Argan oil, usually extracted from the native Moroccan argan tree, is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, linoleic acid, and antioxidants.
The oil has proven to have versatile uses throughout history, such as being used by the Phoenicians for its health benefits and as a beauty essential.
Today, the oil has many different applications that range from healing, nourishment, and as a dietary supplement. Thus, it can be used in cosmetics or for culinary purposes.
5 Health Benefits of Argan Oil
Below are some of the health benefits individuals can achieve from using argan oil.
1. Treats Acne
Usually, oily skin produces a lot of sebum, and acne breakouts occur when the skin produces excess sebum.
Argan oil treats acne by reducing sebum levels because of its anti-sebum effects, which effectively regulate the amount of sebum on the skin. Additionally, argan oil treats acne by healing damaged skin and soothing afflicted skin.
The natural moisture the oil produces helps balance the skin. The antioxidants in argan oil also contribute to the healing properties, and they help in reducing inflammation.
Use argan oil for acne treatment after cleansing and drying your face by applying it directly to the skin.
Rub in the essential moisture and nutrients gently to balance oily skin and clear up mild acne. The result is a smoother complexion.
2. Anti-Aging Effects
Argan oil contains roughly eighty percent of fatty acids. Hence, the oil provides anti-aging effects because the fatty acids erase the signs of premature aging, which include wrinkles and crow’s feet.
When argan oil is used regularly, it has the benefit of reducing severe and deep wrinkles. It also fades any spots by restoring the elastic nature of youthful skin.
Additionally, argan oil increases the ability of healthy skin cells to regenerate. Skin aging is also caused by loss of moisture, and the regular use of argan oil ensures the skin is hydrated.
As a result, less collagen is lost, and skin is protected from harsh factors such as the sun, wind, cold, and heat.
Hydration reduces the signs of aging, and argan oil increases the ability to retain water, and at the same time, allows the skin to lose more water without causing dryness.
The anti-aging effects of argan oil are deep cell level, which increases its effectiveness.
3. Moisturizes the Skin
Argan oil is used commonly as a moisturizer and is easily found in hair conditioners, lotions, and soaps. The vitamin E present in argan oil allows the skin to absorb it quickly without leaving any oily residue.
Hence, argan oil moisturizes the skin by improving water retention. Individuals can ingest daily argan oil supplements, or apply the essential oil directly to the skin.
Individuals should cleanse their skin with one drop of warm argan oil on their palm and apply it to their face and neck in a circular motion to experience a moisturizing effect. People with dry skin can add another drop.
The oil is also useful when used on the entire body, on nail cuticles to prevent painful hangnails, and on cracked feet as a foot treatment.
4. Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema dermatitis, is a common skin condition. The characteristics of atopic dermatitis include having itchy patches and skin inflammation.
The properties of argan oil usually reduce itchiness and rashes on the skin. The oil is also useful in minimizing the flare-ups that occur as a result of dermatitis.
Argan oil alleviates atopic dermatitis by hydrating the skin. The hydrated skin is then capable of performing its barrier function.
Additionally, the fatty acids (omega-3, oleic acid, and linoleic acid) present in argan oil seal the moisture in the skin protecting its cell integrity. The vitamin E present in argan oil provides significant antioxidant properties.
Eczema is primarily caused when free radicals damage the skin, and the antioxidant properties ensure the skin is protected from the effects of the free radicals.
The anti-inflammatory properties of argan oil also reduce the inflammation in dermatitis.
5. Improves Wound Healing
Antioxidants in argan oil benefit the skin by healing any irritation, cracks, burns, or other damage. When combined with vitamin E the antioxidant improves wound healing by making the healing process faster.
Additionally, the dominant force of the antioxidants is used as a preventive measure for sore skin.
Other properties argan oil provides include the reduction of inflammation on wounds, soothing pain, and increasing the rate a wound takes to heal.
Therefore, individuals can speed up the recovery of an injury by using argan oil. Argan oil supplements that offer these healing properties exist for regular use and benefit throughout the body.
Via: ArganOilWorld | ReadersDigest
There are so much benefits of argan oil for health. I use argan oil daily before go to bed and provides a softer, smoother skin.