Argan Oil For Face – What Are The Benefits And How To Use it?

Argan oil is excellent for maintaining healthy hair. However, you will be surprised to know that you can use argan oil for the face. This nourishing oil is extremely gentle, lightweight, and has moisturizing benefits. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe your skin and get rid of dry patches. Keep reading to understand the benefits of argan oil for the skin and how to use it.

Trivia

In 1988, UNESCO declared the argan forests of Morocco as part of their International Biosphere Reserve to help preserve them.

Is Argan Oil Good For The Face?

Argan oil is considered the holy grail of oils for hair and skin because it falls right in the middle of the oil spectrum. It is neither too heavy nor too light. It gets easily absorbed into your skin and is also highly moisturizing. You hardly need a drop or two for your face. The best part is that you can apply it directly without a carrier oil. So, if you are wondering, “Is argan oil good for the skin?” know that it surely is.

Around 99% of argan oil is made up of triglyceridesⁱ  XA type of fat that stores unused calories, provides energy between meals, helps smoothen the skin, and works as an antioxidant. (oleic and linoleic acids), and the remaining 1% contains vitamin E, carotenoidsⁱ  XAntioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, prevent the degradation of collagen, and have other health benefits. , sterolsⁱ  XFat-like substances that have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties and contribute to the skin’s natural barrier layer. , and polyphenolsⁱ  XNaturally occurring reducing agents that protect the body against oxidative stress and various health conditions, like cancer. (1). These are known to be great for the skin.

Argan oil fortifies the skin, reduces inflammation, softens dry patches, improves complexion, and boosts radiance and overall skin health. Let’s look at some benefits of using argan oil for the skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For The Skin?

• Moisturizes Your Skin

Argan oil contains vitamin E and other fatty acids. It is light and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It hydrates, nourishes, and keeps your skin moisturized for a long time. If you live in arid and cold conditions, you need this oil in your closet. You can probably even replace your regular moisturizer with this one. It suits all skin types, so you have nothing to worry about.

AnnaCris, a blogger, shared her experience of using argan oil on her face. She said, “ I use it every night as my nighttime moisturizer and I see the difference. I prefer to use it at night because it’s light and does not rub off on my pillows. My skin is smoother, softer, and has a natural glow about it (i).”

• Treats Acne

Using oil on acne-prone skin (i.e., oily skin) might sound crazy, but argan oil acts as a healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and soothe acne (2). It also has anti-sebum properties that can help in reducing greasiness and improve the appearance of oily skin (3).

• Anti-Aging

Our skin starts to wrinkle, develops fine lines and tends to look duller than it is because it lacks softness, moisture and hydration, which speeds up the aging process. Argan oil increases skin’s regeneration rate and improves its elasticity (4). Since argan oil is extremely hydrating, it locks in moisture and makes your face look plumper, brighter, and softer.

• Protects From Sun Damage

Argan oil contains antioxidants that protect and repair your skin from sunburn, damage, or hyperpigmentation caused due to sun exposure (5). Hyperpigmentation is usually caused due to an increase in the production and accumulation of melanin in your skin. The different components in argan oil work collectively to inhibit the production of melanin.

• Treats And Heals Skin Conditions

Inflamed and itchy patches characterize some skin conditions, like eczema or atopic dermatitisⁱ  XThe most common type of eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin in all age groups. (AD). Apart from your regular medication and treatment, using argan oil can reduce redness in itchy, flaky skin and soothe it by locking in moisture and maintaining your skin’s barrier function.

Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, says, “Although the exact causes of AD are not well understood yet, people suffering from it have a loss of moisture and inflammation of the skin. Argan oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and like any oil, traps moisture, and so is great for hydrating the skin. Consequently, it is an effective remedy to alleviate some AD symptoms.”

• Improves Skin’s Overall Health

Argan oil is loaded with ingredients that are considered the best for maintaining your skin’s health (1). Using it in your everyday skin routine can make a lot of difference to your overall skin appearance.

• Heals Wounds

Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help heal wounds (2).

The benefits are great. So, how do you use argan oil for your face?

