10 Potent Benefits of Argan Oil For Skin Health

10 Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

If you’re looking for the ultimate ingredient to include in your daily routine, argan oil offers a wide range of advantages and should not be overlooked. These are the top 10 powerful argan oil for skin benefits:

1. Hydrating the Complexion

Argan oil for skin is perhaps best known for its hydrating benefits, rich in fat-soluble vitamin E and fatty acids that help support the moisture barrier. It helps eliminate dryness on the complexion and scalp, deeply moisturizing the skin and helping to enhance hair health and growth.

Marisa Garshick, MD

Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD notes:

In general, argan oil can be used by all skin types as those with dry skin will benefit from its moisturizing properties, while those with oily skin may also find it tolerable as it is lightweight and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

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2. Protecting From Sun Damage

Whether applied topically or in supplement form, argan oil includes potent antioxidant properties that destroy free radicals, lowering oxidative stress to repair the skin barrier and offer additional protection from UV rays. This may protect from premature aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, and help decrease the risk of developing melanoma.

3. Reducing Signs of Aging

Among the many cosmetic uses of argan oil, this ingredient has powerful antioxidants that repair skin barrier damage to help decrease signs of aging. It may also boost collagen levels, helping to higher the skin, improve elasticity, and decrease the depth of wrinkles and fine lines on the complexion.

4. Diminishing Under-Eye Concerns

Argan oil also helps reduce fine lines and crow’s feet under the eyes, and its anti-inflammatory properties may decrease the appearance of bags and puffiness. In addition, there’s some indication that the essential fatty acids in this rich oil could improve microcirculation under the eyes to help fade dark circles.

5. Fading Hyperpigmentation

Can you use argan oil for skin lightening? This potent ingredient contains vitamin C, which slows the production of melanin to help fade areas of hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. Using argan oil for skin whitening does not offer immediate results, and may be a gradual process that requires consistent application over time.

6. Controlling Oil Production

Evidence indicates that consistent application of argan oil twice daily to the face may slow sebum production in the skin, potentially making it ideal for people with greasy skin. A 4-week study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that regular application of an argan-oil-enriched cream reduced sebum levels by 20% and oil areas of skin by 42%.

7. Treating Acne

The fact that argan oil slows oil production means it may offer acne prevention benefits, balancing sebum production to help prevent breakouts. It also has exfoliating properties that help unclog the pores of dirt, oil, and makeup.

In addition, argan oil contains fatty acids like oleic and linoleic with anti-inflammatory agents that soothe the complexion and ease redness and swelling to treat existing acne.

8. Healing Skin Conditions and Infections

Pure argan oil for the skin has potent anti-inflammatory agents that may speed up the healing of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis and ease symptoms like scaling, itchiness, redness, and dryness.

Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains:

It can be used to help dry, sensitive skin for those looking for more natural remedies.

In addition to its healing and soothing anti-inflammatory agents, organic argan oil for the skin has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that kill harmful bacteria and microbes on the complexion with regular twice-daily application, helping to heal skin infections.

9. Speeding Up Wound Healing

Due to its potent antioxidants like vitamin E and its collagen-boosting properties, the benefits of argan oil also include helping to mend wounds and cuts more quickly. A study published in Wound Management and Prevention concluded that 14 days of application helped effectively heal second-degree burns in rats.

10. Diminishing Stretch Marks

High in collagen-boosting vitamin E and skin-barrier-repairing antioxidants, regular application of argan oil may tighten sagging skin and improve elasticity. It also balances and evens out skin tone, making stretch marks less visible.

One of the best potential uses of argan oil for the skin is to help smooth stretch marks on the skin due to pregnancy or weight loss.

How to Use Argan Oil For Skin

Argan oil is included in some natural supplements for skin care, often with other extracts and oils that may bolster skin health, brightness, and youthfulness. In addition, you can find it as an ingredient in creams, gels, or serums, but the best argan oil for the skin is in pure form in many cases.

While it has hydrating properties, this ingredient is not a replacement for your regular moisturizer. As an occlusive oil, it helps strengthen the moisture barrier to keep the liquid locked inside, but you still need an additional product to heighten hydration.

You may be asking yourself, “Can I use argan oil on my face every day?” In most cases, you can and should apply it twice daily for optimal benefits. The best way to apply argan to the skin is in the morning and evening as part of your regular skincare regimen, after cleansing and toning, and before adding your moisturizer.

Take a few drops onto your fingers and apply it to lightly damp skin, gently massaging it into the target areas. For additional benefits, individuals with a typically greasy complexion may want to leave argan oil on their face overnight to help balance sebum levels.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe and well-tolerated with other skincare products, individuals with an allergy to tree nuts or very sensitive skin may sometimes experience argan oil for face side effects such as rash, itchiness, or contact dermatitis with its application.

In addition, those with inflammatory skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis should approach this ingredient cautiously, as it could worsen the condition. If you are using a skincare formulation with argan oil and other ingredients, it’s important to check the label carefully to avoid other potential allergies or reactions.

It’s always a good idea to conduct a patch test before the regular use of a new product by applying some to a small area of skin. If there is no reaction within 24 hours, argan oil is most likely safe for you to use. If you have concerns, consult with a dermatologist before use.

Dietary supplements that include argan oil may have other ingredients with potential side effects like stomach upset, nausea, or a decrease in appetite. Before taking a new supplement, consult with a healthcare practitioner, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.