Many people are aware of the nutrient value of almonds. Health food stores and even some grocery stores now carry almond milk as a substitute for dairy and its use is becoming more common in skin care lotions and cleansers. However, in addition to the beneficial almond-derived ingredients, most of these commercial products also contain harsh and harmful chemicals. An easy solution to this problem is to make your own almond products at home and add them to your basic dry skin care routine.

What are the benefits of almonds? In addition to being an excellent source of protein, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, niacin and other B vitamins, they have a high fat content that replenishes the skin's natural oils. Like olive oil, the fat is "good fat" - unsaturated oils very high in linolenic acid that is especially beneficial for dry skin care. In addition to drinking almond milk for overall health, almonds can be included in many homemade skin care products but they are most useful as cleansers. Try the following recipes.

Gently heat a few tablespoons of almond oil until it is warm. Add calendula flowers, about half the amount of almond oil, and leave it on the heat without letting it boil. After about 30 minutes, let it cool down and strain out the flowers. Throw in a few drops of flower water - orange, violet or rose water are great. Try each of them and choose your favorite scent. Use this oil instead of your regular cleanser.

For a deeper cleaning you need to substitute marigold for the calendula and add grape seed and lemon oils. Marigold is a good cleanser, astringent and toner and also has healing properties. Grape seed oil is a very potent antioxidant - great for dry skin care and smoothing out little lines and wrinkles. Lemon tones and lightens the skin and restores the natural pH. Heat about 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil then whisk in 3 tablespoons of marigold infusion. Add about five ounces of almond milk and 5 drops of lemon then allow to cool. Used morning and night, this solution will last for a good week - just shake it before each use.

After cleansing, always apply a shielding lotion. If you're taking the time to make your own dry skin care products, you'll want to do everything you can to make the benefits last as long as possible. A good shielding lotion locks in the skin's natural moisture and forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin to keep out the harsh chemicals and pollutants in the environment. Dry skin care using the combination of cleansing with almond oil products and protecting with the shielding lotion will give you the supple, healthy skin you've always wanted.