In today’s world, beauty and health are everything. Clear, supple skin and smooth, glistening hair are signature features celebrities frequently promote on social media. As a result, the younger population (as well as the older) actively search for new and improved beauty products.
Do most of them work? No, they don’t. Many available products are full of chemicals that can potentially harm us, especially in the long run.
Luckily, oils are becoming increasingly popular natural products in the world of cosmetics. Argan oil more than most. Why? Keep reading to learn about all the wonderful benefits of argan oil.
What Is Argan Oil?
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For centuries, in the beautiful country of Morocco, argan oil has been a staple ingredient of every home. Known for its subtle, nutty taste, the usage of this magnificent oil extends far beyond its culinary tradition.
This organic plant-based oil is extracted from kernels of the fruit you can find on argan trees.
Despite the trees only growing in Marroco, argan oil is nowadays a favored ingredient in a range of culinary, cosmetic, and medical practices all over the world.
Most importantly, argan oil is rich in vitamins (most notably A and C), natural antioxidants (vitamin E and melatonin), and fatty acids. Such a combination of powerful compounds is vital for a healthy body, inside and out. Because of its numerous health and beauty benefits, argan oil has earned the name “liquid gold”.
8 Argan Oil Beauty Benefits
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Argan oil has been used for centuries in different aspects of life. From cooking delicious but healthy meals, treating multiple illnesses to helping women defy the marks of time, argan oil can do it all.
Here is a list of eight beauty benefits you can get out of your argan oil:
1. Hair Quality Benefits
As advertised by influencers, argan oil is very efficient as a leave-in conditioner. It’ll help detangle even the messiest hair while adding some shine and silkiness to your locks. For maximum effect, apply a few drops on your towel-dried hair and make sure to distribute it as evenly as possible.
Similarly, if you dream about long and thick hair, argan oil may come in handy. The phenols in the oil will restore your hair follicles, while antioxidants will improve cell production. After a few weeks of rigorous treatment, you can expect to see a full head of healthy hair.
2. Scalp and Dandruff Treatment
Sometimes, store-bought shampoos and dyes can severely irritate your scalp, which can cause itchiness and dandruff. If you wish to try natural products rather than medication for your scalp issues, be sure to try argan oil. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, the natural healing agents, this type of oil can offer deep hydration and help soothe a dry scalp.
You can add a few drops of argan oil to your favorite (anti-bacterial) essential oil and directly rub it into your scalp for dandruff treatment.
3. Moisturizer
When you look at your favorite hand or face moisturizer, you may notice argan oil as one of its ingredients. Thanks to its high concentration of vitamin E, argan oil can provide a much-needed boost of hydration to your dry skin. For instant results, you can apply argan oil directly to your skin and lips a few times a day.
4. Nail Benefits
If you struggle with weak or brittle nails, dehydration can be the root of your problem. Fortunately, as already mentioned, argan oil is a superb moisturizer, and it can strengthen your nails and stimulate nail growth. With daily application, you are sure to notice improvements in the quality of your nails.
5. Heat and Sun Protection
Over the centuries, Morrocan women used argan oil as a natural sunscreen. After hours spent in the sun, your skin and hair may accumulate free radicals that can cause damage. As argan oil, and particularly the moroccan argan oil form, is rich in antioxidants, you should consider applying some argan oil to your skin and scalp before you step out to face a hot summer day.
6. Stretch Mark and Scar Treatments
Scars and stretch marks are not a pretty sight. However, thanks to its rich antioxidant properties, argan oil can also help prevent and reduce skin stretching as well as scarring. It enhances cell regeneration and restricts the buildup of free radicals. For best results, daily treatment is advisable.
7. Acne Treatment
As you probably know, hormonal imbalance is most likely the cause of persistent acne. Luckily, argan oil is non-comedogenic oil that helps fight such imperfections. You can apply argan oil onto your face as it will help regulate excess sebum and unclog your pores.
8. Anti Aging Benefits
Aging is a natural process, and over time our skin will start to thin and form lines no woman likes to see. What can you do to help reverse visual signs of aging? Apply argan oil, of course. As one study shows, argan oil can significantly improve your skin’s elasticity and help maintain its smooth texture.
How to Use It
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First and foremost, make sure you buy 100% pure argan oil. When mixed with essential oils or other ingredients, argan oil may lose some of its potency.
Quality-wise, you should always opt for cold-pressed argan oil. But why is this important? This method of extraction is superior to others because it helps maintain the integrity of the oil. For the best results, you’ll need the finest oil.
It is important to mention that argan oil is sensitive to sunlight, and if exposed to heat or UV radiation, your oil may break down and lose some of its best properties. To avoid such problems, you should stay clear from plastic or transparent containers. Namely, you should keep it in tinted glass bottles, away from the sun and high temperatures.
If you want to incorporate argan oil with your favorite recipes, you can do so without fear. Argan oil can be used in meal prep like any other oil. The only issue which may discourage you from experimentation is its steep price. However, if you wish to save money but still enjoy the health and beauty benefits of this oil, you can simply drizzle it on your vegetables or sprinkle a small amount on a slice of bread.
On the other hand, if you want to add argan oil into your beauty routine, you should check the labels. Cooking oil may not give the best results in hair and skin treatments, as it underwent a roasting process that damages the much-needed fatty acids.
You can apply a few drops of argan oil into your hair and skin once or twice a day for maximum effect. Another good option is to buy products, such as conditioners and moisturizers, with argan oil as one of their main ingredients.
Possible Side Effects
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For the most part, argan oil doesn’t fall into the category of products with a long list of side effects. While it is relatively easy and safe to use, there are a few minor reactions you should watch out for.
If you suffer from allergies, specifically to tree nuts, then argan oil may cause your symptoms to flare up. For example, contact dermatitis is a form of allergy which some individuals may experience when using argan oil.
To prevent redness, rashes, itchiness, or acne from developing, you should always do a skin test. Apply a tiny amount of oil onto a small (easily hidden) patch of skin and wait for 12- 24 hours to make sure you don’t have any side effects.
Similarly, if you plan on consuming argan oil orally, possible reactions will mainly affect your digestive system. Loss of appetite, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea are some of the common issues. If you find yourself experiencing any of them, it would be wise to eliminate argan oil from your diet.
