Argan oil is found in a wide array of hair and skin care products these days, and for good reason! Argan Oil’s vitamin E, antioxidants and high level of fatty acids have endless health benefits particular for skin and hair. If you haven’t tried pure Argan oil yet or are still a little unsure why you’d want to, I’ve put together a list of 9 ways Argan oil may just shake up your beauty routine from head to toe. Using Argan oil on your hair, skin, and nails will make sure you look your best in years to come.
What is Argan oil?
Argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree (argania spinosa) which is native to Morocco. While Argan oil is used primarily for eating in Morocco (think olive oil replacement), the countless health and beauty benefits have it flying off shelves in the U.S. This tree nut oil absorbs easily, reduces inflammation and the essential fatty acids Argan oil are fantastic for skin and hair.
Vitamin E and fatty acids, such as oleic acid found in pure Argan oil are effective in helping to you attain luxurious hair and make sure your skin looks it’s best.
Important Tip: When shopping for Argan oil, always choose a bottle with just one high quality ingredient: 100% pure Argan oil.
Beauty Benefits of Argan Oil
The benefits of Argan oil are numerous and well documented. Here are just some of the beneficial ways to use Argan oil in your skin and hair care routines.
Argan oil for Skin
There are so many benefits to Argan oil used topically in the treatment of skin conditions, I thought was a good idea to break them down for you.
Skin Moisturizer
If you are suffering from dry skin, Argan oil may be the natural moisturizer of your dreams. Applied fresh out of the shower you can expect legs, arms, elbows, and knees that glow with health and softness. It’s also a great skin protector – whether you’re battling winter winds or cooking in the heat of summer, it will help your skin stay healthy. If you are having mild dermatological issues, Argan oil may just be the solution you are looking for.
Anti-aging Properties
Although amazing as a moisturizer, Argan oil also has anti-aging benefits as well. Apply Argan oil to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your face. Because it plumps the skin, these small imperfections disappear. Regular application of this vitamin E rich oil can also increase the elasticity in skin which is key to a youthful and vibrant complexion overall. We will all take help there where we can!
Beating Acne
If you’re an acne or blemish sufferer, adding Argan oil to your skin care routine might seem like a massive contradiction (aren’t I trying to get rid of the oil?). However, pure Argan oil has been shown to decrease sebum levels in the skin (the kind of oil that causes acne and breakouts). This reduction can clear up the blemishes you already have and prevent new ones.
Also, the linoleic acid in the oil works as an anti-inflammatory agent – decreasing free radicals and soothing damaged cells. It can help reduce inflammation and redness. This also makes it perfect as a treatment for rashes, sunburns, bug bites, and other annoying skin irritations.
Pregnancy and stretch marks
As mentioned above, Argan oil may improve the elasticity in skin, making it a great choice to help soothe itchy skin on a growing baby bump. It can also help the skin stretch with less tissue damage meaning fewer stretch marks postpartum.
If you’re already stuck with the stretch marks (wear them with pride!), a regular treatment with Argan oil can help reduce their appearance and even out your overall skin tone making them less noticeable.
Razor Burn
There is little so frustrating as razor burn and the ingrown hairs you can get as a result. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of the antioxidants found in Argan oil fantastic defense against razor burn. Immediately after shaving, apply a few drops to shaved areas to prevent razor burn from developing or add to already irritated skin to keep the bumps at bay.
Lip Care
When adding Argan oil to the rest of your skin care routine, don’t forget those lips! All the benefits your skin gets from the oil (improve appearance, decreased redness, sun and wind protection, etc.) apply argan oil to your lips as well. Skip the commercial lip balms with unknown chemical ingredients and use a drop of this fatty acid and vitamin E rich natural oil instead. Applying daily will make sure your kisser is healthy and may reduce creasing around lips.
Argan Oil for Hair
Argan oil is especially popular in hair care products.
Hair Conditioner
While lots of hair products include Argan oil, there is no substitute for applying the fatty acid rich pure oil right on your tired locks directly. Use Argan oil as a conditioner. It can soothe the most frazzled of dry ends, tame wild curls, and improve split ends. Your hair will shine and feel like silk between your fingers. Team it with Essential Oils for Hair Growth for the best results.
Hairstyling
You can also use Argan oil to boost your style and protect it throughout the day. If you’re blow drying, rub a few drops of oil between your palms and work it through the ends of your hair to tame flyaways and soothe any frizzy spots. Curly girls can use a few drops through the ends during dry winter days when the lack of moisture in the air flattens your curls.
Beard
Argan oil is not only great for the hair on the top of your head, it’s fantastic for your man’s beard too! It is a frequent addition to beard oil recipes.
Hands, Feet, and Nails
Winter winds, regular washing, and frequent polish changes can all do a number on your hands and nails. With its luxurious moisture, a few drops of Argan oil can instantly soothe dry hands and cuticles, with regular application. You can also apply Argan oil by gently rubbing it onto brittle, dry, and even cracked nails. Argan oil’s vitamins and fatty acids will help to soothe the nail and nail bed, reduce cracking and encouraging repair and regrowth.
Rub a few drops of Argan oil into your hands, feet, and cuticles nightly for baby soft fingers and toes. It is actually the primary ingredient in my DIY Nail Strengthener oil, which is saving my nails right now from the harsh treatment I’ve given them recently.
Here is a quick video of me making what I think is the best nail strengthener with Argan as the primary oil.
Choosing the best Argan Oil
When purchasing Argan oil and Argan oil products, look for 100% pure cold pressed oil.
I hope you have found this information on the uses of Argan oil in beauty to be helpful in your own natural beauty routine. It certainly is one of my favorite nourishing oils.
