Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about miraculous ingredients that offer a wide range of benefits and that you can find in our products. We’ve spoken about shea butter, lavender, Aloe vera, and this time we are bringing the liquid gold to the table: argan oil.  

Argan oil is another gift from nature that improves your skin’s health. This ingredient is commonly used in different beauty products because of its benefits, which we will discuss later in this post. Let’s start with the basics. 

This liquid gold comes from the argan tree seeds that are native to an area in southwestern Morocco. Hadley King, MD, a dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains that it’s produced by “removing the thick peel and fleshy pulp of the argan fruit and then cracking the nut by hand to obtain the oil-rich kernels inside. The kernels are then ground and pressed to express pure, unfiltered argan oil, and then decanted and filtered to produce an even clearer oil.”  

After this process, argan oil is finally obtained and most of the time, it is sold as a pure oil, or it can also be blended with other natural oils to improve each one of their properties. Argan oil is highly nourishing, and it quickly penetrates the skin to enhance moisture and protect the skin barrier. 

Argan oil is commonly known as the “liquid gold” of Morocco because it is naturally rich in different compounds like vitamin A and C, fatty acids (omega-6, linoleic acid and oleic acid), and natural antioxidants like tocopherols (vitamin E), melatonin and plant Sterols.  

These properties are essential for skin health because they help lock in moisture, nurture and boost it to have more elasticity, increasing cell production to regenerate its appearance. Even though argan oil contains fatty acids, its texture is lightweight and non-greasy, making it a great option that suits all skin types, especially oily complexions that tend to avoid oils. 

Using this liquid gold has no known contraindications but remember that it comes from a tree nut. So, if you have allergies, you should discuss with your doctor before using this oil on your skin.  

Argan oil is commonly used for skin, but it's also used to improve hair's health, and some regions in Africa use it for cooking. You can find this ingredient in cosmetic products like shampoos, conditioners, shower oils, and dry oils. Now, let's talk about the benefits of using this oil on your skin and hair. 

ARGAN OIL BENEFITS FOR YOUR SKIN

A GREAT MOISTURIZER

Argan oil is frequently used as a moisturizer for dry skin. Because it’s rich in vitamin E, it can help improve water retention in the skin, giving it a healthy, smooth texture and appearance. This hydration factor also helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier.   

IT REDUCES DARK SPOTS AND IMPROVES YOUR SKIN TONE

Using formulas that include argan oil in their ingredients can help you reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, like those caused by sun exposure or post-blemish marks. A study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun.  

IT'S ANTIAGING AND IMPROVES ELASTICITY

Argan oil can improve skin elasticity and give your skin a more youthful and radiant complexion. As we mentioned above, the fats in this oil help keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated, which is key to maintaining a youthful appearance. This nourishing property eliminates fine lines and wrinkles and helps tighten and firm the skin texture. 

HEALING PROPERTIES FOR DIFFERENT SKIN CONDITIONS

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, argan oil is a great ingredient to help reduce the symptoms of different inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. This also helps to improve healing and prevent scarring by regenerating new cells.  

If you suffer from acne, you can also benefit from argan oil. Its anti-sebum effects can effectively regulate the amounts of sebum on your skin to promote a smoother provide calm to your complexion.  

Argan oil also has antibacterial and fungicidal properties, making it a natural option to treat and prevent skin infections.  

OILY SKIN? ARGAN OIL CAN BE YOUR ALLY 

As paradoxical as it sounds, argan oil can help you reduce the sebum your face naturally produces. Thanks to its sebum-reducing capabilities, this natural ingredient can help reduce the oiliness of your skin. 

ARGAN OIL BENEFITS FOR YOUR HAIR 

This oil shares some benefits in the same way it does for skin but for hair. Argan oil hydrates and softens hair; this helps to increase its own elasticity, thereby making it stronger. This prevents breakage, which will give your hair a healthier appearance.  

The antioxidant properties of this oil help neutralize hair damage from free radicals and other elements like constant heat styling, pollution, and chemical treatments.  

Adding 1-3 drops of argan oil to your hair and scalp will give your hair a natural shiny finish while providing healing properties that prevent dandruff and itchiness on your scalp.   

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Argan oil is considered safe for most people to use. But as with all ingredients, even if they are natural, some individuals can experience minor side effects, especially if they have allergies to nuts.   

These reactions can appear as rashes, redness, or itchiness at the site where you applied it. To avoid this, always discuss it with your doctor first and remember to do patch testing before trying any new product that you think can irritate your skin.  

Argan oil is definitely one of our favorite ingredients (and beauty secrets) and we certainly can’t get enough from its benefits. There is no doubt why it is considered the gold liquid of Morocco. Using it provides so many benefits that your skin will thank you and people around you will notice.  

If you want to start to try its natural benefits, we recommend you our beauty oils specially formulated for all skin types and enhance the complexion of your skin and hair.