Introduction
Welcome everyone! My name is Sam and I work as a skincare consultant and product reviewer. Over the years in this field, I have come across many wonderful natural ingredients that can truly transform your skin with regular use. Today, I want to share with you all about one such underrated hero – argan oil.
Derived from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco, argan oil has been used for centuries by Berber women for its remarkable nourishing and healing properties. However, it is only in recent times that the rest of the world is waking up to its numerous skin benefits. Loaded with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, argan oil is a true blessing for all skin types.
In this post, I will give you a thorough understanding of argan oil – what makes it so unique, the various skin benefits it offers and how to use it for maximum results. I will also share some of my personal experiences using argan oil over the years. By the end, I am sure you will be as excited as I am about incorporating this magical oil into your skincare routine. So without further ado, let’s get started!
The Wonder Tree – Argan
To really appreciate argan oil, we must first learn about the extraordinary tree it comes from. Native to the Souss-Massa region in southwestern Morocco, the argan tree has earned the title of ‘tree of life’ among the Berber people. It can survive in very harsh climatic conditions and delicate soil, making it perfectly adapted to the arid landscape.
Argan trees grow very slowly and take around 30-40 years to mature fully. Their twisted branches form a dense canopy to protect themselves from the strong winds. In late spring, they erupt in clusters of small, delicate pink and white flowers. By summer, these flowers develop into prickly green fruit known as argan berries.
Inside each dried argan berry are one to three hard nuts, which contain the precious argan oil. Extraction of this oil is an intricate process that involves careful harvesting, peeling, roasting and pressing of the nuts by hand. This laborious traditional technique has been passed down through generations of Berber women. No mechanized method has been able to replicate the high quality of handcrafted argan oil.
The trees are under severe threat due to climatic changes, overgrazing and destruction of habitat for firewood and charcoal. Extensive reforestation efforts are underway to protect these national treasures of Morocco and sustain the production of one of nature’s finest gift – argan oil. Its rarity also means the oil comes at a premium, but one bottle is all you need to witness its magical effects on your skin.
Composition of Argan Oil
Now let’s delve deeper into what makes argan oil so special from a scientific standpoint. Unlike other plant oils, argan oil has a unique fatty acid profile that perfectly aligns with our skin’s natural composition:
- Oleic Acid (45-60%): This monounsaturated fatty acid helps restore the protective lipid barrier of skin and improves hydration. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linoleic Acid (15-35%): An essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that our body cannot produce on its own. It aid skin cell renewal, moisture retention and regulates sebum production.
- Sterols (4-6%): Plant-based compounds similar to cholesterol. They assist skin repair, calm irritation and inflammation.
- Tocopherols (1.5-3%): Naturally occurring Vitamin E that functions as a potent antioxidant, protecting skin from environmental damage.
- Squalene (4-6%): A precursor to our sebum that aids hydration and softness. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
In addition, argan oil encompasses numerous beneficial phenolic compounds, triterpenoids and carotenoids and their derivatives. All of these collectively make argan oil highly absorbent, non-greasy and effective in nourishing the skin from within. This unique composition is why argan oil becomes one with your skin upon application.
Main Skin Benefits of Argan Oil
Now that we know what argan oil contains, let’s explore how it translates to real skincare benefits:
Deep Hydration
Argan oil is a godsend for anyone with chronically dry skin. Its high oleic and linoleic acid content allows it to seamlessly blend into skin and impart intense yet lightweight hydration from within.
I live in a cold, dry climate and noticed a drastic change when I started applying few drops of argan oil after shower throughout winter months. My flaky patches disappeared and skin appeared plump and quenched for hours. I am sure it also helped with those stubborn static lines on my forehead.
Wound Healing
Various studies done on human fibroblasts have validated argan oil’s ability to facilitate wound repair and reduce scarring. This is attributed to its pro-healing sterols, squalene and antioxidants that boost collagen production.
I like to apply argan oil on minor cuts or insect bites as it not only soothes the itch and inflammation, but also hastens the healing process. The oil forms a protective barrier preventing infection whilst encouraging new cell growth underneath.
Acne-Fighting
Argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties along with high concentration of linoleic and oleic acids make it very effective on acne-prone skin. The oil regulates sebum balance to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
A friend of mine had a bad bout of stress acne during exam season. Applying diluted argan oil twice daily visibly lessened the angry pimples within a few days. It was surprisingly non-comedogenic and skin looked clearer than ever after consistent use.
Reduces Appearance of Scars
Whether acne scars, surgical scars or stretch marks, argan oil’s ability to stimulate collagen production makes it a powerful remedy to diminish the look of old marks. Regular massage presses the oil deeper where it works to revitalize skin tissue from within.
After childbirth, I used argan oil religiously on my pregnancy stretch marks. Five months later, the raised red lines have faded significantly in colour and thickness thanks to the oil’s restorative properties. Patience and consistency are key to see results.
Evens Skin Tone and Texture
Argan oil nourishes skin at the cellular level to unveil a smoother, glowing complexion over time. The oil regulates melanin production and brightens the skin naturally from within as dead skin cells are replaced with new ones.
My dull, uneven skin tone has radically improved after incorporating argan oil into my daily routine for a year now. Friends often compliment how radiant I look these days. I am also noticing fewer breakouts and fine lines overall. Argan oil is hands down a go-to for achieving youthful, balanced skin.
Sun Protection
The oil’s high antioxidant concentration helps shield skin from harmful UV radiation and delay the early signs of photoaging. This makes it an ideal natural sunscreen to use before stepping out on sunny days.
During my Mediterranean beach vacations last year, argan oil was my sole protection from the strong midday sun. My skin felt nourished and did not burn or freckle as easily like previous years. I aim to continue this protective habit back home as well.
Hair Hydration
Not just skin, argan oil also greatly benefits hair health due to its restorative fatty acid profile. It reduces frizz, flyaways and protects hair color from sun damage when massaged on locks before or after shampooing.
I absolutely love how my dry, heat-damagedends look significantly shinier and less straw-like after argan oil treatments. The oil’s film-forming barrier locks in moisture all day long. I’m sure this will help retain hair length as it promotes strength from within the hair follicles too.
Nail & Cuticle Softening
Argan oil’s emollient qualities make it an ideal natural cuticle cream and strengthener. Massaging 2-3 drops over nails and cuticles hydrates, softens and shields the fragile nail bed area from damage. It promotes healthy growth of stronger, luxuriant nails free of ridges.
My work often involves a lot of paper-handling that leaves my cuticles hard and brittle. Argan oil has been life-changing for my hands this past year. Not only are my nails neatly trimmed now, the cuticles are supple and well-nourished too – all without harsh chemicals.
Best Ways to Use Argan Oil for Skin
Now that you know all the amazing skincare perks of argan oil, here are some effective ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:
- As a daily moisturizer – Apply 2-3 drops all over damp/clean skin after cleansing and toning. Massage gently for absorption.
- As a makeup base – Dot the oil on damp skin before foundation/concealer for a luminous complexion and longer-lasting makeup.
- As a spot treatment – Dab directly on pimples, scars, stretch marks to accelerate healing at problem sites.
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