Using argan oil for skin is an amazing natural remedy that can beautify your face and skin and protect your largest organ’s health in many ways.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a plant oil extracted or distilled from the kernels of the argan plant, which is native to the North African region. This oil is commonly used as a topping for different salads and other dishes, such as bread or pasta. However, this oil has also been found to have many active ingredients and compounds, such as vitamin E, carotenes, fatty acids, polyphenolic compounds, vanillic acid, and catechins, among others. It is often called the miracle oil or liquid gold. The density of antioxidant compounds makes this oil extremely useful in natural health remedies, specifically on the face and skin. [1]
Note: In most cases, using argan oil for skin and face is entirely safe, provided you use organic and pure argan oil in moderation.
Uses of Argan Oil for Skin
Argan oil for skin can be used in a number of ways to enrich the health of this organ. It is popularly used as a night-time oil, skin toner, face scrub, and a sunscreen. Not only that, but the powerful antioxidants in this oil also have the ability to treat eczema and reduce the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots.
Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree that is native to Morocco. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Argan oil helps to normalize the sebum production, which helps you get rid of oily skin and acne breakouts. Apart from hydrating the skin, argan oil is also used for removing dead skin cells, reducing cracked heels and stretchmarks. You would be surprised to know that it can also be used as a cuticle oil and lip balm as well. With its healing properties, argan oil can make for a great remedy to treat burns and razor bumps.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin
The most notable benefits of argan oil for skin and face include the following:
Moisturizer
Many of the active ingredients in this oil are known to penetrate deep into the skin, allowing for proper hydration and delivery of nutrients to give you clear and even skin. [2]
Nighttime Oil
Argan oil is a non-greasy nighttime oil that protects and moisturizes very dry and sensitive skin to give it a luminous and even-toned look. Because of its quality of being a light oil, argan oil does not leave an oily coating on the skin which can cause irritation while sleeping. [3]
Dry Skin
Vitamin E and fatty acids, present in the miracle oil, have deep hydrating properties which can benefit people with extremely dry skin. It also reduces itchiness and flakiness of skin. [4]
Anti-Aging
This oil is packed with antioxidant components that will improve the body’s defense against free radicals, which cause premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, and other blemishes. [5]
Skin Toner & Lightener
Argan oil is rich in tocopherols and fatty acids which help lighten the skin tone. This oil is traditionally used by Moroccan women to maintain a fair complexion. Because of its skin lightening properties, it can also help lighten existing acne scars, giving the skin a smooth look. [6]
Stretch Marks Prevention
Argan oil has emerged as the top choice for healing and preventing stretch marks. The golden oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which help produce collagen and retain the elasticity of the skin. A few drops of argan oil can be safely rubbed on to the skin during pregnancy to help lessen stretch marks. However, always check with your doctor before using any oil during pregnancy. [7]
Protects Against UV Rays
While it might be nice to be out in the sunshine, the UV radiation from our sun can have a number of negative effects on the skin, hair, and nails. Fortunately, the compounds found in argan oil can protect against these negative effects, which can significantly speed up the aging process. It also promotes the regeneration of cells and increases overall health. [8]
Immune System
Your skin is the body’s largest organ and is constantly under attack by external pathogens and bacteria. However, the antibacterial nature of argan oil and the presence of potent antioxidants in it help strengthen your immunity system. [9]
Treats Eczema
Applying moderate amounts of this oil to inflamed areas of the skin, such as wounds or patches of psoriasis, acne or eczema, can quickly speed healing and minimize the appearance of scars. [10]
Fights Acne & Oily Skin
The oil has the ability to normalize the production of sebum. Regular application of argan oil can not only reduce the appearance of acne but also lessen the possibility of further breakouts. It also is safe to use on oily skin and reduces the greasiness and the appearance of oily skin. [11]
Foot Treatment
Argan oil is an effective way of keeping your feet soft and beautiful. Use the oil as an overnight treatment to nourish and hydrate cracked heels by rubbing it gently into the feet. Cover with socks overnight to help lock in the moisture.
Nail & Cuticle Treatment
The high vitamin E content in argan oil helps protect your nails from breakage and soften dry and cracked cuticles. The oil also keeps fungal infections away due to its antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. [12]
Remove Dead Skin Cells
Argan oil forms a natural exfoliator when mixed with brown sugar or oatmeal. You can rub this blend gently on your face, or you can use it as a body scrub. It is an effective chemical-free way to remove dead skin cells and to keep the skin moisturized and radiant. [13]
Razor Bumps & Burn Treatment
Argan oil can be applied to relieve itchiness from razor bumps and burns. It contains polyphenols which help alleviate skin irritations, rashes, and inflammation.
Natural Lip Conditioner
This plant oil is a safe and deeply moisturizing natural balm to cure chapped, dry lips. It can be applied directly to condition and soften the lips.
How to Use Argan Oil for Skin?
If you want to use argan oil for skin and face, you can do the following:
- Face scrub: Use as little as a single drop warmed in your hands, or you can blend it with other face scrubs and products. You can also add argan oil to green tea before it cools. Once it is at room temperature, that mixture can be a rejuvenating scrub for your face.
- Skin moisturizer: If you warm 1-2 drops between your hands and then rub it on your face and neck, that can work as a great moisturizer.
- Mask: You can also blend 3-4 drops of argan oil with coconut oil before applying it to your face as a mask.
- Dark circles treatment: You can gently rub a single drop beneath both of your eyes to prevent dark circles.
- Wound healing: If you want to utilize argan oil’s healing properties, blend a few drops of the oil with almond or shea butter before rubbing into the skin.
