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Do you know why argan oil is termed the “liquid gold“?, aside having a golden-like color, it’s because of its outstanding skin benefits to both skin and hair.
The key features of this oil makes it a must have in a skincare routine to tackle skin dryness, soothe Inflammation, nourish the skin and hair too. Keep reading to learn more about argan oil for skin and hair.
What Is Argan?
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels that grow on the argan trees native to Morocco. It can be directly applied topically on the skin (directly on the skin) or ingested in order to provide several health benefits — all thanks to its medicinal benefits.
Traditionally, argan oil is sold as pure oil, but can also be found in numerous over-the-counter products, such as blends-of-oil-formulas (facial oils), serums, moisturizers and hair creams.
Skin Benefits Of Argan Oil.
1. Moisturizes skin.
Argan oil is an excellent oil for moisturizing the skin, it serves both emollient and occlusive potentials to the skin to retain moisture and also prevent moisture-loss. All thanks to its richness in vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin. That’s why you get to see argan oil in numerous moisture-barrier over-the-counter products suchlike moisturizers, soaps and hair conditioners.
2. Protects From Sun Damage.
A research study validated the practice of moroccan women using argan oil since time immemorial to protect their skin from sun damage.
As regards to this study, it found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun. This therefore, prevented burns and hyperpigmentation, which may even help prevent against the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Argan supplements can be taken orally or apply the oil topically to the skin for these benefits.
3. Treats Acne
Because argan oil possess 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 [1].
This liquid gold oil has been used for centuries because of its spectacular skin benefits. You can apply 2-3 drops, or get a moisturizer with argan oil.
4. Treats A Number Of Skin Conditions.
The healing properties in argan oil is large, which includes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both of which help reduces symptoms 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.
5. Heals Skin Infections.
Because of its antibacterial properties, argan oil helps fend-off bacteria infection from the skin.
Apply 2-3 drops of pure argan oil on the affected area to help relieve the skin as it helps treat bacteria and fungal skin infection [2].
6. Helps Improves Wound Healing.
Argan oil also extends its potentials to wound healing. The strong combination of antioxidants and vitamin E found in argan oil can be used to help wounds and cuts heal faster [3]. You can take argan oil supplements regularly to experience this benefit throughout your body.
7. Helps Reduces Skin Oiliness.
Got an oily skin?, and think argan oil isn’t for you? Well, that’s not true. Argan oil posseses sebum-reducing capabilities, which can help decrease total sebum and reduce oiliness of the skin.
Insufficient hydration is the main reason for excess-oiliness, as when the skin is dry, the skin tends to produce more sebum (natural oil) to hydrate skin surface and normalize skin pH.
Similar to squalane and jojoba oil, argan oil helps regulates sebum activities on the skin, which leads to less oiliness and curtailment of possible occurrence of acne.
8. Has Anti-Aging Effects.
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.
Research 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.
These anti-aging benefits can be reaped by applying argan oil directly to the skin, taking oral supplement regularly, or both.
9. Prevents & Reduces Stretch Marks.
Stretch marks can occur due to break down of collagen of over-stretched skin which is highly likely to occur during pregnancy or puberty.
Argan oil has proven to help reduce the looks of stretch marks and also help prevent possible occurrence.
A research study found that a water-in-oil cream containing argan oil improved skin elasticity. This helped prevent and treat stretch marks early on.
Apply argan oil directly to the affected area at least twice per day. Do this as soon as you suspect you may see or start to see stretch marks for best results.
10. Helps Moisturize & Condition The Hair.
Argan oil isn’t only meant for the skin, of course it extends it magnificent potentials to the hair too.
Argan oil is mostly used as a moisturizer for hair because it is full of fatty acids, mainly oleic acid and linoleic acid. These healthy fatty acids have been shown to lubricate the hair shaft and help your hair maintain moisture.
Again, argan oil is also rich in vitamin E, which provides a fatty layer to your hair and scalp that may help prevent dryness and can help reduce
frizziness and boost shine. With argan oil, your scalp and hair are perfectly in good shape.
How To Use Argan Oil.
To enjoy the full benefits of argan oil, opt for a 100% pure cold-pressed formula as the nutrients and vitamins will be preserved during extraction process so as to be delivered to the skin.
You can also mix few drops with your moisturizer prior to application.
Argan Oil Side Effects.
Generically argan oil is considered safe to the skin as it’s generally well-tolerated with a low risk of irritation. Although as regards to difference in skin type, in rare occasions, it can cause a rash or cause acne to form, which is usually indicative of an actual allergy. Therefore we advise you should patch test prior to usage to make sure that it won’t irritate your skin.
When ingested orally, argan oil may cause digestive upset including nausea, gas, or diarrhea. It may also cause loss of appetite or bloating, and some people may experience skin reactions like rashes or acne breakouts.
In very rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects to the argan oil oral supplement. These include confusion, difficulty sleeping, general malaise, over excitement, depression, and agitation. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking argan oil immediately and consult a physician.
Best 100% Cold-Pressed Argan Oils.
1. PURA D’OR Organic Moroccan Cold Pressed Argan Oil.
A pure argan oil in a bottle, extracted from the finest of argan nuts and you know what? It’s utterly cold-pressed, to ensure all properties are preserved to deliver its moisturizing and antioxidant benefits to the skin and hair.
2. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil.
The Ordinary brand needs no introduction in skincare world. Just as their products are exceptional, their argan oil isn’t an exception. 100% cold-pressed and organic to nourish skin and hair.
3. Kate Blanc Cold-Pressed Argan Oil.
I believe your skin and hair will enjoy the most benefit from this brand as it maintains argan oil’s purity and antioxidant properties due to its cold-pressed extraction process and oh, it comes in a bigger container size enough to sustain you for three (3) months (when economically used).
4. Cliganic Organic 100% Cold-Pressed Argan Oil.
One of the finest cold-pressed argan oil on the market, from a reputable brand. Not to mention it’s USDA organically approved and free from preservatives and other skin irritants.
Best Products With Argan Oil.
5. Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter.
How do you mind getting something for your body? – yea, your body shouldn’t be excluded. Here’s a whipped body butter, enriched with argan oil and other essential fatty acids (including squalane) and antioxidants to help smoothen skin texture, restores softness for a firmer-looking skin.
6. PIETRO SIMONE Bio Prestige Act: Bio-Recovery Cream.
A luxury bio-recovery cream, enriched with not only argan oil, but with other bio-engineered vitamins ( vitamins A, C and E) in a lightweight formula to deliver deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Is Argan oils safe to use during pregnancy?
A: Applying 100% pure cold-pressed argan oil onto the skin during pregnancy is entirely safe. For centuries, Moroccan women have consumed and applied argan oil during their pregnancies. Pregnant women are welcome to massage the oil into the affected skin several times a day.
As aforementioned, argan oil has more fatty acids and Vitamin E than any other oil and when used on expanding skin, it can moisturize the skin completely and prevent the occurrence of stretch marks. The amino acids and antioxidants in argan oil will keep your skin healthy and supple, which makes it very useful for pregnant women whom are seeking to curtail stretch marks and keep their skin optimally moisturized during pregnancy.
UP NEXT: Rosehip Oil For A Hydrated, Plump And Glowy Skin.
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