skin, successfully confirming its effectiveness in the relief of atopic dermatitis, helping to prevent dry skin and protect against inflammation and irritation. The use of coconut oil also helps to reduce the itching, redness and irritation of eczema and effectively retain the skin’s barrier which when disrupted worsens the symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions. Coconut oil also makes a perfect soothing post shaving/epilation balm.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil for Mature Skin 
Almond oil is extremely gentle, light and easily absorbed and penetrates deep into the skin to restore the skin’s natural barrier to offer protection against oxidative damage and prevent premature ageing. It helps to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin, accelerate skin renewal, repair skin damage, and normalise the sebaceous glands to balance the oil content in the skin. Regular use can accelerate regeneration of the skin cells and improve elasticity, even out the skin tone and improve the complexion, reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
Likewise coconut oil also has antioxidant properties and offers superb hydration, plumping the skin to reduce sagging and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, in addition to strengthening the skin barrier, supporting the regeneration of the cells and stimulating collagen production.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil to Remedy Acne
Almond oil helps to normalize the sebaceous glands to counteract the skin’s excess oil problem. As a non-comedogenic it won’t block the pores but will help to remove excess sebum and unclog the pores from dirt and sebum. Meanwhile its antibacterial property can reduce acne and protect against infection and prevent further breakouts, in addition to helping to improve cell turnover to repair any skin damage and minimize any scarring.
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory action which may help to reduce acne, and used as a cleanser it can help to flush the pores of dirt and excess sebum whilst the lauric and capric acids it contains can eliminate the acne-causing bacteria. However, coconut oil is comedogenic (rated 4) and care should be taken that it does not block the pores and exasperate the problem.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil for Under-Eye Puffiness and Dark Circles 
Almond oil is renowned for its adeptness in diminishing under eye puffiness and dark circles, which is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and its ability to boost blood circulation. It also stimulates collagen and elastin to support regenerative action missed through sleep deprivation.
Coconut oil moisturizes, improves blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties which, along with its ability to improve the skin barrier and increase cell regeneration, may help to reduce the appearance of dark circles, particularly if they are due to age-related thinning of the skin.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil to Protect Against Sun Damage
Almond oil is extremely rich in vitamin E and studies have shown that vitamin E can be effective in reducing damage to the skin caused by UV exposure.
Coconut oil helps prepare the skin before sun exposure and also helps to preserve a tan, as well as reducing the effects of sunburn, but should be applied after the skin has cooled to prevent trapping in the heat. With an SPF of 4-5 coconut oil can provide some protection against incidental sun exposure.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks 
Almond oil has a history of use for the reduction of scarring in Ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. More current studies have indicated the ability of almond oil to fade the appearance of stretch marks and post-operative scars, and soften and smooth the skin, as well as being an effective treatment for the prevention of stretch marks, such as during pregnancy.
Coconut oil has also been indicated for the reduction of scarring and stretch marks, and studies have confirmed that coconut can increase levels of collagen in the body which improves the skin’s natural regeneration and the healing process, and thus may help to improve the appearance of skin damage.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil for Nails
Wonderfully soothing and moisturising, almond oil is full of antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E to nourish and coat the cuticles and nail plate, protecting against cracking, peeling, dryness and breakage. Almond Oil is non-irritating and an excellent lubricant to plump the cuticles and promote strong healthy nails.
Coconut oil, being packed with saturated fats is ultra-hydrating for the nails and cuticles and can protect against cracking, peeling, dryness ad breakage and deter ridges caused by dehydration of the nails.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil For Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has become a popular way of benefiting oral health. The practice entails using a vegetable oil as a mouthwash and swishing it around the mouth for 15-20 minutes and forcing it between the crevices in your teeth, thus dislodging any debris and taking advantage of the natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties before spitting it out. The oil will attract and trap pathogens which may cause plaque, gum disease and bad breath, and neutralise the odour from any pungent food consumed, in addition to helping to moisturise the gums and increase the production of saliva which can reduce bacteria even further.
Almond oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antibacterial properties and is a suitable oil to use in this way.
Meanwhile, coconut oil is the oil of choice for oil pulling. It is made up almost entirely of medium-chain triglycerides, of which 50% is lauric acid whicht is more effective at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses than any other saturated fatty acid. It can effectively decrease the buildup of plaque and kill the harmful pathogens causing gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay, including streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus, the leading causes of tooth decay. Lauric acid has been found to as effective as one of the active ingredients used in commercial mouthwashes and is also alluded to have a whitening affect.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil as Carrier Oils
Almond oil is one of the best base oils for massage with its powerful healing and moisturising effect. It is hypoallergenic (although not recommended for those with a nut allergy) and has a light almost undetectable scent. It spreads easily and is slowly absorbed by the skin without leaving any greasy residue. Suitable for all skin types, almond oil is particularly beneficial for dry, mature or sensitive skin, including babies. In fact, clinical research from 2020 found that almond oil improved the thickness and strength of the skin on premature babies.
Coconut oil is also extremely popular with its mild pleasant fragrance and is also hypoallergenic. It is highly recommended for the relief of dry skin and to soothe and relax muscles. However it may not be the best choice for someone who suffers with oily skin, acne or breakouts since it is highly comedogenic.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil For Hair 
Almond oil is known for its ability to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss, as well as stimulating hair growth, and can also benefit alopecia. It moisturises the hair from root to tip, acting as an emollient to soften and smooth the hair, as well as moisturing the scalp which, along with its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, can help to eliminate flaking.
Likewise, coconut oil can also help to reduce hair loss and promotes new growth. Coconut oil penetrates the hair to replenish lost moisture and is particularly suited for treating dry damaged ends. It protects against heat styling and sun damage, and when applied before and after dying the hair can help to minimize damage and preserve the color for longer.
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil Benefits in the Kitchen
Almond oil is a healthy monounsaturated fat that can potentially raise the good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol, however since it loses its nutrients in high heat it is best used as a salad dressing.
Meanwhile, coconut oil is extremely versatile in the kitchen, has a high smoke point and is suitable for baking and frying and does not affect the taste of the food. It can be used a healthier replacement for butter and can help to speed up metabolism, burn fat and support weight loss.
So there you have it, the benefits of both coconut oil and almond oil, both incredibly versatile and fairly similar in the care and support they can provide for the skin and hair. So which is best for you? Simply put, either is likely to give you the results that you want particularly if you have dry or damaged hair and skin. However coconut oil may not be the best option if you have excessively oily or acne-prone skin, although some people with acne have also experienced wonderful results. Coconut may also be a little heavy for very fine or thinning hair, except as an intensive treatment, but is possibly the best choice for extremely thick dry and coarse hair. So give them a go and see which oil works best for your particular hair and skin, or make a blend of the two. If you’re not already a convert, delve into the world of natural oils and get your hair and skin back in shape and ready for summer. Your only regret will be that you didn’t discover them sooner..
