We keep reading Argan oil labeled on almost every skincare and hair care products covering shampoos, conditioners, serums, shower gels, body lotions, and foot care products.
So, what is so special about this oil and why there is such a fuss about it?
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree growing natively in Morocco.
When pressed, the nut produce a golden liquid oil known as the liquid gold and that is Argan oil.
Argan oil has a subtle nutty smell and a light texture that is non greasy and rapidly absorbed into the skin; thus, it is regarded as a dry oil.
So, what are the wonders that this liquid gold works??
- Great natural moisturizer
Argan oil is most commonly used as a skin moisturiser to hydrate and soften skin. With its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, argan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost
It is easy to use all over the body, including the face and neck. Simply smooth a few drops into your skin using gentle rubbing motions, as you would any face and body lotion.
- Anti aging
Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids, and has moisturizing, anti–aging and antioxidant properties. In cream, it is considered the best anti–aging product, because its high linoleic acid content increases the skin’s elasticity and tightens the pores.
A study examining the effects of using Argan oil as a part of nightly skin routine demonstrated significant increase in overall skin elasticity. This vitamin E rich oil with its antioxidant property has the ability to replenish your skin with elastin to increase skin elasticity making it look plumper and younger. It prevents loss of elastin and collagen with age while also replenishing your skin with newer collagen with elastin by constantly encouraging skin dermal layer remodeling.
When argan oil is used as a topical application on face, its anti-oxidant ability will help your skin protect itself from the oxidative stress and damage from being exposed to environmental pollution, toxic gases and UV radiation. The tocopherols in vitamin E and the fatty acids existing in the oil battle the free radicals thus improving overall skin elasticity and reinforcing cellular strength of your skin. Not only does argan oil give your skin a fuller, brighter and supple look, it also prevents you from getting those unwanted wrinkles without having to undertake expensive Botox procedures.
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- Dry Skin Conditions
People suffering from dry skin or conditions such as eczema which can leave skin raw, flaky and itchy will benefit immensely from argan oil. The vitamin E and fatty acids in argan oil are excellent for repairing damaged skin and providing it with nutrients which will prevent further dryness and irritation. Argan oil also contains ingredients which soothe skin. Applying a small amount of oil directly to afflicted skin and massaging in gently can provide relief and encourage healing.
- Acne
Where many oils and moisturisers can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, argan oil actually soothes afflicted skin and promotes healing. Acne is often the result of oily skin. Since argan oil is non-greasy, it helps to balance skin by providing natural moisture. Argan oil also contains anti-oxidants which help to heal damaged skin cells and reduce inflammation.
Contrary to popular belief that oily skin is the cause of acne breakouts, the truth is oil is essential for your skin and it is the impurities and bacteria that clog up your pores when combined with oil that can result in the formation of acne. Argan oil with its anti-acne, bactericidal and moisturizing properties is perfect to achieve a flawless moisturized acne-free skin without the side effect of getting dry damaged skin from anti-acne chemical products.
Applying a few drops of argan oil to skin afflicted by acne after cleansing and patting dry ensures that essential moisture and nutrients are introduced to clean, dry skin. Rubbing in gently and repeating twice daily can help clear up mild acne as well as balancing oily or dry skin.
- 5. Protection and Healing
The antioxidants in argan oil are generally beneficial for healing skin which is irritated, cracked, damaged or even burned. It is best used as a preventive for dry or sore skin, but it can also be used to speed up healing. Its properties include reducing inflammation, soothing pain and increasing healing rate.
Smoothing a few drops of argan oil into sore or damaged skin helps to speed up the healing process.
6- Pregnancy
Stretch marks are an issue for many pregnant women, but argan oil is the ideal protection against stretch marks and sagging, puckered skin after birth. Argan oil increases the elasticity of skin due to its vitamin E content. Using a few drops of argan oil to rub into breasts, stomach, bottom and thighs during pregnancy will reduce the likelihood of developing unsightly stretch marks.
Argan oil is also idea for keeping skin and hair soft, healthy and hydrated during pregnancy.
- Foot, Hand and Nail Treatment
Argan oil’s softening properties are ideal for brittle nails, dry hands and cracked, hard skin on feet. It both moisturises and softens skin, leaving hands and feet supple and soft and nails strong and healthy. Try massaging a few drops of argan oil into cuticles, hands and feet before bed each night.
