Walnut oil, also known as juglans regia seed oil, is an oil derived from walnut flesh. Walnuts are often recognized as one of the healthiest nuts, and some studies indicate that merely eating them will enhance skin health. When used topically, it offers even more skin benefits.
Walnut oil is primarily a moisturizing and skin conditioning agent. According to studies, it improves skin health by speeding up wound healing and addressing a variety of skin disorders.
Walnut oil is abundant in antioxidants (thanks to its high vitamin E content) and omega-3 fatty acids (which, according to study, efficiently repair and soften the skin). These also include vitamin B5, which has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and healing qualities. It also contains considerable amounts of linolenic and oleic acid, which experts claim have excellent moisturising and skin barrier-repairing effects.
Experts advise against using walnut oil on oily or acne-prone skin since it contains high levels of oleic acid, which can block pores and cause outbreaks.
Benefits of Walnut Oil for skin
Improves dryness and itchiness:
Due to the presence of significant quantities of linolenic and oleic acid, it is undoubtedly a good remedy for dry and irritated skin.
Reduces signs of ageing:
Walnut oil, which contains vitamin B5 and other antioxidants, also helps to reduce the signs of ageing. Also, due of the high amounts of moisture it gives, the skin retains a young radiance.
Moisturises the skin:
It is high in emollients, which makes it an excellent moisturiser for softening skin and improving barrier function.
Protects against environmental stressors:
Walnut oil, which is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, is one of the most effective ways to protect against environmental stressors like pollution and damaging sun rays.
Repairs skin barrier:
It is highly effective in repairing the skin barrier, improving hydration and suppleness, thanks to a heaping dose of emollients and omega fatty acids.
Considerations before adding walnut oil to your skincare routine
Walnut oil, according to experts, is a safe and effective ingredient that should work for most skin types. In fact, the Environmental Working Group considers the ingredient to be extremely low-risk. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin should exercise caution, as the oleic acid present in walnut oil can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Those who are sensitive to tree nuts should tread cautiously while using walnut oil, since unprocessed oil fractions may cause an allergic reaction.
Another issue with walnut oil is its propensity to oxidise. Fortunately, the correct packaging may mitigate this. Look for cases that are airless (or at least air-restrictive), as well as opaque packaging.
