Walnut oil has been part of the skincare regime since around the 17th century, with Greek and Roman civilisation lauding its medicinal benefits. It’s been used to hydrate the skin and fight wrinkles and fine lines. Yet, most people today write off walnuts when it comes to skincare. To revive the great offerings of this unsung skin-loving hero, we turned to Dr Parul Singh Raghav, Consultant Dermatologist, Chloé Clinique, New Delhi. Here’s what you need to know about walnut oil including the benefits it brings to your skincare and how to use it. 

What is Walnut Oil?

Walnut oil is a non-fragrant, skin-soothing oil derived from the meat of walnuts. One tablespoon of walnut oil can meet 100% of your daily requirement of ALA omega-3 fatty acid. It’s also loaded with phytonutrients and minerals like zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, and magnesium. Additionally, walnut oil is a good vitamin source for vitamin B1, B2 and B3, and vitamin E. 

Benefits of Walnut Oil for Skin

“Walnut oil promotes hair growth as it is high on potassium. Potassium is essential because it helps the regeneration of cells and hence accelerates hair growth,” says Dr. Parul. It also “contains melatonin which promotes sleep and regulates it too.” 

Some studies state that just by ingesting walnut oil, your skin health improves. But the benefits are far greater, when it’s applied topically. It’s shown to help heal wounds faster and treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. Walnut oil is rich in emollients which makes it an ideal moisturiser that prevents water loss, improves barrier functions and softens the skin.

Some other key benefits of Walnut oil stated by Dr. Parul include: 

• Cuts Belly Fat
• Boosts Blood Vessel Functioning
• Reduces Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
• Fights insomnia & irregular sleeping patterns
• Fights Dandruff

Since walnuts are also rich in vitamin E, its oil has antioxidants properties which help protect your skin against sun exposure, pollution and other environmental stressors. The antioxidants also help reduce signs of ageing by keeping your skin constantly hydrated. Walnut oil offers benefits for nearly every skin type, as it is rich in both vitamins and minerals. But it’s especially effective in soothing dry, irritated skin. 

Side Effects of Walnut Oil

Walnut is a very low-risk ingredient for most skin types. But since it contains oleic acid which can clog skin pores and promote breakouts, oily and acne prone skin types should use walnut oil with caution. Additionally, unrefined walnut oil may cause an allergic reaction, so people with tree nut allergies should avoid walnut oil that is cold-pressed, unrefined, or expeller-pressed. Allergic reactions usually appear within a few minutes after exposure, and can last for over twenty-four hours.

How to add walnut oil to your skincare routine?

“You can either add it to your bathing water or simply apply it on the affected area.” says Dr. Parul. Typically, the product formula which contains the walnut oil determines how and when you use it. Hence, it’s best to check the product’s directions for proper application. But if the walnut oil is part of your nighttime skincare routine, apply it after moisturiser and in the mornings, apply it before the sunscreen.

If you’re interested in a DIY walnut oil face pack, take a few drops of walnut oil, and add it into a mixture of honey, yoghurt and oatmeal powder. Leave it on for five to ten minutes and then rinse your face. 

Key Takeaway

Walnut oil is rich in omega-3 acids and vitamin E, both of which together make it a skincare powerhouse, as it can soothe dry, irritated skin, promote wound healing and even help relieve symptoms of some inflammatory skin conditions. Besides promoting skin health, walnut oil also offers several other health benefits. You can cut down on belly fat by switching to walnut oil in your diet. It also lowers high blood pressure, fights chronic inflammation, improves poor blood sugar control, and reduces your risk of heart disease and some cancers.