11 Argan Oil Benefits for Skin and Hair
Argan oil is highly valued and often called liquid gold because of its rich yellow color. It is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree. These trees are native to Morocco and the oil they yield is full of beneficial essential fatty acids needed by our skin and hair.
Argan oil contains large amounts of Vitamin E, antioxidants, linoleic acid and Omega-6 fatty acids, therefore it’s an ideal moisturizer. The use of this oil is not limited to skincare; this oil is quite versatile and can be used to treat minor skin rashes, bug bites and skin infections.
When applied to skin, Argan oil helps reduce inflammation and deeply nourishes the skin. The beneficial effect is because of the high vitamin E and tocopherol content. Vitamin E helps regenerate cells and boosts cell production naturally. This helps the skin heal itself from the inside out. With regular use, the result is smooth and nourished skin.
Argan oil is also beneficial when used as hair oil. The most effective Argan oil shampoo and conditioners contain organic ingredients which help gently cleanse and nourish your hair naturally. Argan oil is expensive but you only need to use a small amount in most caes..
Here are the most effective ways you can incorporate Argan oil into your daily skincare routine
1.Skin Moisturizer
This is the most common and popular use for Argan oil. It hydrates and softens the skin because of its fatty acid and vitamin E content. It gives a natural boost to the elasticity of your skin. It has a non-greasy feel and absorbs quite easily, leaving your skin noticeably soft and smooth.
Unlike other moisturizers on the market, this all-natural treatment won’t irritate your skin. Moreover, because commercial moisturizers have chemicals in them, they only work for as long as you keep using them. This, however, is not the case with Argan oil because this natural ingredient will help restore the balance of your skin and the effects won’t go away even if you stop using the oil.
To use effectively, smooth on a few drops of Argan oil onto your hands, rub gently to activate the oil and warm it up a little. Massage gently onto your face and neck.
2.Hair Conditioner
Argan oil is an excellent hair conditioner. It will make your hair silky, shiny and soft. The intense moisturizing effect will get rid of split ends, frizziness and brittle texture. You can also use a small amount of Argan oil in an oil blend and use it as a hair mask or conditioner.
3.Styling Agent
Since it is non-greasy and tames frizzy hair, you can use Argan oil in place of your styling agent. Any after-conditioner serum or mousse can be replaced with Argan oil. It will make your hair more manageable and lend a healthy sheen to it. After blow drying your hair, rub a few drops of oil onto your palm and massage it through the length of your hair.
5.Anti-Aging Remedy
Argan oil is not only an excellent moisturizer but also acts as an anti-aging treatment for your skin. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Its high antioxidant content makes it the ideal age defying beauty treatment. The vitamin E present in the oil helps pamper the skin and restores elasticity. Your skin will feel softer and healthier as a result of using it.
To use Argan oil as an anti-aging remedy, massage a few drops onto your face and neck before going to bed. Make sure your face is clean before you apply the oil.
5.Dry Skin Treatment
If you are someone who suffers from dry skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, then Argan oil is one of the best moisturizers for you. Dry skin is flaky and gets irritated very easily when you use synthetic products. Argan oil will provide deep nourishment without irritating your skin. The fatty acids and vitamin E are best at helping damaged skin heal. Your delicate skin needs pure ingredients which are found naturally in Argan oil.
To use as a moisturizer, simply apply the oil to your skin and gently massage to maximize absorption. Your dry and irritated skin will heal and become smoother.
6.Lip Moisturizer
Lips become dry, cracked and sore, especially during the cold winter months. Instead of reaching for a lip balm, try using Argan oil instead. Rub 1 or 2 drops onto your lips to help heal the dryness. Massage gently and wipe off any excess oil.
Sun and wind also damage your lips; try using Argan oil as a year-round lip therapy for softer and plumper lips. Argan oil makes a wonderful lip treatment and can be the best substitute for your chap stick.
7.Anti-Acne Treatment
Normally, oils will exacerbate acne or similar conditions due to their high comedogenic effects. Argan oil on the other actually soothes the skin and promotes healing. It restores the natural balance of sebum production by providing the needed moisture. Your skin will become less oily and heal faster because of the high antioxidant content of argan oil.
