Is Argan Oil Good for Skin: Know the 9 Best Benefits

You have probably heard of argan oil everywhere. The word of its health benefits seems to be the talk of the town. The constant talk of its benefits and charm has taken over the internet making it a must-have product. But is argan oil good for the skin?

It may have started as just another hair care fad in the everchanging beauty industry but argan oil has managed to hold its position.

This is because time and again people have seen genuine improvements after they began using this product. This article aims to explain in detail the main reasons argan oil has grown exponentially in popularity and why you may want to use it as one of your skincare products. So read on to get a firm grasp of the benefits of using argan oil to improve your skin health.

1. What Is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is often nicknamed “liquid gold” because of its myriad of health benefits. Before we dive into a comprehensive list of its benefits, let’s try to understand what exactly it is.

Argan oil is a plant-based oil originating in Morocco. It was traditionally handmade by Moroccan women. They would collect the argan fruit, dry it in the sun and, then mash it to expose the kernel. Essentially this creation is made from the kernels of the argan tree. This tree can live for as long as 200 years.

The kernels of this fruit are cold pressed which means heat is absent in the production process. This forms the highly sought-after cold-pressed argan oil. As the process is quite labor-intensive labor-intensive, the final product, as expected, is quite expensive. However, even a few drops can leave a lasting impact on your body.

This product has been in use for centuries. It was used widely by various tribes in Morocco¹. It was used to treat various issues including joint pain and primarily used to cook food and also as a garnish for food. Soon people learnt of its cosmetic value and it has since only grown as a powerful cosmetic tool boasting of being a solution to all problems. It was also an early export of Morocco dating back to the 1500s as the earliest account from European countries.

It comes highly recommended by people everywhere and countless first-hand accounts of this product’s advantages have helped it climb the charts of its popularity. The sale of this magical product reached a new peak it stood at 276.9 million dollars in 2021.

2. The Goodness of Argan Oil

This Moroccan export is a powerhouse of wellness. This is because it contains an interesting blend of nutrients and has a wide range of properties that can be beneficial for our well-being. Take a look at the greatest assets that argan oil contains.

2.1. Fatty Acids

Argan oil is extremely rich in fatty acids. It contains two of them in large quantities. These are stearic acid and palmitic acid. They have been known to be beneficial for your skin. Research shows that argan oil is brimming with essential fatty acids.

These can also help in skin plumping and therefore help your it flourish. The most common benefit is helping hydrate the skin. It also includes omega-3 fatty acids. A study published by Harvard states that they can help in eczema care as well.

2.2. Antioxidant Properties

Argan oil is filled with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are chemicals that help against free radicals. Free radicals are those molecules that have been linked to aging and other diseases like cancer among others.

It combats aging by improving collagen production. This means that your body when equipped with antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and help combat problems with aging and other more serious diseases.

2.3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Argan oil is a powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties as well. What this means is that it can help reduce inflammation of any kind. This could be in the form of swelling or redness.

With the presence of certain necessary fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, argan oil can help lower inflammation easily.

When used on your face this coveted product could help to reduce puffiness and redness and give it a smoother appearance.

2.4. Sterols

Argan oil contains sterols. These can help retain moisture in your skin making it look more hydrated and fresh. This is done by reducing any trans-epidermal water loss² that may happen due to the dryness in the environment.

2.5. Vitamin E

Argan oil is one of the only oils that contain vitamin E. The presence of this vitamin can help in numerous ways such as keeping your skin safe from cell damage.

3. Is Argan Oil Good for Skin?

Now that we have a strong foundation of the technical properties of argan oil let’s take a look at how exactly this can help us in the goal of improving our skincare.

3.1. Can Help Dry Skin

Argan oil is a brilliant tool to combat dry skin. Whether you are naturally dry or you are residing in an extremely dry climate that has left your skin affected, argan oil is your best friend.

The presence of sterols and fatty acids can help keep your skin’s outer layer moisturized and soft. It works like an organic lightweight moisturizer³. It can help lower the presence of dry patches on your face.

3.2. Can Help Treat Burns

Argan oil can drastically lower the inflammation caused by burns on your skin. It can work well as an alternative medicine to help treat burns and reduce their visibility.