How To Use Argan Oil For The Face

• Moisturizer – Take a drop or two of argan oil and apply it all over your face before you start your morning routine. Do this at night too and leave it on overnight.
• Hydrating Toner – Pour a drop of argan oil on a cotton pad with your toner on it and dab your face with this blend.
• Lip Exfoliator Or Moisturizer – Add a little bit of argan oil to brown sugar and gently exfoliate your lips with the mixture. Or dab the oil over the lips and leave it on for a while to let it moisturize and soften them.
• Serum – Add argan oil to your serum and let it soak in before you carry on with your skincare routine.

You also need to know how to choose the best argan oil to reap maximum benefits.

How To Choose The Best Argan Oil

1. Look for cold-pressed argan oil. It is most effective for intense rejuvenation on the scalp as well as the skin.

2. Avoid any product that has artificial fragrances, scents, or chemicals.

3. Argan oil is all natural and needs no preservatives. So, look for something completely natural and organic.

4. Argan oil is expensive because of its extraction method and limited availability of the fruit in only a few parts of the world. Do not fall for anything that is incredibly cheap.

Fun Fact

Celebrities like Charlize Theron, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Mendes, Marion Cotillard, and Kim Kardashian maintain that argan oil is the secret to their nourished and glowing skin.

Best Argan Oil Brands For The Face

1. Viva Naturals Organic Argan Oil For Hair, Face, And Skin – Buy it here!
2. Pura D’or (4 oz) Organic Moroccan Argan Oil – Buy it here!
3. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil – Buy it here!

Another potent oil that has gained popularity recently is grapeseed oil. Let’s check how it differs from argan oil, and which is more beneficial for the face.

Grapeseed Oil Vs. Argan Oil For Face

Grapeseed oil contains an abundance of vitamin E, other antioxidants, and fatty acids that help deeply moisturize the skin and maintain its natural hydration, making it an excellent choice for dry skin types (6). It also exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent blemishes and cater to problematic skin. On the other hand, the lipophilic antioxidants present in argan oil promote healthy skin by combating common signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Therefore, use grapeseed oil to nourish your skin and argan oil to fight the signs of aging.

So far, we have compared argan oil with other oils and also seen everything that is good about it. But what of the negatives? Does it have any side effects? Let’s find out!

Side Effects And Risks

• Even though argan oil is highly fortifying, it can cause skin allergies or aggravate acne in people who have extremely sensitive skin or tree-nut allergies.
• Argan oil is actually made from stone fruit, but it might still cause reactions in some people. Always do a patch test before you go all out with it.
• If you are ingesting argan oil, observe how your body is reacting to it. It can cause severe bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or breakouts.

Infographic: Top 5 Ways Argan Oil Can Benefit Your Skin

You may have been using argan oil in your cooking to add flavor to your dishes. But argan oil is much more than that! The properties of this oil have diverse benefits, even when it is topically applied on the skin. A few drops can hydrate and glow up your skin.

Check out the infographic below to know the benefits of argan oil for your skin.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does argan oil darken skin?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that argan oil darkens skin. On the contrary, argan oil may protect the skin against hyperpigmentation caused by free radicals and sun damage (5).

Is argan oil good for under eyes?

Yes, pure argan oil may help reduce puffiness and dark circles under eyes.

Is it okay to use argan oil everyday?

Yes, it is okay to use small amounts of argan oil on skin every day.

What colour is pure argan oil?

Pure argan oil is deep yellow in color.

Does argan oil have a smell?

Yes, pure cosmetic-grade argan oil has a unique, raw, and nutty smell which disappears soon after application as the oil is absorbed into the skin.

Personal Experience: Source

i. My Experience With Coconut Oil and Argan oil
https://annacrisblogs.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/my-experience-with-coconut-oil-and-argan-oil/

Sources

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Dr. CP ThajudheenMD

   

Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was one of the beginners who introduced cutaneous lasers in India. He carries out dermato surgeries regularly, including hair grafting and vitiligo surgeries. He runs multiple laser centers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and has trained many doctors in lasers and...more

• Dr. Sanusi UmarMD, FAAD

  Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist who has been practicing for more than 20 years. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in Manhattan Beach, California, including Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. He received his medical degree from University of Maiduguri College of Medical Sciences and is a leader in the removal of AKN (Acne Keloidalis Nuchae).
  
  Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, is a dermatologist who has been practicing for more than 20 years. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in Manhattan Beach, California, including Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance. He received his medical degree from University of Maiduguri College of Medical Sciences and is a leader in the removal of AKN (Acne Keloidalis Nuchae).

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more