Argan oil, also known as “liquid gold,” has been a staple in beauty for centuries. Made from the kernels of the argan tree, this nutrient-rich oil is famous for good reason. It contains a blend of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, which give it a number of skin and hair benefits. In this article we explore the science behind what argan oil does. As always, we also share our top tips for how to use it in your hair and skincare routine.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a plant-based oil from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). The tree is native to Morocco and Algeria. This ancient beauty elixir has been used for centuries for medicinal, culinary and beauty purposes. Its beauty uses centre on its nourishing properties for both hair and skin. Traditionally, Berber women would extract the oil by hand from the kernels to protect their skin from harsh desert conditions. They would also use it to condition their hair, leaving it soft, shiny and manageable.
Over the last couple of decades, argan oil has become a popular beauty staple worldwide. This is partly down to greater interest in wellness and natural beauty, and partly to better connectivity between people globally. On top of that, there are also a growing number of scientific studies have shone a light on its benefits 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 improves skin texture.
- Phenolic compounds: provide anti-inflammatory and skin-protective benefits.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin
Argan oil is celebrated for its ability to deeply hydrate, protect and revive the skin. Thanks to its rich blend of nutrients, it addresses a wide range of skin concerns, from dryness to early ageing. Below are the main benefits for skin:
- Deep hydration: argan oil is a lightweight moisturiser that absorbs quickly, and it suits all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. This is down to its high omega-6 and omega-9 content, which helps replenish and lock in moisture to leave skin soft and supple.
- Anti-ageing: the phenolic compounds in argan oil help neutralise free radicals, which are a major cause of early ageing. Its rich mix of vitamin E and antioxidants helps protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. Over time, this may also help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Soothes inflammation and irritation: argan oil is ideal for sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation whilst also supporting the skin’s repair process.
- Brightens and evens skin tone: regular use of argan oil can help skin look more radiant and even. This is particularly welcome if you are dealing with dryness, dullness or rough texture.
- Oil balancing: argan oil helps regulate sebum and does not clog pores. This makes it a good option for 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 the strands. Its rich blend of fatty acids and antioxidants helps tackle dryness, damage and frizz. This then results in healthy, shiny and manageable hair. Here are the main benefits of argan oil for the hair and scalp:
- Restores moisture to dry and damaged hair: argan oil is a natural conditioner that sinks into the hair shaft to repair damage from heat styling, colouring and the environment. Its fatty acids nourish and smooth the cuticle which then reduces split ends and breakage. Argan oil’s emollient properties also create a protective layer around each strand, locking in moisture and restoring shine.
- Tames frizz and 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 making hair easier to manage. This then results in glossy, healthy-looking hair.
- Supports a healthy scalp: argan oil’s vitamin E content and antioxidants help support blood flow to the scalp and nourish the follicles. Its ability to soothe scalp inflammation can also help with conditions like dandruff.
- Protects against heat and UV damage: the antioxidants in argan oil act as a natural barrier against heat styling and UV exposure. This helps protect your hair from long-term damage, so regular use can help keep hair strong and elastic even with frequent styling.
Safety & Uses
Argan oil suits almost everyone. However, it is particularly good for:
- Dry skin: use argan oil as a rich natural emollient. This lets it lock in moisture and improve elasticity.
- Sensitive or irritated skin: apply argan oil to calm redness and inflammation. As such, it is a great choice for eczema or rosacea-prone skin.
- Damaged hair: a weekly argan oil treatment can help hair that has been through heat styling or chemical treatments. This is because it can restore strength and prevent breakage.
- Frizzy or dull hair: regular use of argan oil smooths the hair cuticle and boosts shine. This then helps turn dull, frizzy strands into glossy, manageable hair.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, always do a patch test before adding argan oil to 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 it is traditionally used in its pure form, these days you can also find it in a range of beauty products. These are often mixed with other ingredients. For skincare, you can use pure argan oil on its own or find it in anti-ageing and brightening serums and moisturisers. In haircare, the most common use is again on its own. However, you can also find it in shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums and styling treatments. Here is how to make the most of it for your skin and hair:
- Skin: argan oil is a versatile skincare ingredient you can use in several ways. As a daily moisturiser, it is perfect for boosting hydration. Just apply a few drops to cleansed skin, or mix it into your face cream to leave skin soft and supple. For more targeted relief, you can also use it as a spot treatment to soothe dry patches or irritated areas. This helps calm redness and support healing. In face masks, it adds extra hydration.
- 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. This detangles, adds softness and shields hair from the environment. You can also use it as a styling treatment to smooth dry hair, control frizz and tame flyaways. It adds shine without leaving hair greasy.
If you take nothing else away from 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. Berber women have used it for centuries to protect their hair and skin. The result is a brighter, more youthful complexion and smoother, shinier hair.
At City Skin Clinic, we are super passionate about personalised skincare. Our online clinic offers safe and effective custom skin and hair loss treatments. Where appropriate, our doctors use ingredients such as tretinoin and hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin, hair or treatment options.
