Argan Oil Skin & Hair Benefits – Everything You Need To Know

Argan oil is not just an old oil; it is a tradition, a history and a way of life captured in liquid gold. Argan oil can also be called “Liquid gold,” “green gold,” or “the gold of Morocco”. It is rich, exotic, medicinal, culinary, beautifying and expensive.

Argan oil hails from the dry, dusty plains of Morocco. The argan tree produces a yellow, plum-sized fruit containing a nut, and inside the nut are kernels that yield oil, which is arguably the rarest and most expensive edible oil in the world. This unique oil is known to have exceptional healing abilities, making it worth every penny.

Argan oil is not just beneficial for the skin; it is also great for hair, nails, heart and arteries. This versatile oil has captured the world’s attention as a valuable, natural and healthy choice.

Could argan oil be the most versatile oil on the planet? Let’s explore its skin and hair benefits

Source Of Argan Oil

In Morocco, the argan tree is known as the “Tree of Life”. Argan oil is derived from the fruit of Argania Spinosa, one of the most fascinating and useful trees on the planet. It is among the oldest and most endangered trees. Although, it once grew in other parts of North Africa and some parts in Southern Europe, it is now found only in Southwest Morocco.

What Makes Argan Oil Special?

Argan oil is an incredible collection of compounds, active ingredients and nutrients, unlike any other vegetable oil. It contains a unique blend of fatty acids, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, ferulic acids, sterols, polyphenols, vitamin E, squalene, phenols such as caffeic acid, oleuropein, vanillic acid, tyrosol, catechol, resorcinol, epicatechin, and catechin. This is just what scientists have discovered, who knows what else might be there?

Argan oil is composed of 80-90% unsaturated fatty acids, including 46-55% oleic acid, 35-38% linoleic acid, and about 1% alpha-linoleic acid. The remaining 20% or less consists of saturated fatty acids.

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid and alpha-linoleic is an omega-3 fatty acid; together, they are known as vitamin F. These are essential fatty acids because the body cannot produce them naturally, so they must be obtained through diet. Fatty acids play many important roles in the body, including preventing moisture loss in the skin.

The sterols in argan oil are unique and are not found in any other vegetable oil. These plant-based sterols, or phytosterols, closely resemble the chemical structure of human sterols. They penetrate the skin quickly, helping to retain moisture and promote collagen production. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, supporting the repair of damaged skin and hair.

While all vegetable oils contain vitamin E, argan oil has twice as much as olive oil, making it especially beneficial for the skin.

Argan Oil Skin Benefits

1. Use As A Moisturizer

Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, rare plant sterols, and exceptionally high in vitamin E, making it ideal for those with dry skin, wrinkles, or a damaged skin barrier. It is non-greasy and absorbs easily. Just a small amount on your fingertips, applied all over your face, works well as a stand-alone moisturizer.

2. Reduces The Appearance of Wrinkles

Argan oil is known for its ability to keep the skin firm, supple, and well-hydrated. As the skin ages, it loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to sagging and stretching. However, argan oil can help plump the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Promotes Wound Healing

Argan oil restores the skin’s hydro-lipid layer while stimulating intracellular oxygenation. This enhances the delivery of nutrients to skin cells, accelerating skin regeneration by promoting new cell growth at the cellular level.

4. Neutralizes Free Radicals

Argan oil protects the skin from environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals, which contribute to skin cancer, inflammation, premature aging, and other skin conditions.

5. Improves Skin Tone

Argan oil strengthens and protects connective tissue and collagen, helping to maintain and boost the skin’s natural elasticity. It nourishes, hydrates, regenerates, revitalizes, and protects the skin, improving both tone and texture.

6. It Regulates Sebum Production

Argan oil regulates sebum production, controlling excess oil in oily skin and balancing moisture in dry skin. This helps prevent premature aging.

7. For Hands And Nails

Argan oil can nourish and strengthen brittle nails while softening cuticles. Simply massage the oil into and around your fingers for best results.

Argan Oil Hair Benefits

8. Encourages Hair Growth

When massaged into the skin, argan oil penetrates the hair follicles due to its highly diffusible nature. This promotes hair growth, reduces breakage, and revitalizes brittle hair.

9. Nourishes Hair

Argan oil nourishes both hair fibers and the scalp, improving circulation and stimulating cell renewal. This dramatically enhances the health of the hair and scalp while regulating sebum production.

10. Used As A Deep Conditioner

Argan oil can be used as a deep-conditioning treatment and a shield against sun damage. It helps repair split ends and nourishes the hair both inside and out, providing lustre, shine, strength, and flexibility.

What Science Says About Argan Oil

Scientific studies on Argan oil are limited. with few published research studies examining the effects of argan oil-containing skincare products on aging, inflamed, or dry skin. One study found that argan oil restores the skin’s hydro-lipid layer, increases intracellular oxygen, and enhances nutrient delivery to skin cells while neutralizing free radicals.

Its anti-sebum properties were demonstrated in a study with 20 volunteers aged 17 to 50 who had oily skin. The participants applied an argan-based cream twice a day to their faces. After 4 weeks, there was a noticeable reduction in seborrheic activity, with less greasiness and an improved skin appearance.

Final Thoughts

Argan oil is truly authentic, and when you buy it, you’re purchasing a piece of Moroccan culture and history, dating back to the women who spend long hours extracting this liquid gold. The charm of argan oil is difficult to replicate. It is especially beneficial for African American hair, which can be challenging to tame.