Have you ever wondered why almond milk is so popular nowadays?
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or you just don’t like the taste of cow's milk - almonds are an excellent alternative. All of you looking for dairy-free milk, have surely already asked yourself - “Is almond milk good for me?"
I mean, it's filled with healthy nutrients, enriched with vitamins, minerals, and protein, low in calories, it doesn't raise blood sugar, and it's dairy-free… Should we go on? Oh yes, you need to find out if almond milk is good for your acne condition - so let's see.
The name itself pretty much tells it - it’s milk made from almonds. There are two ways in which one can get almond milk. One way is to blend soaked, skinless almonds with water and then use a nut bag to strain the solids from the mixture. Another way is to add water to almond butter.
You will end up with a nice, nutty flavor and creamy texture that's comparable to regular milk. Actually, apart from the flavor, almond milk has a really similar consistency and nutritional profile compared to cow's milk. That’s because almond milk is a product designed to resemble milk. Even though cow’s milk has more protein, it’s still too little to make much difference to your diet. What makes almond milk healthier, is fortifying of vitamin D, which cow’s milk doesn’t have.
If you want the healthiest option, choose almond milk that does not contain added sugar. Most brands are enriched with vitamins, minerals or protein, which can be very beneficial to you, especially if you are cutting out dairy.
We’ve already touched this subject, but let’s make things clear.
We know that research on the advantages of almond milk for acne is thin, but nonetheless, there is plenty of evidence about the negative effects of cow’s milk on your skin. Cows produce the milk while they are pregnant and after birth to feed their calves - this is why the milk is filled with hormones that negatively affect your skin condition. In this context, your skin can benefit by switching to a plant-based alternative.
Another difference between the two products is fat content. Unless you go for skim cow’s milk, which contains no fat, regular milk includes animal fats. This is bad news for your heart and skin since animal fats are mostly saturated fats.
It’s worthy to note that almond milk contains less protein, and some experts warn that nutrients from plant-based sources are more difficult for the body to absorb, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if you have a poor diet.
There’s a lot of research on the benefits of almonds, while little on almond milk. Still, here are a couple of ways almond milk can help your skin.
This plant-based alternative contains a number of skin-nourishing compounds that can potentially improve your complexion.
For example, the Vitamin E and other antioxidants present in these nuts can eliminate the harmful free radicals from your body. As a result, your breakouts might become less frequent, and your skin can remain younger-looking for a longer period. There are several studies that have linked low levels of Vitamin E to severe acne breakouts.
Additionally, the flavonoids catechin, kaempferol, and epicatechin found in almonds help prevent skin cells from oxidizing and dying.
Almonds are also rich in monosaturated, healthy fats, which are important in keeping the skin healthy. The Omega-6 Fatty Acids are the building blocks of cell membranes. Consuming food rich in fatty-acids helps prevent skin dryness and keeps the skin healthy and hydrated.
So, after everything we’ve said, you can reason that almond milk is good and probably safe for your skin. But, let’s just make a few things clear regarding those rumors that sometimes almond milk causes acne. Can that be true? Well, yes and no.
The milk itself is healthy, nutritious, and keeps overall skin health in good condition. But, yes there are some rules you need to make sure you are following.
First, nut allergies - some people are allergic to nuts, and consuming almond milk can trigger allergic reactions. If you’ve ever experienced any adverse consequences after eating almonds, then please stay away from almond milk. There are plenty of other plant-based milk sources that might be a better fit for you.
Second, be careful which brand you buy. Some milk products are filled with refined sugar and other chemicals that might cause more damage to your skin. Search for the unsweetened option.
Finally, how can you be one-hundred percent sure there will be no side-effects of consuming almond milk? Well, make your own! It’s a really simple and fast procedure and we can tell you how to do it.
No, don’t worry, you won’t need to get up early in the morning to milk the almonds. Actually, all it takes is to go to your closest supermarket and buy almonds. When you come back home, leave them in a bowl of water to soak for a couple of hours or even better - overnight. This will soften the almonds’ skin, making it easier afterward to peel it off. Next, put the skinless almonds in a blender, add water and mix until smooth. Finally, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, to filter out the solids from the liquid. And, voila - you just made your own healthy and nutritious almond milk. Enjoy!
The perfect blend for keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated. The antimicrobial properties of the honey will protect your skin against new breakouts. You will need 2 tbsp of almond milk (best if homemade) and 1 tbsp of raw honey. Add the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until they blend together. Take a cotton ball, dip it in the liquid, and apply evenly on all your face. Do this before bed, and let it act overnight. Wash off in the morning.
Make your own almond milk, take 2 tbsp of it, and mix it with one slice mashed papaya. Blend it together until you get a smooth paste. Apply evenly on your face, and wait for 10-15 minutes to dry off. Wash off with cold water. This will help you get rid of pimples and replace the oiliness with a glow. The papaya helps brighten the skin and fixes an uneven tone.
An ideal combo for dry skin. Blend together 2 tbsp of almond with one tbsp until you get a thick, smooth paste. Take a cotton ball and apply a thin layer on your face. Wait to dry off and then rinse off with cold water. You can use this mask two to three times a week. This paste will remove dead cells and moisturize your skin.
You need to understand there is no scientific evidence that food alone, can cause or prevent acne. However, your genetics, lifestyle, skincare habits, and the food you eat combined together are working toward the development of new pimples. And, although factors like genetics, are not in your control, making small changes to your lifestyle habits and the food you consume can make a difference. Shifting from regular milk to a non-diary alternative, like almond milk can be a good place to start. Choose a brand without added sugar, enriched with vitamin D and calcium. Or, better yet, go buy some almonds and make your own almond milk.
