Also known as “liquid gold” by The New York Times, the acclaimed, widely-known and popular argan organic oil is derived from the kernels of the nuts of the Moroccan Argan tree, also scientifically known as Argania spinosa. It is considered to be one of the purest oils in the world.

The argan tree is indigenous to the Morocco region, found in the Argan Forest. In fact, this region is so highly revered that it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO!

Did you know that local Berber women actually work in cooperatives to manufacture the oil and to control the argan oil industry as it is being made increasingly accessible to individuals around the world and more people are using the oil for its numerous healing and therapeutic benefits.

These cooperatives will then share the profits obtained among the local Berber tribes, for their healthcare, education and the creation of jobs. The profits have also been invested in establishing ecosystem reforestation, to ensure sustainability of the argan trees so that supply will not run out. In fact, it takes one woman 3 whole days to make just one litre of oil!

Indeed, argan oil is considered to be a miracle oil because it is rich with vitamin A and vitamin E, as well as numerous antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. This makes the oil a notable investment for your wellbeing. Read on to find out what argan oil can do for your body!

Health Benefits of Argan Organic Oil:

1. As a Great Moisturizer

One of the most well-known benefits of argan oil is that it is a great moisturizer. It absorbs quickly into the skin, and it does not leave an oily residue behind. As such, it nourishes the skin and leaves it hydrated, which is perfect for dry, cracked skin. Use this oil as an all-round moisturizer, for your body and your face too!

Simply add about 2-3 drops of the oil into your palms, rub it together and apply on your face in circular motions. The vitamin E and A in the oil helps to keep your skin moisturized and smooth.

If you have dry and cracked patches on your heels, feet, elbows or other areas, you can also massage a drop on those areas for relief and to alleviate the cracked skin condition. You can even blend the oil with other carrier oils such as coconut, olive, jojoba or sweet almond oils for enhanced effects!

2. Helps Alleviate Acne Conditions

Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and it is due to an over-regulation of sebum levels on the skin. However, argan oil helps to combat this irritating problem by targeting sebum levels, specifically it has been proven to reduce sebum levels in people with oily skin, as evidenced by a 2007 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Argan oil helps to reduce the greasiness that often accompanies oily skin and overall helps to improve the appearance of oily facial skin. Its high linoleic acid content also helps to reduce inflammation and redness that often accompanies pimples and zits. As such, this helps to control acne breakouts and improve your skin’s overall appearance. Simply apply a drop of the oil on your clean hands and dab onto problematic areas.

Tea tree oil actually works as a perfect complement to argan oil! Since pure tea tree essential oil requires dilution, why not try diluting it with argan oil so that the blend is gentle and mild enough to be applied topically onto the skin. Coupled together, the antibacterial and antifungal properties help fight stubborn acne as they reduce redness, inflammation and the eventual scarring.

Argan oil also works as an incredible skin toner, to get rid of pesky whiteheads or blackheads. Simply pour a cup of boiling water over a green tea bag and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Remove the bag and allow it to cool to room temperature. Subsequently, add 1-2 drops of orange, lemon or tea tree essential oil, with 2-4 drops of argan oil and seal in a jar. Use this mixture after cleansing your face and before moisturizing as a homemade, natural, DIY toner solution!

3. Helps Reduce Signs of Ageing and Stretch Marks

Argan oil has also been known to reduce signs of ageing and prevents formation of wrinkles, age spots and fine lines as it helps to restore the skin’s youthful elasticity and promotes regeneration of the tissues and skin cells.

For example, a 2014 study published in Menopause Review found that daily application of argan oil helps improve skin hydration and restores the barrier function in postmenopausal women. This not only shows argan oil’s deep moisturizing effects, but also shows how this can help delay ageing as the signs of ageing are primarily due to a lack of moisture and dehydrated skin, which leads to less collagen.

As such, argan oil, when applied to your face serves to rejuvenate your skin. Not only that, it can also help prevent stretch marks from occurring as it similarly improves the elasticity of the skin, thanks to the vitamin A and E components present in the oil. It moisturizes the skin, thus eliminating fine lines and stretch marks. Simply warm 2-3 drops of the oil on the palms of your hands and rub on stomach, hips, thighs and other potentially problematic areas.

