Benefits of argan oil for the skin
1. Protects against sun damage.
Moroccan women have long used argan oil to protect their skin from sun damage.
A study found that the antioxidant activity in argan oil helped protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the sun. This prevented sunburn and hyperpigmentation as a result. In the long run, 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. Moisturizing skin
Argan oil is most commonly used as a moisturizer. Therefore, it is often found in lotions, soaps and hair conditioner. It can be applied topically or taken orally with daily supplements for a moisturizing effect. This is mainly due to its abundance of vitamin E which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve moisture retention in the skin.
3. Treats a number of skin conditions
Argan oil contains a wide range of healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Both help reduce symptoms in a number of different inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and rosacea. For best results, apply pure argan oil directly to skin areas affected by psoriasis. Rosacea is best treated with oral supplements.
4. Treats acne
Hormonal acne is often the result of excess sebum caused by hormones. Argan oil has an anti-sebum effect, which can effectively regulate the amount of sebum on the skin. This can help treat different types of acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion. Apply argan oil – or face creams containing argan oil – directly to your skin at least twice a day. After four weeks, you should see results.
5. Treats skin infections.
One of the traditional uses of argan oil is to treat skin infections. Argan oil has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this, it can help treat and prevent both bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.
Apply argan oil topically to the affected area at least twice a day.
6. Improves wound healing.
Antioxidants are clearly a powerful force. The strong combination of antioxidants and vitamin E 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 such as an itchy and red skin. Research has shown that applying argan oil topically to the affected area can help treat the symptoms. Vitamin E and the natural anti-inflammatory properties found in argan oil may both lead to this soothing effect. A study was conducted in which dermatitis patients were treated with either a placebo or oral vitamin E, which is abundant in argan oil. The researchers found that the participants who were administered the vitamin E saw a significant reduction in symptoms.
8. Has anti-aging effects.
Argan oil has long been used as an anti-aging agent. Although it was once supported only by anecdotal evidence, a recent study with postmenopausal participants was able to substantiate this claim. Researchers found that a combination of oral and cosmetic argan oil led to a significant increase in skin elasticity. This provided an effective anti-aging treatment. You can obtain these benefits by applying argan oil directly to the skin, taking an oral supplement regularly, or both.
9. Reduces the oiliness of the skin.
Some of us naturally have oilier skin than others. Those who do, often go to great lengths to get rid of the oily sheen that can result. Thanks to argan oil’s sebum lowering ability, it can help reduce the overall amount of sebum and reduce the oiliness of the skin. One study found that a twice daily application of argan oil cream significantly reduced sebum activity and oiliness within just four weeks.
10. Prevents and reduces stretch marks
Stretch marks are especially common during pregnancy, but anyone can suffer from them. A 2016 study found that a water-in-oil cream with argan oil improved the elasticity of the skin. This helped prevent and treat stretch marks at an early stage. Apply argan oil directly to the affected area at least twice a day. Do this as soon as you suspect you are seeing or starting to see stretch marks for best results.
