Argan oil for skin - the benefits and uses
Argan oil has been used for centuries in Morroco for its nutritional and cosmetic properties. It was in more recent years that the wider world discovered the benefits of argan oil, incorporating it into skincare and beauty products.
But, what is argan oil, how do you use it and is it good for your skin?
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels that grow on argan trees. The argan tree is native to Morocco where this golden oil has long been used as a beauty care ingredient and culinary staple.
Argan oil is sometimes known as Moroccon oil and can be used topically or orally. It is composed primarily of vitamin E, carotenes, phenolic compounds and fatty acids. Thee fatty acides include linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin, and oleic acid, which helps to protect, condition and restore hydration of the hair and skin.
Argan oil can be found as a pure oil, or mixed into other products such as moisturisers, shampoos and serums. In the beauty industry it is generally used for the skin, hair and nails.
So, why is argan oil so good for the skin?
Argan oil is well-known for it’s moisturising properties. It contains essential vitamins to boost skin health, whilst providing antioxidant protection against free radicals. More lightweight than oils such as avocado and coconut oil, argan oil is also suitable for a wide range of skin types.
10 argan oil benefits
1. It's incredibly moisturising
Argan oil contains high levels of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to improve water retention in the skin allowing it to stay hydrated for longer. It can help to treat dry patches or flaky skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores. It can also be used to hydrate your hair.
2. It's anti-inflammatory
Combining phenolic compounds, melatonin, vitamin C and plant sterols, argan oil can be used to reduce inflammation of the skin. It works to counteract skin cell oxidation resulting in increased skin resilience and improved skin health.
3. Treat acne
Acne is caused when pores become clogged with dirt or oil. You may think that adding additional oil to your skin is counterproductive but argan oil actually helps to balance sebum production. Traditional acne treatments often dry the skin causing it to produce more oil, resulting in further breakouts. Argan oil helps to balance the production of oil helping to prevent further breakouts for a smooth and clear complexion.
4. Free radial protection
Argan oil has antioxidant properties that help to protect your skin against free radicals. Free radicals can result in premature signs of aging and sun damage. Argan oil can help to add an additional layer of protection against sun damage when used in conjunction with an SPF such as our Amil-C Whip M5 SPF 30.
5. Healing properties
With antibacterial, fungicidal and anti-inflammatory properties, argan oil promotes skin healing by supporting the skin’s natural repair function, improving tissue strength and skin elasticity.
6. Prevention of the visible signs of aging
As the skin gets older, it loses its elasticity. This can result in sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. By helping to repair the skin and improve elasticity, argan oil can ward off the visible signs of aging. It also hydrates the skin for a plump, healthy-looking complexion.
7. Reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks occur when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly, causing the collagen and elastic in the skin to rupture. Stretch marks often occur during pregnancy as the body grows to accommodate your new baby. As argan oil improves skin elasticity, regular-use can help to reduce the likelihood of stretch marks appearing.
8. Sun spot reduction and prevention
Not only does argan oil boast skin healing properties but it also helps to create a UV filter that helps protect against sun damage (always use in conjunction with an SPF, it will not provide adequate protection alone). This UV filter can help to prevent sun spots from appearing whilst, the skin repair function can reduce the appearance of existing sun spots.
9. Control oily skin
If you have oily skin, you may find that your complexion looks shiny throughout the day, you may be more prone to blemishes and your makeup may not last. Adding argan oil into your skincare routine can help to control sebum production, reducing oil on the skin’s surface.
10. Complements your other skincare products
Ensuring your skin is properly moisturised can help your other skincare products to be absorbed. If your skin has a build up of dead skin cells or your pores are blocked, other products may not be able to work as effectively.
How to use argan oil for the skin
Somewhat of a multitasker, argan oil is suitable for a wide range of skin conditions and types. It is able to treat patches of dry skin whilst helping to control oil production, making it perfect for those with combination skin.
Argan oil can be used in variety of forms. It can be taken orally as a supplement, working from the inside out to help improve skin health. In the beauty industry, argan oil is more commonly used topically. Topical application allows you to target specific areas of concern.
Pure oil
You can purchase argan oil as a pure oil, designed to be applied directly to the skin or hair. Pure argan oil should be applied after cleansing and before moisturiser. You can also use pure argan oil on it’s own whenever you need an extra hit of hydration.
If using on the hair, apply a small amount to towel dried or dry hair. It can also be added to your normal conditioner.
Cleansers
Many cleansers contain ingredients that also strip the skin of it’s natural oils when removing dirt. Argan oil cleansers help to replace this moisture during cleansing. When using an argan oil cleanser, apply a small amount of product to the face, massage in circular motions and rinse with warm water. For best results, use a clean face cloth.
Moisturisers and creams
Face creams are often formulated with argan oil due to it’s natural moisturising properties. Argan oil moisturisers are ideal for soothing dry, irritated or inflamed skin. Apply to clean skin after your other skincare products. Follow with SPF if applying in the daytime.
Argan oil skincare products
We offer a range of argan oil skincare products to help your reap the benefits!
Facetheory’s organic argan oil is extracted by hand in a women’s co-operative in Morocco and blended in the UK. It is a rich source of vitamin E, beta carotene, squalene, oleic acid and other beneficial acids recommended for treating scars, blemishes and stretch marks.
Combining 99% argan oil with 1% vitamin E, our pure argan oil is suitable for the skin and hair. With anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, use under your moisturiser to soothe and hydrate the skin. Packaged in an amber bottle to prevent oxidation.
With jojoba, rosehip and argan oil, our cleansing oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin whilst dissolving surface oils, makeup, dirt and pore debris. We use potent actives so only a few small drops are needed for effective cleansing. Suitable for use AM and PM.
Our rich night cream provides overnight hydration to help your skin retain it’s moisture balance. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, shea butter and argan oil, it works to nourish the skin without clogging pores.
When to use argan oil?
Argan oil has a wide range of benefits that make it suitable for most skin types and concerns. There are certain instances however where incorporating argan oil into your skincare routine could be a game changer for your complexion.
Acne or blemish-prone skin
For those with acne, controlling the production of sebum is essential to help prevent breakouts and clear skin. Argan oil is one of the best products to help control oil.
Dry skin
Dryness can leave your skin looking flakey, red and irritated. Argan oil has exceptional mositurising properties that make it the perfect parner for those with dry skin.
Inflamed or irritated skin
If you suffer with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or rosacea, your skin may often feel dry, inflamed and uncomfortable. Argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness whilst soothing and hydrating the skin.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most common times stretch marks appear as the skin grows rapidly. By helping to improve skin elasticity, argan oil can help to ward off stretch marks.
Aging skin
Environmental factors, such as sun damage, are one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. With antioxidant protection against free radicals, argan oil can help to reduce the visible signs of aging.
FAQs
Is argan oil suitable for my skin type?
Most likely - argan oil is well-tolerated by most skin types and can provide benefits to those with sensitive, dry, combination and acne-prone skin.
Can argan oil be used alongside other products?
Yes - argan oil works well in combination with other products. It is safe for use alongside other key actives. As it is rich in oleic acid, it may actually enhance the skin’s ability to absorb other products.
How often should I apply argan oil?
For best results, argan oil should be applied on a regular basis. Kind to the skin, argan oil is gentle enough to use twice a day.
Is argan oil good for acne?
Yes - argan oil helps to balance sebum production meaning that your pores are less likely to become clogged helping to prevent breakouts.