Acne prone skin is often red and inflamed; the antioxidants in argan oil also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Any redness will be minimized once you use the oil regularly. To use, cleanse and dry the skin thoroughly. Apply a few drops of oil and massage using gentle motions.
8.Minimize Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
For most women, stretch marks are a major concern during and after pregnancy. Stretch marks leave the skin looking puckered and sagging. It is recommended that your use an anti-scarring treatment during the pregnancy to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Argan oil can be used as a body massage oil during pregnancy. Rub a small amount of oil over your stomach, thighs, and breasts to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
The high amount of fatty acids nourishes your skin from within and the antioxidants help the skin heal. The vitamin A and Vitamin E found in the oil rejuvenate the skin, which lessens the chancs of stretch marks appearing.
9.Nourishing Foot, Hand and Nail Treatment
Dry brittle nails are hard to take care of and look unsightly. To heal cracked and brittle nails, use Argan oil. Apply it onto your hands and massage into the nail bed and cuticles. Try this treatment at least twice a week and your nails will become healthier and stronger.
Use it on the nails of your feet as well; make sure you remove any nail polish before using Argan oil.
10.Skin Toner
Toning is an essential step in your facial care routine. You can add Argan oil to your favorite toner if you want glowing skin. About 2 to 4 drops for every 8 ounces is the recommended ratio. Or you can follow the recipe given below to make your very own all-natural argan oil toner.
11.Moisturizing Deep Exfoliator
Store bought exfoliators end up damaging your skin by causing micro-tears. You can make your own DIY Argan oil exfoliator which will help you get rid of all the dead skin cells. As a bonus, you also get the anti-aging and nourishing effects of vitamin E and A.
Here is a simple recipe for a deep exfoliation treatment.
Mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a few drops of Argan oil, and rub this mixture over your face using gentle circular motions. Concentrate on the areas where your skin is flaky or acne-prone. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry.
Amazing DIY Argan Oil Recipes
Intensely Moisturizing Argan Oil and Egg Hair Mask
To make this deep conditioning treatment for your hair, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk (use more depending on the length of your hair)
- 1 tablespoon Argan oil
Note: Try to stick to the ratio given above if you add more egg yolks.
Method
- Mix the oil with the egg yolk
- Apply to clean hair with a hair mask brush
- Massage gently through the roots and tips
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off using a mild shampoo
- Make sure your rinse out your hair thoroughly
Conditioning Hair Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoon of Argan Oil
- 2 tablespoon of Avocado Oil
- 2 tablespoon of Sesame Seed Oil
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl
- Mix using an electric hand mixer
- A fluffy but firm cream will start to form
- Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp
- Cover your head using a shower cap and wrap a warm towel around your head
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and rinse off with a mild shampoo
- You can store this mixture for up to three weeks in the refrigerator
Argan Oil Nourishing Hair Serum
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Argan oil (organic )
- 10 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 5 drops of Geranium oil
- 5 drops of Cedarwood oil (optional)
- A dark colored glass bottle (preferably with a pump or dropper)
Method
- Combine Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood and Geranium oils with the Argan oil in the bottle
- Mix well and store in a cool and dark place, away from moisture
- Use 1-2 pumps on the ends of dry or wet hair to add shine and moisture to your hair
Argan Oil Refreshing Toner
Ingredients
- Green teabag—1
- Favorite essential oil—1 drop (Tea tree, lemon or orange)
- Argan oil—2 to 4 drops
- Dark colored glass bottle
Method
- Pour a cup of boiling water over the teabag and let it steep for 7 to 10 minutes
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature
- Add in the essential oil
- Next add in the Argan oil
- Mix well and store in a glass bottle away from heat, light and moisture
- Use it like a regular toner after cleansing and before moisturizing
Essential oils are the best skin and hair care ingredients. Creating your own products is easy and simple. If you would rather purchase your skin care products, make sure you buy ones labeled organic. These products are made from natural ingredients which won’t harm your skin or your health.
Most cosmetics are made from synthetic chemicals which are toxic for the environment and your skin. If you are looking for the best moisturizer which works well for oily as well as dry skin, then Argan oil is the ideal option.