Ingredient Spotlight: Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan Oil – Morocco’s Liquid Gold Has Many Beauty Benefits for You

If you've been wondering why you can find argan oil in so many beauty products, the short answer would be - because it really is one of the best plant oils you can use to treat your skin and hair.

Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan nut (obtained from the Argania Spinosa tree, which is native to Morocco). It has a light, silky smooth texture and a nutty scent. Its comedogenic rating of zero and high content of phenolic compounds and nourishing fatty acids are the main reasons why this oil became such a popular cosmetic ingredient.

There are many ways you can incorporate argan oil into your beauty routine, from applying the pure oil to using products carefully formulated to bring out the best of this precious gift from nature and even further enhance its beneficial effect to your skin and hair. In either case, here are just some of the reasons why you too should consider adding argan oil to your beauty routine…

1. Argan Oil Is a Great Natural Moisturizer

When we think of beauty benefits of argan oil, we primarily think of its moisturizing abilities. This oil contains high amounts of nourishing fatty acids, mostly oleic and linoleic acid. It is also high in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that soothes the skin and helps it to retain moisture.

Argan oil improves the skin’s natural protective barrier, softens dry patches and makes the skin smooth and supple. It is a lightweight moisturizer, but a thorough and efficient one, as the skin absorbs it well.

2. You Can Use It Even On Acne Prone Skin

Using an oil to treat acne is not exactly a newest concept. For years now skin professionals are saying that applying an oil to an acne prone skin might be a really good idea. That is because every skin needs moisture, plus a quality plant oil might even help balance the sebum.

However, not every oil is suitable for congested or acne prone skin. But argan oil, with its light texture, low comedogenic rating and its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties is one of the best ones you can use to reduce the breakouts.

3. It Could Reduce Aging Signs

We all search for natural ways to reduce fine lines, restore the skin’s smoothness and elasticity and enhance that recognizable youthful glow. Because they protect the skin and help it to repair and recover, many plant oils are a great option for aging skin, and argan oil is amongst the very best.

Argan oil makes the skin smooth and supple, reinforces the barrier and protects the skin against the elements. It is also rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. Antioxidants fight against free radicals and that way delay the formation of aging signs.

4. It Can Improve a Variety of Skin Problems

If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or rosacea, you are probably on a constant search of quality natural moisturizers. Your skin needs soothing agents and thorough nourishment, but many commercial moisturizers contain chemicals that can even worsen the flare-ups.

But, due to its protective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, argan oil is considered to be one of the most soothing and healing plant oils out there. It is also often used to treat various skin infections, and many women use products based on argan oil to prevent pregnancy stretch marks.

5. It Does Wonders for Your Hair

Another thing argan oil is great at is helping you maintain your hair healthy, long and beautiful. It improves the overall hydration levels of the hair, increases hair elasticity, protects the hair against the elements and prevents breakage. This oil also makes the hair silky smooth and increases shine. 

There are claims that argan oil can even prevent hair loss. This is because argan oil promotes the health of the scalp, hydrates and conditions it, protects the hair and delays split ends, ultimately leading to a healthier, fuller looking hair.

6. You Can Use It to Nourish Your Lips, Nails and Cuticles

Having a bottle of argan oil around can be really handy, as you can use it as a quick fix for many smaller beauty issues. A drop of it to your lips, another to your nails and cuticles – just what we need for this time of year.

Argan oil is great at preventing drying out and skin damage, and this applies to your lips and cuticles as well. In fact, since it is moisturizing, healing and increases softness and elasticity, argan oil is one of the best natural treatments for your lips and nails.