Chances are, you’ve probably seen argan oil while browsing the beauty aisle at the drug store. The honey-colored oil, which derives from a plant native to Morocco, seems to do it all - like keeping your skin moisturized and your hair silky smooth. You may be familiar with what social media influencers have said about it, but what’s the actual science behind and health benefits of using this so-called “liquid gold”?
This article provides an overview of argan oil’s benefits and the best ways to use it for achieving healthier hair and skin. It also lists a few of the best argan oil products currently available on the market.
Argan oil is one of the most popular natural oils for beauty purposes. Whether you want beautiful-looking hair or healthy-looking skin, Argan oil is a great place to start. This moisturizing oil is harvested from Argan trees, which are indigenous to Morocco. Obtained from the Argan tree, an ancient tree of Morocco, Argan oil (also called Moroccan oil) has always been used for its therapeutic, nutritional, and cosmetic properties. Very nutritious, it is the best friend of dry skin, dull hair, and damaged nails. Argan Oil has long remained the beauty secret of Moroccan women.
In the 2000s, Argan oil acquired a new notoriety thanks to studies that put forward its properties. In addition to its richness in essential fatty acids, Argan oil contains tocopherols (including vitamin E, also called α-tocopherol) and phytosterols such as schottenol and α-spinasterol, which are natural antioxidants.
Argan tree in Morocco
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What is Argan Oil?
Derived from the nuts of the argan tree, argan oil has been used for centuries in many ways. Its popularity partially started in the world of cooking, often used in Moroccan-style recipes as a salad dressing. You can recognize argan oil by its golden color and rich consistency. Argan oil comes from argan trees that are native to Morocco. People can use argan oil in different ways. Some may use the oil in cooking, whereas others use it for skin and hair care. Argan oil is available in oil form or as an ingredient in skin and hair care products, such as creams and shampoo.
It contains a number of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, as well as other compounds like polyphenols, squalene and triterpene alcohol.
Benefits of Argan Oil
While it comes from a tiny kernel, argan oil packs a punch with what it can do for you. The deep roots and small leaves of the argan tree allow it to resist arid winds and water loss, resulting in a nut with a uniquely rich oil profile.
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Here’s how argan oil can be beneficial for your hair and skin:
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For Hair
- Minimizes frizz: Everyone wants silky, smooth hair - minus the greasy residue. That’s why argan oil has become such a trendy choice for many: It adds a hydrating boost to calm frizz, while staying light on your strands. It adds lighter moisture that won’t weigh hair down, while also promoting your hair’s overall health. A multitasking, argan oil-infused hair oil to smooth frizz, detangle, condition, and boost shine by up to 118%. Apply a small amount to clean, towel-dried hair, from mid-length to ends. Blow-dry or let dry naturally. Get the silky, shiny and healthy hair you've always wanted.
- Protects against heat and styling damage: You may depend on your trusty straightener and hair dryer, but it’s important to have a shield against any intense styling you’re doing. It turns out, argan oil can be a natural remedy for that. The oils add a protective layer to the hair and help strengthen hair that’s been damaged by too much heat or chemicals. A 2013 study even found that argan oil improved the quality of hair that was intensely colored or dyed.
Although it won’t make those pesky split-ends go away, a quick run through of argan oil on the tips of your hair can mask the appearance of them. Similar to its skin healing capacity, Argan Oil provides a solution for hair problems like split-ends and dry, damaged hair. Apply it as a hair mask and allow it to be slowly absorbed for a while before you wash it off.
Argan oil is magic and it will make your hair look more amazing than ever! It serves as a conditioner, it makes your hair look healthier, shinier, and softer.
For Skin
- Hydrates your skin: Especially if you’re prone to dry skin, this silky oil can give it some much-needed moisture, thanks to its vitamin E and fatty acids. Research shows argan oil protects the skin’s barrier and improves overall texture.
- May help treat wounds: Applying argan oil may also benefit any mild scrapes and scratches. A 2017 review suggests that since argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may help with irritated burns and wounds. Argan oil has been a popular home remedy for treating inflammatory skin conditions for decades - especially in North Africa, where argan trees originate. However, current research indicates that argan oil does contain several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may be why it seems to treat skin tissue.
- May help with anti-aging: Could argan oil be the “Fountain of Youth,” too? More research needs to be done to know for sure. But some studies suggest that this oil may have some anti-aging properties by increasing the elasticity of the skin. Argan oil acts against the premature aging of cells and improves the elasticity of the skin. As with its anti-aging aspect, it promotes skin elasticity for normal skin.
Plus, if you’re struggling with eczema, psoriasis or chronic dry skin, argan oil may be your saving grace. It can be used to help dry, sensitive skin for those looking for more natural remedies. But it’s important that there’s no added fragrances or preservatives in the oil because those can make things like eczema worse.
