Imagine a fruit so nutritious that goats will climb trees just to eat them! Inside that little fruit, is the little nut that gives us argan oil. For generations, natives of the argan woodlands in Morocco have pressed this nut to extract a precious oil with a number of skin and hair benefits.
Argan oil was (and still is) commonly used for wound treatment and rash relief, and to nourish skin and hair. These slow-growing trees are so revered that in 1998 the argan forest was declared (http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?code=MOR+01&mode=all) a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
The good news is that to get argan oil benefits you don’t have to purchase luxury hair and skincare products. You can purchase just the oil, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine. Although 100 percent argan oil can be expensive, just a drop or two will nourish hair and skin throughout the day.
What Is Argan Oil?
It’s a rare oil that is high in both oleic (omega 9 (https://draxe.com/nutrition/omega-9-benefits/)) and linoleic (omega 6 (https://draxe.com/nutrition/omega-6/)) essential fatty acids, both of which aid acne-prone skin, which studies show (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2936775) is usually deficient in linoleic acid in the sebum.
Depending on its sourcing, argan oil contains about 35–40 percent linoleic acid (https://draxe.com/nutrition/linoleic-acid/) and 42–48 percent oleic acid (https://draxe.com/nutrition/oleic-acid/). While linoleic acid will reduce inflammation and acne, and increase skin moisture, oleic acid can improve the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients to penetrate the skin more easily.
Produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania Spinosa L.), this plant oil is exclusive to Morocco, but historically argan oil use was not. People throughout the world have taken advantage of the many argan oil benefits to help treat skin infections, bug bites, and skin rashes. Today, it’s used by men and women who are seeking an effective, all-natural moisturizer for skin and hair.
Wondering why Moroccan argon oil is so beneficial for your hair and skin? Simply look at its compounds — it contains:
vitamin A
vitamin E
antioxidants
omega-6 fatty acids
linoleic acid
Research displays (http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/16/3/275.pdf) that when applied to the skin, argan oil benefits include easing inflammation while moisturizing the skin. When applied externally, tocopherol from vitamin E helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair.
This is exactly why cosmetic companies are including it in their high-end anti-aging, hair, and skincare products.
Benefits
Here are 12 argan oil benefits and ways that you can incorporate this all-natural oil into your daily beauty regimen.
1. Nighttime Moisturizer
Argan oil absorbs quickly and does not leave an oily residue. After cleansing your skin with an all-natural cleanser, pour a single drop into your palm to warm it. Apply in a circular motion to your face and neck.
In the winter months, or in dryer climates, you may need a second drop but remember to use it sparingly. This oil is gentle and safe to use around your eyes.
Apply one drop to your face, using a tapping motion, from the bridge of your nose to your temple and back again. Then apply a drop beneath your eyes with the same gentle tapping.
Vitamin A and vitamin E (https://draxe.com/nutrition/vitamin-e-benefits/) can help to reduce fine wrinkles and keep this delicate area moisturized. Plus, a 2015 study indicates (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25673976) that argan oil benefits also include its anti-aging effects.
2. Skin Toner
Skin toning is an important step in your skincare routine and argan oil acts as an all-natural skin toner. It works to fight acne, age spots, and sun damage — leaving you with a more even skin tone.
To make your own skin toner with argan, follow these instructions:
pour 1 cup of boiling water over a green tea bag and let steep for 7–10 minutes
remove the tea bag and allow it to come to room temperature
add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil (orange, lemon, or tea tree are great) and 2–4 drops of argan oil and seal the combination in a jar
use morning and night after cleansing and before moisturizing
3. Exfoliant
Do-it-yourself exfoliators are not difficult to make and are significantly less expensive than what you can purchase in the store.
To experience the pure argan oil benefits while exfoliating, just do this:
mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a couple of drops of argan in your hand
rub into your face in a circular motion for two to four minutes
pay special attention to acne-prone areas and areas that are dry
rinse with warm water and pat dry
Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving you a younger, fresher complexion. With the aid of brown sugar, argan’s nutrients are more readily absorbed into your skin.
Use this exfoliator for more than just your face. If you have dry elbows or heels (or during an at-home pedicure), mix up a bit more to massage the dry and dead skin away.
4. Acne Remedy
Great news for anyone who is suffering from acne — organic argan oil has been proven (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17524128) to reduce sebum levels in individuals with oily skin. Women who have never had acne before are finding in that in their 30s and 40s this pesky condition arises, and it is often difficult to treat.
Chemical creams can be expensive and, in the long run, truly do more harm than good. Argan oil’s essential fatty acids (https://draxe.com/nutrition/essential-fatty-acids/) help to reduce inflammation caused by acne (not to mention rashes, infections, and bug bites) while helping to soothe damaged skin cells.
If you are using argan oil as your moisturizer, but are still fighting acne, consider adding it to your list of home remedies for acne (https://draxe.com/beauty/home-remedies-for-acne/). Place a drop in the palm of your hand and lightly dab a bit extra into the problem areas. To fight stubborn or persistent whiteheads, be sure to make the toner above, using a couple of drops of tea tree oil.
