Off late, we have been hearing a lot about a particular kind of oil that is really beneficial for us in many ways. This miraculous oil is called argan oil, which is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania-spinosa L) species, which is native to Morocco. One of the main reasons that argan oil is so therapeutic is because it is rich in Vitamin A and E content, and it is packed with antioxidants, Omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid.
Research has shown that when it is applied to skin, it serves many benefits, including easing inflammation while moisturising the skin. When the application is external, trocopherol from the Vitamin E helps boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair. That’s the supreme reason why the majority of cosmetic companies include argan oil in their high-end anti-aging, hair and skin care products.
Let’s look closely at a few of its various uses
● Argan oil is mostly used as a skin moisturiser to hydrate and soften skin. It is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acid content, which is an ideal product to give the skin a natural boost. It gets absorbed easily and is non-greasy and non-irritating, which makes it a great natural moisturiser. Apply a few drops on your face, using a tapping motion, so that the oil is used up completely in the skin. A 2015 study shows that argan oil benefits also include anti-aging effects, and anti-wrinkle properties.
● Many people suffer from dry skin or conditions such as eczema that can leave skin raw, flaky, red and itchy. As mentioned above, it’s a rich source of Vitamin E and fatty acids, and that’s why it is excellent for repairing damaged skin and providing it with nutrients that will prevent dryness and irritation
further. Argan oil contains ingredients that also helps in soothing skin.
● Acne is mostly the result of oily skin. When you check argan oil, it is non-greasy; that’s how it helps to balance skin by providing natural moisture. Argan oil contains anti-oxidants and linoleic acid, which help to heal damaged skin cells, reduce inflammation and reduce sebum levels in individuals with oily skin.
● Argan oil can help prevent stretch marks by improving the elasticity of the skin. Take 2–3 drops of pure argan oil on the palms and gently rub onto your stomach, hips, thighs or any other potential problematic areas. The vitamin A and Vitamin E will help rejuvenate the skin as well as moisturising, making stretch marks less likely to form. If you already have stretch marks, then let’s start massaging with a mixture of argan oil and brown sugar, onto the affected areas, before your next bath. Regular exfoliation helps in removing dead skin cells, and also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while giving you a younger and fresher complexion. With the mixture of brown sugar, argan oil’s nutrients are more readily absorbed into your skin.
● Argan oil has innumerable benefits, not only for skin; it’s also great for hair. It’s non-greasiness makes for the perfect leave-in conditioner that makes your hair easier to style while repairing those stubborn split ends. Argan oil helps in taming frizz and fly-aways and protect against the heat of hair dryers, curlers and straighteners. Few researches mention that argan oil can even promote hair growth,
so be sure to rub it into your scalp too.
These were a few of the benefits, but there’s more to this oil. A pure, organic and good argan oil will be pretty expensive, but when you look at the number of products (eye creams, lotions, hair styling products, etc.) you can replace with argan oil, it’s worth every penny. Also, be mindful when using argan oil if you have any nut allergies. While it’s not technically a tree nut, it is a stone fruit and the oils come from the nut. Before buying, you can always try and test the oil on the inside of your arm first, to make sure that you don’t have any allergic reaction to the same. Do try and incorporate this essential oil in your routine to reap its many benefits.
(The writer is a clinical nutritionist with a focus on healthy lifestyle choices.)