Argan oil, sometimes called “liquid gold”, comes from the kernels of the argan tree found in Morocco. This oil contains nutrients such as vitamin E, squalene, fatty acids and antioxidants. These compounds make argan oil a popular choice in your skin care routine. Understanding the benefits and proper use of argan oil may be essential to maximizing benefits. This article addresses the most frequently asked questions about the benefits of argan oil for skin to help you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your routine.
Related Post: Argan Oil for Skin: Liquid Gold or Hype?
1. Does Argan Oil Really Work For Wrinkles?
Yes, argan oil can be a tool in your wrinkle prevention toolbox. It is not going to reverse wrinkles that are already there. However, one of the benefits of argan oil for the skin is that it helps prevent new wrinkles from forming. Argan oil is high in vitamin E, phenols and squalene. All of these compounds are antioxidants that help fight damage to your skin caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Free radicals can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to wrinkles. Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from free radical damage. However, skin care products with antioxidants like argan oil can help and act as an added layer of protection.
The fatty acids in argan oil can also help protect moisture in your skin. Chronic dehydration can lead to wrinkles on your skin. As we age, our skin tends to dry out, so argan oil is another way to lock moisture into your skin and prevent wrinkles that result from skin that is always dehydrated. Fatty acids can also help replenish a damaged skin barrier while your skin heals itself. Like ceramides, fatty acids act as a glue component that holds skin cells together. When your skin’s barrier is damaged, there are gaps in this glue, and topical application of ceramides and fatty acids can help fill the gaps as your skin heals itself. As we age, our barrier weakens and replenishing your barrier is another of the benefits of argan oil for skin.
Related post: Understanding the Science Behind Skin Aging: Tips for a Youthful Glow
2. Can Argan Oil Help Acne?
Argan oil is not going to help with an active breakout. However, if you have acne-prone or oily skin, it could be a “safe” oil to incorporate into your skincare routine. Argan oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Acne-Prone Skin, Meaning, Causes, and Care Tips
Plus, it contains some squalene, a popular skin care ingredient because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps balance sebum production. Excessive sebum production can be one of the causes of acne because bacteria feed on sebum. So controlling it can be a preventative approach to your skincare routine if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
Related post: The benefits of Squalane, do you need it in your routine?
3. Is Argan oil good for oily skin?
Contrary to popular belief, the right oils can greatly improve the skincare routine of someone with oily skin. Argan oil is one of those “good” oils that can benefit oily skin. It helps regulate the skin’s natural oil production even though it is an oil. When applied regularly, argan oil can signal the skin to produce less sebum, leading to less oily skin. This is one of the most unexpected benefits of argan oil for the skin.
4. Is Argan oil safe for sensitive skin?
It depends. There is some evidence that argan oil may contribute to contact dermatitis. If you have sensitive skin, you should carefully incorporate this into your routine. Start by testing the argan oil and watch your skin for breakouts before applying it to your entire face. If you are unable to take advantage of the skin benefits of argan oil due to sensitive skin, there are other options.
5. What is the difference between cosmetic Argan oil and cooking Argan oil?
Cosmetic argan oil is specially designed for skin and hair applications. It is usually cold-pressed and minimally processed to preserve its beneficial properties. On the other hand, cooking argan oil is roasted to enhance its flavor, making it suitable for culinary uses but not ideal for skin care due to potential skin irritation from the roasting process. So if you’re looking to add argan oil to your skincare routine, look for products that include it, or look for cosmetic-grade argan oil.
conclusion
Argan oil can benefit any skin care routine, offering moisturizing, antiaging and oil production control properties. By understanding how to use it effectively and identifying high-quality products, you can enjoy the full benefits of this remarkable oil. Whether you’re dealing with acne, looking for anti-aging solutions, or simply looking to improve your skin care regimen, argan oil can be a valuable asset in achieving healthy, glowing skin.
bibliographical references
- Beltrane, KE, et al. (2019). A review of Argania spinosa L. (Argan) oil: From history and traditional uses to current health applications and future perspectives. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(24), 4410
- Boucetta, Kenza Qiraouani et al. “Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: benefit of oral and/or topical argan oil”. Menopause Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny, vol. 13, no. 5, 2014, pp. 280-288. doi:10.5114/mm.2014.46470.
- Essafi, I., et al. (2010). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used against arterial hypertension in Tiznit Province, Morocco. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131(3), 488-494.
- Foti, C., et al. (2014). Allergic contact dermatitis from argan oil. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 28(1), 106-107.
- Gharby, S., & Charrouf, Z. (2022). Argan Oil: Chemical Composition, Extraction Process and Quality Control. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8804587.
- Guillaume, D., & Charrouf, Z. (2011). Argan oil and other argan products: Use in dermocosmetology. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 113(4), 403-408.
- Tichota, DM, Silva, AC, Sousa Lobo, JM, & Amaral, MH (2014). Design, characterization and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 93855–3864.