Research suggests (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22998411) that tea tree oil may complement these argan oil benefits beautifully with its rich antioxidant content and inherent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Together, they can help fight stubborn acne while reducing inflammation and scarring.
5. Stretch Mark Remedy
Argan oil can help get rid of stretch marks (https://draxe.com/beauty/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/)by improving the elasticity of the skin. Research highlights (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5019162/) that it improves skin elasticity and hydration.
Simply warm 2–3 drops of pure argan oil in the palms of your hands and gently rub into your stomach, hips, thighs, or any other potential problem areas.
Vitamin A and vitamin E will help to rejuvenate the skin while moisturizing, making stretch marks less likely to form. If you already have stretch marks, start by massaging argan oil and brown sugar into the affected areas before your next bath. Rinse well and apply the oil to the affected areas prior to dressing.
6. Razor Bumps and Burn Treatment
Razor bumps and razor burns are uncomfortable and unsightly. Argan oil is an effective treatment to soothe the skin after shaving, both for men after shaving their beards and for women after shaving their legs.
Warm a drop or two of the oil in your hands and lightly massage into the affected area.
7. Whole-Body Moisturizer
You can also use argan oil as your whole-body moisturizer. Hopefully, you are already using an all-natural moisturizer (like coconut oil (https://draxe.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-uses/)) on your body and avoiding the harsh hidden chemicals that are found in most lotions and moisturizers.
Add just a couple of drops of argan oil to your food-grade carrier oil of choice (coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or sesame) to immediately reap all the benefits of this therapeutic natural oil. If you have dry patches on your heels, elbows, or other areas, massage an extra drop into those areas for relief.
8. Leave-In Conditioner
Argan oil is not only beneficial to the skin — it’s also great for hair. This non-greasy oil makes for the perfect leave-in conditioner that makes your hair easier to style while repairing those pesky split ends.
Argan oil helps to tame frizz and fly-aways and protect against the heat of hair dryers, curlers, and flat irons, all the while promoting the body and a healthy shine.
There is some research indicating (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/) that oils rich in essential fatty acids, like those found in argan, can help to thicken hair and prevent breakage or damage.
To improve the health of your hair, start with a drop (or for short hair a ½ drop may do) and warm in your palms before raking your fingers through your hair, paying special attention to your ends. Once complete, add a ½ drop to your fingertips and massage into your scalp. Rub any excess into your face, neck, or hands.
9. Overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment
If you have dry, brittle hair, once a week do an overnight deep conditioning treatment with argan oil. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and protect your hair from damage. Follow these steps:
Warm 4–10 drops in your hands before massaging into your scalp. Continue applying all the way to the ends, twist, and place a shower cap on top
Your natural body heat retained in the shower cap will help the oil to penetrate, while keeping your pillowcase free of oil
In the morning, wash your hair, rinsing until all residue is gone
If you have dandruff or a dry scalp, do an overnight treatment twice per week until the dandruff is gone. Continue with weekly treatments or as needed.
10. Lip Conditioner
Argan oil benefits more than just your skin and hair; it makes for a wonderful lip treatment or lip balm substitute! Rub in 1–2 drops and wipe away any excess.
This will not only relieve any cracked lips, but also keep your lips soft, smooth, and conditioned. Keep argan oil handy during the winter to prevent chapped lips.
11. Nail and Cuticle Treatment
Now, let’s talk about how this can help your nails! Argan oil’s non-greasy moisture is an ideal treatment for cuticles and nails. Here’s what to do:
Remove all polish from fingernails and toenails and rinse thoroughly
Dot a fraction of a drop directly onto each nail, one at a time, and rub into the nail bed and cuticle
12. Foot Treatment
If you have dry, cracking skin on your feet or heels, try using argan oil to hydrate and repair the skin. Simply rub 2 drops into your feet, paying special attention to the problem areas. Depending on how dry your skin is, you may need to apply a couple of more drops to fully moisturize the area.
Cover with a pair of cozy socks to give the oil a chance to soak in. Leave the socks on for at least 20 minutes, and preferably overnight. Use a warm washcloth to remove the residual oil from the soles of your feet.
Side Effects
Be mindful when using argan oil if you have any nut allergies. While not technically a tree nut, it is a stone fruit and the oils come from the nut. You can always test the oil on the inside of your arm first to make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Some people may have a sensitivity to argan oil, even if they don’t have any known allergies. If the oil irritates your skin or causes a rash, stop using it.
If you are using argan internally, there’s a chance of experiencing adverse reactions such as upset stomach, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these argan oil side effects or any other type of adverse reaction, stop using it immediately.
Final Thoughts
Argan oil comes from the kernels of argan trees native to Morocco. When it comes to skin and hair health, it’s a cosmetic powerhouse.
The benefits of this oil come from its nutrients, notably vitamin A, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
You can use argan to hydrate your skin and hair, improve acne, minimize stretch marks and signs of aging, and even your complexion. In fact, it can take the place of many conventional beauty products