3.3. Can Soothe Irritated Skin

Argan oil can be a key ingredient to calm your irritated skin. It can help reduce the effects of various skin conditions. This can be a much-needed tool for anyone suffering from these problems and searching for relief.

3.4. Can be Used to Treat Acne

Acne is an extremely common and sometimes even painful skin problem that people around the world encounter daily. Argan oil could be wonderful for treating acne.

Argan oil has certain anti-sebum tendencies as well. Anyone with acne knows that an excess of sebum or excess oil can lead to a spike in acne. Rather than most beauty products like acne creams that only treat the surface-level condition, argan oil penetrates deep into the skin barrier to treat the problem at its very root.

3.5. Reduces the Effects of Ageing

Ageing is of course a natural process that cannot be stopped. However, its visibility can be lowered by the use of argan oil on your skin. Argan oil works to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This complex process is done through various antioxidants such as carotenoids that work to reduce the visibility of ageing and leave you with healthy skin.

3.6. Can Help Treat Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis⁴ commonly known as eczema is a skin condition. It affects around 31 million Americans every year. It can lead to dry skin, itchiness,   and redness. Argan oil with its anti-inflammatory properties can help drastically reduce the visibility and discomfort caused by this condition.

3.7. Reduces the Visibility of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are extremely common marks that occur due to growth and weight fluctuations. While they aren’t an issue, some people who would like to lower their visibility can use argan oil. Applying argan oil directly to your stretch marks is said to improve skin elasticity and thus reduce their presence.

3.8. Makes You Glow

Regular application of this product on your face and body can make your skin glow naturally. This can give you the highly desirable dewy look that many celebrities often sport on the covers of magazines.

3.9. Reduces the Effect of Sun Damage

In today’s day and age, sun damage is an extremely common issue. It can result in hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and various types of cancer as well. This process occurs due to harmful UV rays that are practically inescapable making sun damage inevitable.

Antioxidants are perfect to fight against this type of damage. For this purpose, using argan oil can help improve your skin health.

4. Other Uses

While it is clear that using pure argan oil can be extremely beneficial for your skin, there are also certain other methods in which you can use argan oil to aid in your skincare routine.

These may seem slightly less traditional but they can offer new solutions to concerns that you may have had earlier. They can also give you the necessary boost to your current routine that can improve your routine.

4.1. Can Be Used to Remove Makeup

Argan oil can be used as a gentle way to remove any leftover makeup. It is advised to use this along with wipes. In this manner, you can remove the remnants of blush and mascara while also gaining all the benefits that this oil has to offer.

4.2. Can Be Used as a Carrier for Oil

To those who may not know what it is, carrier oil is a base oil in which you can mix stronger essential oils to dilute them and apply them to your skin. It is advised that you only use 2 percent of essential oils in the base mixture of argan oil.

Through this method, you can reap the benefits of argan oil along with the benefits of any other essential oil like tea tree, lavender, and orange essential oils.

4.3. Can Be an Addition to Makeup Too

Did you know that you can use argan oil to enhance your makeup products as well? Try blending a powder blush along with a few drops of argan oil and applying this mixture to your face rather than simply the powders.

4.4. Can Be a Gentle Exfoliant

Argan oil is an optimal choice for oil cleansing. This is because unlike many other oils argan oil doesn’t clog pores. It simply cleanses the skin while also helping your skin appear healthier.

4.5. Can Be Used After Shaving

After we shave our hair, the skin beneath can become rough and dry. Applying argan oil directly after shaving can limit this problem and make your skin glow and shine.

Here are a few common questions regarding the use of this product.

5. What Are the Risks of Argan Oil?

Argan oil can only sometimes lead to skin irritation. For people with tree nut allergies, this could be seen when they use argan oil and it interacts with their skin. Albeit argan oil is the product of a stone fruit it can enhance these allergies and lead to bad allergic reactions.

It is always a good decision to consult your dermatologist before introducing a new product to your skincare routine.

6. What Skin Types Can Use Argan Oil?

It is believed that argan oil is beneficial to all skin types. Even people with oily skin can benefit from using this product as it can be the perfect moisturizer. Often people wonder.

