Vegetable oils have gained popularity in recent years thanks to their versatility: they’re useful in cooking and for many cosmetic skincare routines. This is also true of sweet almond oil, which contains a wealth of antioxidants, a high content of unsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, and a high proportion (between 20% and 30%) of linoleic acid, a substance that human skin naturally produces. As if that weren’t enough, almond oil is very well tolerated by all skin types, especially the most sensitive, making it an ideal product for babies’ delicate skin. For all these reasons—and because we’re proud of our LILLYDOO Almond Oil (99% pure sweet almond oil with vitamin E)—in this article, we recommend 11 ways to make the most of our oil to nourish and protect your little one’s skin… and yours!

1. To prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy

There’s no mathematical formula (or magic spell) to prevent the stretch marks that can appear on your body during pregnancy. However, regularly moisturizing your skin—especially the areas most prone to stretch marks—with sweet almond oil can help keep your skin more supple and reduce the risk of stretch marks forming.

2. As body oil

Unlike body creams, which are applied to dry skin, vegetable oils such as almond oil are best applied right after a shower, while your skin is still damp. This combination of water and oil provides ideal hydration and also helps the oil absorb much faster than it would on dry skin. Don’t hesitate to try it with your baby and yourself—your skin will thank you.

3. As bath oil

In areas with hard water, keeping bath time too long can dry out babies’ skin. One way to help is to add a splash of sweet almond oil to the bathwater (you can do this in areas with soft water, too), as the oil forms a protective film over your baby’s skin. Plus, with this simple step, you won’t need to apply moisturizer afterward, because your baby will come out of the bath with well-hydrated skin.

4. To massage your little adventurer (and for them to give you a massage)

In the article dedicated to the , we already hinted at the benefits of doing these massages with our . But those benefits can be enjoyed by both mom and dad, too. After all, raising a child is exhausting, and carrying them everywhere can cause tension in your back, shoulders, and neck. In that sense, a gentle massage with sweet almond oil is a true delight: its texture allows your hands to glide more easily over the skin, helping prevent irritation from friction. Compared to other oils, sweet almond oil has another advantage as well—it takes longer to absorb, so you can take your time and really work it in. It also helps extend those moments of intimacy as a couple, which can feel all too rare when a baby needs so much of your attention.

5. As an exfoliant

It’s increasingly common to find recipes on beauty and cosmetics websites for homemade, natural exfoliants. With sweet almond oil, you can make one that leaves your skin feeling brand new. The recipe couldn’t be simpler: mix one-third of a cup of sugar (or fine sea salt if you want a more intense exfoliating effect) with one cup of our sweet almond oil. Once both ingredients are well combined, we recommend storing the mixture in an airtight container. Now you have an exfoliant that will last a long time!

6. As facial oil

If there’s one thing most babies have in common, it’s that they drastically reduce their parents’ sleep—so it’s no wonder you look exhausted day after day. Don’t worry! We’ve all been there! In any case, you should know that sweet almond oil can also help with wrinkles and tired-looking skin, thanks to the many minerals and antioxidants it contains, as well as vitamins B and E. We promise that after applying it, your face will look fresher and more renewed. No one will notice you only slept four hours!

7. As a makeup remover

With a baby who needs all your attention, you’ll quickly notice that your time for makeup is much more limited. You might even skip it altogether so you don’t have to remove it later. Don’t panic! Sweet almond oil is a quick and effective makeup remover. Just put a few drops of oil on a damp cotton pad or a washable cloth and gently sweep it over your face. Magic!

8. To take care of your hair

Did you know that, in addition to hydrating dry skin, our sweet almond oil can also help moisturize dry hair? Simply apply a small amount to the ends of your damp hair after your shower for extra shine. If you want a more intensive treatment, apply the oil from the crown to the ends and leave it on under a shower cap for at least half an hour. Then wash and rinse your hair, and enjoy the shine.

9. To remove the "dandruff" from the cradle cap

Cradle cap is the colloquial term for seborrheic dermatitis on babies’ scalps, which usually appears between two weeks and twelve months of age. It’s a completely harmless skin irritation, although some parents may find its “dandruff-like” appearance unpleasant. If, for any reason, you feel that way, the will be just what you need. Simply rub a little oil onto your little adventurer’s scalp before bedtime and let it work overnight. The next morning, you’ll find that you can easily remove the “dandruff” with a gentle comb or a soft cloth.

10. Like gel or shaving foam

If your partner is someone who uses gel or shaving foam daily to remove their beard, suggest sweet almond oil instead. It’s an excellent alternative. On the one hand, thanks to its moisturizing properties, it softens the beard, helps prevent redness, and reduces irritation. On the other hand, as we mentioned earlier, almond oil takes longer to absorb, which also helps the razor glide more easily over the face.

11. For beard care

If your partner doesn’t shave daily and instead wears a thick beard, sweet almond oil can be very helpful for them, too. Almond oil helps fight the itching that’s so common with a full beard and, above all, softens it—something your little adventurer’s skin will especially appreciate every time Dad leans in for a kiss.

In the following video, we show you how to use some of the ideas mentioned above.