Argan oil, sometimes called “liquid gold,” is derived from the kernels of the argan tree found in Morocco. This oil contains nutrients, including vitamin E, squalene, fatty acids, and antioxidants. These compounds make argan oil a popular choice in skincare routines. Understanding the benefits and the proper use of argan oil can be essential to maximize the benefits. This article addresses the most common questions about argan oil’s benefits for skin to help you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your routine.
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1. Does Argan Oil Really Work for Wrinkles?
Yes, argan oil can be one tool in your toolbox to prevent wrinkles. It is not going to reverse wrinkles that are already present. However, one of argan oil’s benefits for skin is helping prevent the formation of new wrinkles. Argan oil has a high vitamin E, phenols, and squalene content. All these compounds are antioxidants that help combat 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. Still, skincare 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 lock moisture into your skin. Chronic dehydration can lead to wrinkles forming in your skin. As we age, our skin typically gets drier, so argan oil is another way to help lock moisture into your skin and prevent wrinkles that result from having skin that is always dehydrated. Fatty acids can also help fill in 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 barrier gets damaged, there are gaps in this glue, and topically applying ceramides and fatty acids can help fill in the gaps as your skin heals itself. As we age, our barrier weakens, and supplementing your barrier is another one of argan oil’s benefits for skin.
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2. Can Argan Oil Help with Acne?
Argan oil is not going to help with an active breakout. Still, 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 will not clog your pores and lead to the formation of comedones, black and whiteheads.
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Additionally, it contains some squalene, a popular skincare ingredient, because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps balance sebum production. Excessive sebum production can be one of the causes of acne breakouts because the bacteria feeds on the sebum. Therefore, controlling it can be a preventative approach to your skincare routine if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
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3. Is Argan Oil Good for Oily Skin?
Contrary to popular belief, the right oils can greatly improve a person’s skincare routine 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 despite being an oil. When applied regularly, argan oil can signal the skin to produce less sebum, leading to a less oily complexion. This is one of the most unexpected of argan oil’s benefits for skin.
4. Is Argan Oil Safe for Sensitive Skin?
It depends. There is some evidence that argan oil can contribute to contact dermatitis. If you have sensitive skin, you should cautiously incorporate this into your routine. Start by patch-testing the argan oil and monitor your skin for breakouts before you apply it to your entire face. If you are not able to take advantage of argan oil’s benefits for skin due to sensitive skin, there are other options.
5. What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic Argan Oil and Cooking Argan Oil?
Cosmetic argan oil is specifically formulated for skin and hair applications. It’s usually cold-pressed and minimally processed to retain 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 skincare due to potential skin irritation from the roasting process. So, if you want 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 skincare routine, offering hydration, anti-aging, 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 are dealing with acne, seeking anti-aging solutions, or simply looking to enhance your skincare regimen, argan oil can be a valuable asset in achieving healthy, glowing skin.
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: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use.” Menopause Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny, vol. 13, no. 5, 2014, pp. 280-288. doi:10.5114/pm.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, 8, 804587. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.804587
- 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. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.201000417
- Tichota, D. M., Silva, A. C., Sousa Lobo, J. M., & Amaral, M. H. (2014). Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 9, 3855–3864. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S64008