4. Helps Soothe Razor Bumps and Burns

If you ever get a razor burn or bumps due to shaving, fret not because argan oil is here to soothe those irritating razor bumps away, for both men and women after shaving, be it on the face or at the bikini line.

Simply warm 1-2 drops of the oil on your hands and lightly massage onto the affected area and let the healing powers of the oil amaze you.

5. Promotes Hair Health

I am sure most of you have heard of the tremendous benefits argan oil has to your hair, and indeed those benefits are true! It is the perfect leave-on conditioner for your hair, making your luscious locks easy to manage, due to the oil’s non-greasy nature. It moisturizes your hair and helps to repair pesky split ends as well as to prevent frizzy hair.

This is thus perfect for those who have dry, brittle hair that results in breakages and hair loss easily. Just as how argan oil soothes and moisturizes dry skin, it also hydrates and nourishes dry, dull hair to ensure it is healthier and smoother! It also prevents environmental damage to your hair as it controls the hair shaft and strengthens the hair at its roots to prevent breakages and hair loss.

If you suffer from dry, brittle hair, you can also try an overnight, deep conditioning hair treatment. Simply warm 4-10 drops of the oil in your hands and massage onto your scalp and hair. Once done, place a shower cap on and leave it overnight. In the morning, wash your hair as per normal, and rinse off all the residue. If you have dandruff, perform this treatment twice a week until you see an improvement.

Argan oil is also believed to be able to promote hair growth. Simply start with a drop of oil on your palms to rake your fingers through your hair, paying close attention to the ends. Slowly add ½ a drop to your fingertips and massage into your scalp.

6. Protects Skin Against Environmental Damage

It has been established that argan oil is packed with healthy and beneficial antioxidants, thus it is a great agent to help protect your skin, hair and even your nails from environmental damage, specifically, UV radiation. Thus, it helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and age spots which are brought about by exposure to sunlight and UV rays.

A 2013 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes how argan oil can help to speed up skin recovery from sun damage as it possesses inhibitory effects on melanin biosynthesis, which is attributed to the presence of tocopherols and the synergistic effect of its components.

As such, this supports its therapeutic potential against hyperpigmentation disorders brought about by environmental damage.

7. Promotes Lip and Nail Health

Argan oil is a holistic oil as it not only provides benefits to your hair and skin, but it also promotes the health of your lips and nails! It is a brilliant lip moisturizer, perfect for keeping your lips smooth, soft and conditioned as it combats away chapped lips. As such, it is ultimately a perfect substitute to lip balms and chap sticks. Simply rub in 1-2 drops and wipe away the excess.

In addition, it is also great for your nails as it makes an ideal treatment for dry cuticles. It helps to promote stronger and healthier nails naturally that is also moisturized, due to the high levels of vitamin E content present in the oil. The presence of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components in the oil also serves to fight off any nail fungal infections.

Remove all forms of nail polish from your fingernails and toenails, rinse thoroughly and proceed to dot a fraction of a drop directly onto each nail, and rub it into the nail bed and cuticle. Once all the nails have been treated, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The oil conditions your nails and keeps your cuticles moisturized. Subsequently, you can apply nail polish as desired.

Safety Precautions:

Argan organic oil is safe and non-toxic oil to be used, and it is generally very easy to use it, especially on the skin and hair since it is a mild carrier oil which can be applied directly onto the skin.

If you would like to simplify your beauty routine, then try this oil instead. Its holistic benefits ensures that you reap numerous benefits for your skin and hair, without having to resort to multiple products! Use it daily to prevent various skin problems like ageing, dryness, dullness and even acne.

However, do note that the oil does not have a really long shelf life, as it is recommended to use the oil within 6 months of opening for optimum results. Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and ensure that it is sealed tightly. Always look for 100% pure, organic argan oil which has been cold-pressed from a reliable and reputable seller as a low-quality oil will not give you the same benefits that pure argan oil does.

If you have any nut allergies, it is wise to use argan oil with caution. When applying it topically onto your skin or hair, do perform a skin patch test first to ensure you do not suffer from any sensitive or allergic reactions.

References:

Dobrev H, “Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream”, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2007); 6(2)

Boucetta KQ, et al., “Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use”, Menopause Review (2014); 13(5)

Myra O. Villareal, et al., “Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013)