Argan oil is also called “liquid gold”. It is a popular ingredient in many skin care products. But does the science live up to the hype? Let’s delve into argan oil for skin. Specifically, we’ll break down the origins of argan oil, explore the scientific theories behind its skin benefits, and see how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Origin of Argan oil
Argan oil comes from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). This tree is native to Morocco. Argan oil is one of many natural ingredients that has a long history of use, but scientific studies to support its benefits are still coming. Moroccans have used argan oil for centuries for culinary and cosmetic purposes. Extracting the oil is a labor intensive process. The oil is extracted by drying the argan fruit, breaking the shells and removing the kernels. The kernels are then roasted and ground into a paste. Then the oil is removed from the paste and that’s how you get liquid gold, argan oil.
The science behind the benefits of Argan oil for the skin
While research on topical application of argan oil for skin health is ongoing, some studies suggest potential benefits:
Hydration
During the day, our skin naturally loses water through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It is essentially invisible evaporation from the surface of the skin. As we age and with certain environmental factors, TEWL can increase. Additionally, if your skin barrier is damaged, TEWL will increase greatly. This leads to dehydration which can lead to dryness, irritation, fine lines and an overall decrease in skin elasticity and suppleness.
Related Post: Demystifying the Skin Barrier: What It Is and How It Breaks Down
Preventing TEWL is part of keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Oil-based products can help prevent TEWL by creating a thin barrier through which water cannot easily pass. Argan oil is full of fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids. These fatty acids not only help to hydrate the skin but also improve its barrier function preventing TEWL. A study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine found that argan oil improved skin hydration in participants with dry skin.
Anti-inflammatory properties
All plants have built-in defense systems to help them survive. These natural defense systems are why so many natural ingredients contain antioxidants. The argan tree is no exception. Argan oil contains compounds called phenols, tocopherols (vitamin E) and squalene. All these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidant properties may help prevent premature aging and free radical damage to your skin. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
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So what are the science-backed skin benefits of argan oil?
Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated
One of the main benefits of argan oil for the skin is its ability to moisturize. The high content of fatty acids, mainly oleic and linoleic acid, is crucial for maintaining skin hydration. They prevent excess water from traveling across the skin barrier. This function means that these fatty acids help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
ONE randomized controlled trial by Boucetta et al. highlighted the effectiveness of argan oil in improving skin hydration in postmenopausal women. Both dietary consumption and topical application of argan oil significantly enhance skin hydration, demonstrating its ability to restore the skin’s barrier function and maintain its ability to moisturize.
Antiaging properties
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, squalene and phenols. These antioxidants help prevent premature aging by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Free radicals are created when your skin is stressed or damaged, which can lead to oxidative stress. They can break down your critical structural proteins (eg collagen and elastin), leading to fine lines and wrinkles, two key signs of premature aging. These antioxidants can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making use of argan oil for skin care. It is also a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care products.
Related post: Understanding the Science Behind Skin Aging: Tips for a Youthful Glow
ONE comprehensive review by Guillaume and Charrouf highlights the popularity of argan oil for the skin, highlighting its bioactive compounds that contribute to its cosmetic appeal. Argan oil’s antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise lead to premature skin aging.
Improve skin elasticity with topical Argan oil for skin
Some studies show that argan oil has the potential to improve skin elasticity. This means it could be a beneficial ingredient in maintaining youthful and supple skin. The combination of fatty acids and antioxidants helps maintain firm and smooth skin, reducing the appearance of sagging and enhancing overall skin texture.
Related post: How to regain elasticity in the skin: An important step in anti-aging skiingcare
Possible observations with the use of Argan oil for the skin
Despite its numerous benefits, argan oil has some potential negative side effects. A study by Foti et al. reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil, indicating the need for careful use by sensitive individuals. You want to do a patch test before incorporating any new product into your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin, which is a must.
How to incorporate Argan oil into your skincare routine
You can apply argan oil to your face after cleansing, toning and using any water-based serum. While you can use it both morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and supple, I recommend making it one of the last steps in your nighttime routine. Applying it to your daily routine right before your sunscreen can cause unwanted interactions with your UV protection or pill.
You could also use argan oil as an oil-based cleanser as the first step in your skincare routine. Oil-based cleansers are a great first step because they can pull dirt and other oils from your skin better than water-based cleansers. On make-up days, an oil-based cleanser is essential to ensure your pores aren’t clogged, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
conclusion
Argan oil, often called “liquid gold,” offers the same benefits as many other natural oils and skin care ingredients. From hydration to anti-aging, there are benefits to taking care of your skin. The scientific evidence supporting some of the benefits of argan oil on the market is promising. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential. As with any skincare ingredient, it’s essential to use argan oil with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin.
bibliographical references
- Beltrane, KE, et al. (2019). Review of Argania spinosa L. (Argan) oil: From history and traditional uses to current health applications and future prospects. 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.