Argan oil is also ideal for acne-prone skin as previously discussed. Dry skin can also benefit greatly from argan oil is the perfect moisturizer. For sensitive skin, argan oil can further be of use as it can gently treat any of the problems that the skin may be facing.

7. Can Argan Oil Clog Pores?

The answer is a simple no. This makes it a far more popular choice than coconut oil.

8. Can It Be Used as One of Your Hair Products?

Yes! It is extremely beneficial for your hair as well. It can improve your hair health by adding moisture to your scalp and reducing hair split ends.

9. Best Argan Oil to Buy

Argan oil is one of the most expensive skin care products that one could buy. This is because of its sourcing and production costs. While it may be tempting to opt for a slightly cheaper oil variety, a board-certified dermatologist would advise you to stick to the more costly versions as this is the pure oil and you will see the most benefits by using this.

A board-certified dermatologist would also advise you to stay away from any oil that smells fruity and floral. These are additional chemicals that are added to make the oil smell better. However, these chemicals aren’t the best to apply directly to your skin and can often lead to more damage than good. Stick to the natural, virgin argan oil for the best results.

With the growing demand for argan oil, the beauty industry has resorted to unsustainable methods to source the oil. This can lead to environmental damage as it disturbs the natural ecosystem and can damage the argan trees as well.

In a time when protecting our environment is of utmost importance, the production of this oil is adding to the current environmental damage. It is because of this that the best argan oil to buy is also the oil that is the most ethically sourced

10. Skincare Routine

If we simply add argan oil into our daily beauty regimen we can have a lasting impact on our bodies. Experts recommend the ideal way to use this product is after washing your face.

• Simply take a few drops and apply argan oil directly to your face or apply it using a cotton pad.
• You can use it once or twice a day depending on your requirement.
• Let the product sit for a few minutes.
• Apply a moisturizer or sunscreen after you use it.

You should be able to see results in approximately 60 days after regular use.

Here is a video that demonstrates the complete method of using this product to reap all of its incredible benefits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt4awn2EFBk

11. Takeaways

The benefits of argan oil are clear. It is an optimum tool that can help you heal and look its best. It can add moisture, boost collagen production, defy aging, and help in the overall health of your skin. Its benefits for skin and hair make it a must-have. Furthermore, its diversity is the perfect tool for both dry and oily skin making it all the more desirable.

Instead of spending exorbitant amounts on numerous products for different problems, you could switch to using argan oil as a one-stop shop. Under its umbrella of benefits, you can see your skin become happier and healthier than it has ever been. As it is a completely natural product you avoid the risk of further damage through the use of chemicals.

Only a small, simple additional step to your skin care regimen could have your skin smiling. Adding this tiny product could eventually lead to larger changes not only in visible places but also within your body with a boost of antioxidants that help your overall health as well. So experiment with a small bottle of argan oil, and watch as your skin thanks you.

12. FAQs

12.1. Does argan oil lighten skin?

12.2. Can I apply argan oil every day?

Yes! Argan oil can be used every day. However, it should be used 1-2 drops.

12.3. Is argan oil OK for sensitive skin?

Yes! Using the argan oil in a good ratio is a good option for those who have sensitive and dry skin.

12.4. Is argan oil like sunscreen?

Yes! Argan oil is a natural sun protector. You can use it before sunbathing to protect the skin from sun damage and harmful UV radiation.

1. Shoup, John. “Are there still tribes in Morocco?.” Nomadic Societies in the Middle East and North Africa. Brill, 2006. 123-143. ↩︎
2. Eberlein-König, B., et al. “Skin surface pH, stratum corneum hydration, trans-epidermal water loss and skin roughness related to atopic eczema and skin dryness in a population of primary school children.” Acta dermato-venereologica 80.3 (2000): 188-191. ↩︎
3. Obanla, Oyinlola R., et al. “Comparative and experimental study on the properties and potency of synthesized organic and mineral sunscreen moisturizer.” International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 10.01 (2019): 612-625. ↩︎
4. Spergel, Jonathan M., and Amy S. Paller. “Atopic dermatitis and the atopic march.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 112.6 (2003): S118-S127. ↩︎

Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by ayeshayusuf