Argan Oil – The Benefits Of Argan Oil For Skin And Hair
Argan oil is one of the rarest oils in the world containing a large variety of benefits, especially in the beauty and cosmetics industry. This oil, also known as the Moroccan oil, or the oil of Morocco is made from the kernels that grow on the argan trees in Morocco through an intensive procedure done by hand. The Moroccan tree, in which the fruit grows, is adapted to the harsh conditions in the area. The locals of Morocco come up with the final product by extracting the argan oil from the kernels through a cold pressing process.
This oil is usually sold pure, meaning it can be applied topically on the skin. It also comes in supplement capsule to be taken orally. Argan oil is one of the ingredients in many shampoos, conditioners, and many more beauty products. Traditionally, it has been used topically in order to improve skin, hair, and nail health.
Argan Oil Benefits
This oil has also been dubbed as ‘liquid gold’, meaning it has a large variety of benefits, due to its high vitamin and acid content. Scroll below for the benefits and properties argan oil has in the beauty industry.
Benefits of Argan oil for skin
1. Protects the skin from sun damage: Moroccan women have been using argan oil for a long time for sun protection. According to a 2013 study, the antioxidant activity in argan oil helps in protecting the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun, and this way preventing burns and hyperpigmentation.
2. Skin moisturizer: Taking into consideration that argan oil contains high vitamin E and acid content, it’s ingredients make it the ideal skincare product. People use this oil as a skin moisturizer that both hydrates and softens the skin. It absorbs easily and it’s non-greasy.
3. Treats several skin conditions: As research suggests, argan oil has healing benefits as it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties contribute to reducing the symptoms to different inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea.
4. Helps in treating acne: Taking into consideration that acne is usually the result of oily skin, argan oil and its non-greasy properties help in balancing the skin and providing natural moisture. Argan oil is known to soothe afflicted skin and helps in healing.
5. Prevents and helps in removing stretch marks: Argan oil has high levels of skin-nourishing nutrients and it’s packed with vitamins E and A, as well as different essential fatty acids. This oil is non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and according to clinical studies, it promotes skin elasticity while also keeping the skin hydrated, therefore it lightens or prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
6. Has anti-aging properties: Argan oil also contains anti-aging and antioxidant properties. It’s considered the best anti-aging product in creams due to its high linoleic acid content that increases the elasticity of the skin and tightens the pores.
7. Reduces skin oiliness: Argan oil can reduce the oiliness of the skin by reducing sebum. According to Healthline, a study found that applying creams that contain Argan oil twice a day, every day reduces sebum activity and oiliness within a matter of four weeks.
8. Treatment for hands & feet: Since it moisturizes and softens the skin, argan oil can be of help when it comes to dry hands and cracked skin on feet. When it comes to brittle nails, it makes them stronger and healthier.
Benefits of Argan oil for hair growth and hair health
1. Works as leave-in conditioner: As research suggests, argan oil is an effective conditioner and it works best when used as a leave-in conditioner, by helping in controlling frizzy hair and flyaways. It keeps the hair softer while helping in effectively repairing split ends. Unlike many leave-in conditioners that tend to be greasy and make hair clumpy, argan oil (if used in correct quantity) absorbs easily and does not leave any greasy residue. Meaning, you simply need a few drops of pure argan oil, rub it between your palms and comb your damp hair with your fingers thoroughly.
2. Moisturizes scalp: Argan oil is helpful on managing a dry scalp and works like a thorough moisturizer. It fights dandruff and heals the scalp from the damage caused by treatments filled with chemicals and styling machines. The fatty acids in argan oil soothe the inflamed skin of the scalp.
3. Treats dry hair: It can be used as an overnight deep conditioning treatment to help in treating dry and brittle hair. Using argan oil once a week is helpful in maintaining healthy hair.
4. Treats hair loss: Argan oil works as an excellent natural product in stopping hair loss and it also helps in promoting new growth. It has high quantities of vitamin E and this vitamin is very beneficial for hair since it contains antioxidants. Treating the scalp with argan oil three times a week will make sure you don’t lose more follicles than you’re able to grow.
5. Protects hair from sun damage: Argan oil contains sun protection agents that manage to help in protecting your hair from the sun. So, simply apply a few drops of argan oil before going outside and afterward you may braid your hair in order to lock the moisture in.
Pure Argan Oil
Argan oil can be one of the ingredients in many products, it also comes as a pure product. Meaning, it’s argan oil and nothing else. This is extremely important to remember when purchasing pure argan oil. Below you will find what you should look for when you’re trying to purchase pure argan oil.
When it comes to the ingredients, there should be only one, and that is argan oil. Some products use the word kernel as well. The oil should be contained in a dark glass bottle so it’s safe from light exposure. The oil should be a light golden color, and if there’s no color it has probably been diluted. If it happens to be a dark color, it means that the oil is culinary. Pure argan oil may have some sediment from the processing, however, that’s a sign that the oil is genuine. Pure argan oil should have a light, nutty scent, and it should also feel smooth and silky and not sticky.
For more on pure argan oil and some of the best pure argan oils:
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