Argan Oil for Skin Health
Argan oil is made from the kernels that grow on the argan trees native to Morocco. It’s most frequently sold as pure oil, which can be applied topically (directly to the skin) or ingested to provide several health benefits. It comes in supplement capsule form to be taken orally. It’s also commonly mixed into several cosmetic products like shampoos, soaps, and conditioners.
Benefits of Argan Oil
1. Protects from sun damage
Moroccan women have long used argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage.
This study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin against free radical damage caused by the sun. This prevented burns and hyperpigmentation as a result. Long term, this may even help prevent the development of skin cancer, including melanoma.
You can take argan oil supplements orally or apply the oil topically to your skin for these benefits.
2. Argan Oil Moisturizes the skin
Argan oil is perhaps most commonly used as a moisturizer. This is why it’s often found in lotions, soaps, and hair conditioners. It can be applied topically or ingested orally with daily supplements for a moisturizing effect. This is largely thanks to its abundance of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin.
3. Treats several skin conditions
Argan oil contains many healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
For best results, apply pure argan oil directly to patches of skin affected by psoriasis. At the same time, oral supplements may best treat rosacea.
4. Treats acne
Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum caused by hormones. Argan oil has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This can help treat several types of acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
Apply the oil — or face creams containing argan oil — directly to your skin at least twice a day. You should start to see results after four weeks.
5. Heals skin infections
One of its traditional uses is to treat skin infections. Argan oil has both antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This allows it to help treat and prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Apply oil to the affected area topically at least twice per day.
6. Improves wound healing
Antioxidants are a powerful force. The strong combination of antioxidants and vitamin E found in argan oil can be used to help wounds and cuts heal faster. You can take argan oil supplements regularly to experience this benefit throughout your body.
7. Soothes atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition with symptoms like itchy, red skin. Research has found that applying argan oil topically to the affected area can help treat symptoms. Vitamin E and argan oil’s natural inflammatory properties can lead to this soothing effect.
8. Argan Oil Has anti-aging effects
Argan oil has long been used as an anti-aging treatment. Though it was only ever supported by anecdotal evidence, a recent study with postmenopausal participants was able to back up this claim. Researchers found that a combination of oral and cosmetic argan oil led to a significant increase in the elasticity of the skin. This provided effective anti-aging treatment.
You can get these benefits by applying the oil directly to the skin, taking oral supplements regularly, or both.
9. Reduces skin’s oiliness
Some of us have naturally oiler skin than others. Those who do often go out of their way to eliminate the oily sheen that can occur. Thanks to argan oil’s sebum-reducing capabilities, it can help decrease total sebum and reduce the oiliness of the skin.
One study found that a twice-daily application of the cream that contained argan oil reduced significant sebum activity and oiliness within just four weeks.
10. Argan Oil can prevent and reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks are particularly common during pregnancy, but anyone can experience them. One 2016 study found that a water-in-oil cream containing argan oil improved skin elasticity. This helped prevent and treat stretch marks early on.
Apply argan oil directly to the affected area at least twice per day. Do this as soon as you see stretch marks for best results.
Side Effects and Risks of Using Argan Oil
Argan oil is generally considered safe for most people to use. Some individuals, however, may experience minor side effects due to its use.
When used topically, the oil itself may irritate the skin. This can cause rashes or acne to form. This may be a more common reaction among those with tree nut allergies. Even though argan oil comes from stone fruit, it may aggravate those with such allergies. To avoid this, you should test the oil on a small, easily hidden patch of skin to ensure that it won’t irritate your skin.
When ingested orally, argan oil may cause digestive upset, nausea, gas, or diarrhea. It may also cause loss of appetite or bloating, and some people may experience skin reactions like rashes or acne breakouts.
In very rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects from the argan oil oral supplement. These include confusion, difficulty sleeping, general malaise, overexcitement, depression, and agitation. Stop taking the oil supplement immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Brilliant Massage & Skin
Burlington, Vermont
https://jolitabrilliant.com/product/brilliant-bakuchiol-organic-retinol-alternative-usda-certified/