For dry skin, cracks, stretch marks, or eczema, Argan oil is an excellent remedy. This oil indeed has rather exceptional healing properties. It will also help you soothe itchy or irritated skin. Argan oil is recommended for pregnant women with stretch marks, so don't deprive yourself! Argan oil rebalances the skin without clogging the pores. So, applying cosmetic Argan oil to your skin will only make it better and not the opposite!
Argan oil can benefit the skin and hair in several ways, such as hydrating and cleansing. Argan oil may improve skin hydration by restoring the skin’s barrier function and retaining moisture. Research suggests that argan oil can improve skin elasticity, which may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Animal studies have shown that argan oil may help treat second-degree burn wounds. However, studies on humans are needed to evaluate this benefit further.
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Argan oil is frequently used to prevent and reduce stretch marks, although no research has been conducted to prove its efficacy. However, research does indicate that argan oil may help reduce inflammation and improve the elasticity of skin - which could be why so many people report success in using it for stretch marks.
Argan Oil Benefits
Other benefits
- May Boost Heart Health: Argan oil’s fatty acids and antioxidants may help reduce heart disease risk.
- May Have Benefits for Diabetes: Some animal studies indicate argan oil may reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance to help prevent diabetes.
- May Have Anticancer Effects: Some test-tube studies revealed potential cancer-fighting effects of argan oil.
Argan oil prevents cardiovascular disease, cholesterol levels and increases vitamin E levels. It is composed of 45% oleic acid and 35% linoleic acid: the two active ingredients form a perfect combination for fighting cholesterol. Finally, its vitamin E level is 10 times higher than that in olive oil!
Should I Use Argan Oil on My Scalp?
You may have heard that argan oil can be beneficial for keeping your scalp moisturized. While this oil is good for your hair, it may not be the best choice for your scalp - especially if you have oilier hair. The reason? These kinds of oils can promote seborrheic dermatitis (aka, dandruff) if overused.
How to Use Argan Oil
There are several different ways to use argan oil. People can apply the oil directly to their skin or hair. A person should start with a small amount of oil to ensure they do not weigh down hair or overload the skin.
However, if a person has particularly dry skin on certain body areas, such as their heels and elbows, they may wish to use slightly more oil to rehydrate these areas.
If a person uses skin care or hair care products that contain argan oil, they should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Some people use argan oil for cooking, so it is safe to consume. However, a person should only purchase and use argan oil that companies have made specifically for use in food if they intend to consume it.
People should store argan oil away from direct sunlight and not use it if it has a bad smell.
What to Look for When Buying Argan Oil
Next time you’re in your local beauty store, here’s how to know what type of argan oil is best. Try to get pure argan oil (usually in a dark glass bottle) to get the most benefit out of it. This is because certain brands of argan oil have excessive amounts of fragrances and chemicals that can be irritating to your skin and hair.
Like with any beauty product - natural or otherwise - try a little bit at first to see how your body reacts. It’s best to try it on a small area before applying it to a larger area on the skin or hair.
Argan Oil Products Available Online
Below are some of the best argan products available to purchase online.
| Product | Ingredients | Size | Price (Approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pura D’Or Organic Moroccan Argan Oil | Organic 100% pure cold-pressed organic argan oil | 4 fl oz | $13 | USDA Certified organic, Climate Pledge Friendly, suitable for dry skin and dry or damaged hair, for external use only. |
| ViolaVe Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil | Organic 100% argan oil | 4 fl oz | $18 | USDA Certified organic, Climate Pledge Friendly, suitable for dry skin and hair and hair and nail growth, for external use only. |
| Cliganic Organic Argan Oil | 100% pure cold-pressed argan oil | 2 fl oz | $13 | USDA Certified organic, Climate Pledge Friendly, especially beneficial for dry skin, can be used in DIY shampoos and hair masks. |
| Eve Hansen USDA Certified Organic Argan Oil | - | 4 fl oz | $21 | USDA Certified organic, Climate Pledge Friendly, rich hydrator, can reduce the appearance of scars, burns, stretch marks, and wrinkles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about argan oil.
- Does argan oil grow hair? Currently, there is no clinical evidence that argan oil can stimulate hair growth. However, anecdotally, people have found that argan oil can make brittle and dry hair feel thicker and healthier.
- Can I use argan oil every day? As long as a person does not experience contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to argan oil, they can use it every day. However, if a person feels as though it leaves skin and hair greasy or does not work as intended, they can discontinue use or reduce the amount they use.
- Does argan oil brighten skin? Argan oil can help moisturize dry skin, which may lead to brighter-looking skin. However, there is currently no clinical evidence that argan oil can reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone or dark spots.
While there’s no need to buy argan oil by the case, there are definitely plenty of reasons to keep it handy in your skin care cabinet. Pure Argan Oil has been a Key element of the Beauty Rituals of Native Moroccan Women for Centuries. Add a few drops of pure Argan Oil to your bath water and experience its cleansing and luxuriating effects. Allow it to work its magic as your body soaks in the goodness of this wonder oil. It unclogs pores, eliminating dirt, excess oil, and makeup.
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tags: #Morocco
