Argan oil, aka “liquid gold,” has been a staple in beauty for centuries. From the kernels of the argan tree, this nutrient-rich oil is famous for a number of reasons. Argan oil has contains a blend of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins. These provide a number of skin and hair benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the benefits of argan oil and what it does. As always, we’ll also share our top tips for how to use it in your hair and skincare routine.
What is Argan Oil?
This is a plant-based oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) which is indigenous to Morocco and Algeria. This ancient beauty elixir has a long history in Moroccan culture. Argan oil has been used for centuries for medicinal, culinary and beauty purposes. Its uses in beauty centre around its nourishing properties for both hair and skin. Traditionally, Berber women would extract the oil by hand from the kernels of the argan tree to protect their skin from harsh desert conditions. They would also use argan oil to condition their hair, leaving it soft, shiny and manageable.
Over the last couple of decades, argan oil has become a popular beauty staple throughout the world. This is due to greater interest in wellness and natural clean beauty and better connectivity amongst people globally. Additionally, a growing number of scientific studies have shone a light on benefits of argan oil for hair and skin. The main properties that explain how argan oil works include:
- Essential fatty acids: Restore moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and improves elasticity.
- Squalene: Offers lightweight hydration and enhances skin texture.
- Phenolic compounds: Provide anti-inflammatory and skin-protective benefits.
Benefits Argan Oil for Skin
Argan oil is celebrated for its ability to deeply hydrate, protect and rejuvenate the skin. This is thanks to its rich blend of essential nutrients, it addresses a wide range of skin concerns, from dryness to premature ageing. Below are the main benefits of argan oil for skin:
- Deep Hydration: Argan oil is a lightweight moisturiser that absorbs quickly. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. This is due to its high content of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which help replenish and lock in moisture to leave skin soft and supple.
- Anti-Ageing: The phenolic compounds in argan oil neutralise free radicals which is the main cause of premature ageing. This is due to its rich concentration of vitamin E and antioxidants which allow argan oil to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. Over time, this can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting collagen production.
- Soothes Inflammation & Irritation: Argan oil is ideal for sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation while supporting the skin’s repair process.
- Brightens & Evens Out Skin Tone: Regular use of argan oil can reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone. This is particularly helpful for those dealing with dark spots, scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Oil Balancing: Argan oil regulates sebum production and doesn’t clog pores. This makes it an excellent option for those with acne-prone skin.
Argan Oil Hair Benefits
The main reason argan oil has become so popular in hair care is that it nourishes, repairs and protects strands. Its rich blend of fatty acids and antioxidants helps combat dryness, damage and frizz. This leaves hair healthy, shiny and manageable. Here are the main benefits of argan oil for hair and scalp:
- Restores Moisture to Dry & Damaged Hair: Argan oil is a natural conditioner that penetrates the hair shaft to repair damage caused by heat styling, colouring and environmental exposure. This is due to its fatty acids which nourish and smooth the hair cuticle, reducing split ends and breakage. The oil’s emollient properties create a protective layer around each strand, locking in moisture and restoring shine.
- Tames Frizz & Boosts Shine: One of the most popular uses of argan oil is as a styling aid. It works by smoothing the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing manageability. Ultimately, it leaves hair looking glossy and healthy.
- Supports Healthy Hair Growth: Argan oil’s high vitamin E content improves blood circulation to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and promoting healthy growth. Its ability to soothe scalp inflammation also helps combat conditions like dandruff.
- Protects Against Heat & UV Damage: The antioxidants in argan oil act as a natural barrier against heat styling and UV exposure to protect your hair from long-term damage. As such, regular use of argan oil can help maintain hair’s strength and elasticity (even with frequent styling).
Safety & Uses
Argan oil is suitable for almost everyone. However, it is particularly beneficial for:
- Dry Skin: Use argan oil as a rich natural emollient This allows it to lock in moisture and improve elasticity.
- Sensitive or Irritated Skin: Apply argan oil to calm redness and inflammation. This makes it a great choice for eczema or rosacea-prone skin.
- Damaged Hair: For hair that’s been exposed to heat styling or chemical treatments, a weekly argan oil treatment might be just what you need. This is because it can restore strength and prevent breakage.
- Frizzy or Dull Hair: Regular use of argan oil smooths the hair cuticle and enhances shine, transforming dull, frizzy strands into glossy, manageable locks.
That being If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, always perform a patch test before incorporating argan oil into your routine.
How to Use Argan Oil In Your Beauty Routine
Argan oil is incredibly versatile and easy to add to your daily skincare and haircare routines. Although traditionally it is used in its pure form, now a days you can also find it in a range of beauty products often mixed with our ingredients. For skincare, you can use pure argan oil by itself or find it in anti-aging and brightening serums and moisturisers. In haircare, again the most common use of argan oil is by itself but you can also find it in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, serums and styling treatments. These are designed to repair damage, tame frizz, and enhance shine. Here’s how you can make the most of its benefits for your skin and hair:
- Skin: Argan oil is a versatile skincare ingredient that can be used in various ways to nourish and hydrate your skin. Firstly, as a daily moisturiser, it’s perfect for boosting hydration. Just apply a few drops directly to cleansed skin or mix it with your regular face cream to leave your skin feeling soft and supple. Alternatively, for targeted relief, you can use argan oil as a spot treatment for soothing dry patches or irritated areas. This helps to calm redness and support healing. In face masks, it adds extra hydration and nourishing effects.
- Hair: You can use argan oil as a pre-shampoo treatment to deeply nourish and repair damaged hair. For daily care, apply a tiny amount to damp hair as a leave-in conditioner to detangle, add softness and shield your hair from environmental damage. Also, you can use argan oil as a styling treatment to smooth dry hair, control frizz and tame flyaways. This enhances shine without adding greasiness.
If you take nothing else away from reading this it should be that argan oil is more than just a beauty trend. It is a timeless versatile ingredient with proven benefits for skin and hair. Argan oil has been used for centuries by Berber women to protect their hair and skin for a brighter more youthful complexion and smoother, longer and shinier tresses.
At City Skin clinic, we are super passionate about personalised skincare. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective custom skin and hair loss treatments. Where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Connect with one of our doctors today with an online consultation. The journey towards great skin starts here.
