Argan Oil for Skin Care: 10 Surprising Facts
Argan oil, also known as "liquid gold," has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous benefits for skin care. Derived from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is native to Morocco, this oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
These properties make it a powerful ingredient to nourish and hydrate the skin. Whether used on its own or as an ingredient in skincare products, argan oil can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
One of the key benefits of argan oil is its moisturizing properties. The high content of fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, helps to seal in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.
Regular use of argan oil can help restore the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness and flakiness. It also helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
In addition to its moisturizing effects, argan oil is also known for its anti-aging properties. The antioxidants present in the oil, such as tocopherols and phenols, help to neutralize free radicals that can cause premature aging. By reducing oxidative stress on the skin, argan oil can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It also promotes collagen production, which improves the elasticity and firmness of the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Argan oil is also beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Contrary to popular belief, using oil-based products can actually help regulate sebum production and balance oily skin. Argan oil has a non-greasy texture that gets absorbed quickly into the skin without clogging pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts.
The vitamins and nutrients in argan oil also help repair damaged skin cells and fade acne scars over time. Furthermore, argan oil can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions. Its antibacterial properties make it effective in treating minor cuts, burns, and infections. It can also be used to soothe sunburns and reduce inflammation caused by excessive sun exposure.
The nourishing properties of argan oil can benefit individuals with conditions like psoriasis or rosacea by relieving itchiness and reducing redness.
Our Glycolic Acid Face Cream with TCA includes argan oil and is the perfect ingredient to help heal and soothe skin.
The History of Argan Oil for Skin Care
Used by the people of Morocco for its healing properties in reducing the look of scars and rheumatic problems, argan oil today is one of the hottest beauty products on the market.
The fruit, a treat for the goats that roam the region and climb the straggly trees, was previously only compressed after the fruit passed through the goat’s digestive system and collected from its dung. Today, the process is (thankfully) much more hygienic, with technology streamlining the process from the time the fruit is collected.
Interestingly, while there have been attempts to grow the argan tree to and in other areas worldwide, the region surrounding Essaouira and Agadir is the only place in the world the argania spinosa grows. Given its ability to survive the region’s hot climate with temperatures that climb to +50 ºC, the tree produces a fruit that is harvested each spring and cold-pressed to create the oil.
10 Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin Care
Protects from sun damage. Moroccan women have long used argan oil for skin care to protect their skin from sun damage, a practice was supported by a 2013 study. This study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun. This prevented burns and hyperpigmentation as a result. Long term, this may even help prevent against the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Moisturizes skin. Argan oil is perhaps most commonly used as a moisturizer. This is why it’s often found in lotions, soaps, and hair conditioners. It can be applied topically or ingested orally with daily supplements for a moisturizing effect. This is largely thanks to its abundance of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin.
Treats a number of skin conditions. Argan oil contains a large number of healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help reduce symptoms for a number of different inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. For best results, apply pure argan oil directly to patches of skin affected by psoriasis. Rosacea may be best treated by taking oral supplements.
Treats acne. Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum that’s caused by hormones. Argan oil has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This can help to treat several different types of acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion. Apply argan oil — or face creams containing argan oil — directly to your skin at least twice a day. You should start to see results after four weeks.
Heals skin infections. One of argan oil’s traditional uses is to treat skin infections. Argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This gives it the capability to help treat and prevent both bacterial and fungal skin infections. Apply argan oil to the affected area topically at least twice per day.
Improves wound healing. Antioxidants are clearly a powerful force. The strong combination of antioxidants and vitamin E found in argan oil can be used to help wounds and cuts heal faster.
Soothes atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition with symptoms like itchy, red skin. Research has found that applying argan oil topically to the affected area can help treat symptoms. Vitamin E and the natural inflammatory properties found in argan oil can both lead to this soothing effect. One study was conducted treating dermatitis patients with placebo or oral vitamin E, which is in abundance in argan oil. The researchers found that participants who received the vitamin E saw a significant decrease in symptoms.
Has anti-aging effects. Argan oil for skin care has long been used as an anti-aging treatment. Though it was only ever supported by anecdotal evidence, a recent study with postmenopausal participants was able to back up this claim. Researchers found that a combination of oral and cosmetic argan oil led to a significant increase in elasticity of the skin. This provided an effective anti-aging treatment.
Reduces skin’s oiliness. Some of us have naturally oiler skin than others. Those who do often go out of their way to get rid of the oily sheen that can occur. Thanks to argan oil’s sebum-reducing capabilities, it can help decrease total sebum and reduce oiliness of the skin.
Prevents and reduces stretch marks. Stretch marks are particularly common during pregnancy, but anyone can experience them. One 2016 study found that a water-in-oil cream containing argan oil improved skin elasticity. This helped prevent and treat stretch marks early on.
Our Glycolic Acid Face Cream with TCA is a non abrasive exfoliating cream which includes a long list of skin loving ingredients like argan oil, and is the perfect ingredient to help heal and soothe skin.
Conclusion
We love argan oil for skin care and all of it’s healing benefits. It’s an excellent addition to your skin care routine.