Argan oil is also called “liquid gold.” It is a popular ingredient in many skincare products. But does the science live up to the hype? Let’s delve into argan oil for skin. Specifically, we will break down the origins of argan oil, explore the scientific theories behind its marketed benefits for skin, and see how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Origins 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 the many natural materials that have a long history of use, but the scientific studies to back up its benefits are still catching up. Moroccan people 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, cracking 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 Argan Oil’s Skin Benefits
While research on the topical application of argan oil for skin health is ongoing, some studies suggest potential benefits:
Moisturization
Throughout the day, our skin naturally loses water through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is essentially invisible evaporation from the skin’s surface. As we age, and with certain environmental factors, TEWL can increase. Additionally, if your skin barrier becomes damaged TEWL will increase greatly. This leads to dehydration can lead to dryness, irritation, fine lines, and overall reduced skin resilience and elasticity.
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Preventing TEWL is a part of keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. Oil-based products can help prevent TEWL by creating a thin barrier that water can not travel through easily. Argan oil is packed with fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acids. These fatty acids not only help to hydrate the skin but also improve its barrier function by 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 of these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidant properties may help prevent premature aging and damage that can come from free radicals in your skin. However, more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
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So What Are Argan Oil’s Science-Backed Benefits for Skin?
Keeping Your Skin Hydrated and Moisturized
One of the primary benefits of argan oil for skin is its ability to moisturize. The high content of fatty acids, mainly oleic and linoleic acids, is crucial in maintaining skin hydration. They prevent excess water from traveling across the skin barrier. This function means these fatty acids help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
A randomized controlled trial by Boucetta et al. highlighted argan oil’s efficacy in improving skin hydration among postmenopausal women. Both dietary consumption and topical application of argan oil significantly enhance skin hydration, demonstrating its potential to restore the skin’s barrier function and maintain its hydration capacity.
Anti-Aging Properties
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants, including 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 generated when your skin gets stressed or damaged, which can lead to oxidative stress. They can break down your critical structural proteins (i.e. collagen and elastin), leading to fine lines and wrinkles, two key signs of premature aging. These antioxidants can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making using argan oil for skin option. It is also a popular ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.
Related Post: Understanding the Science Behind Aging in Skin: Tips for Youthful Glow
A comprehensive review by Guillaume and Charrouf highlights the popularity of argan oil for skin, highlighting its bioactive compounds that contribute to its cosmetic allure. The antioxidants in argan oil help neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise lead to premature skin aging.
Improvement in Skin Elasticity with Topical Argan Oil for Skin
Some studies show argan oil has the potential to improve skin elasticity. This means it could be a beneficial ingredient for maintaining youthful and supple skin. The combination of fatty acids and antioxidants helps to keep the skin firm and smooth, reducing the appearance of sagging and enhancing overall skin texture.
Related Post: How to Regain Elasticity in Skin: An Important Step in Anti-Aging Skincare
Potential Watch Outs Using Argan Oil for Skin
Despite its numerous benefits, argan oil does have some potential negative side effects. A study by Foti et al. pointed out cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil, suggesting a need for cautious use among sensitive individuals. You want to perform 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 serums. While you can use it both in the morning and at night to keep your skin hydrated and supple, I recommend making it one of the final steps in your nighttime routine. Applying it in your daytime routine right before your sunscreen could cause unwanted interactions with your UV protection or pilling.
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 days you wear makeup, oil-based cleansing is a must to ensure your pores do not get clogged, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
Argan oil, often dubbed “liquid gold,” offers the same benefits as many other natural oils and skincare ingredients. From hydration to anti-aging, there are benefits to your skincare. The scientific evidence supporting some of the marketed benefits of argan oil for skin is promising. Still, more research is needed to understand its potential fully. As with any skincare ingredient, it is essential to use argan oil cautiously, especially if you have sensitive 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