Argan Oil Benefits: 5 Ways It Improves Skin and Hair

What is argan oil?

Argan oil is obtained from the Argan tree, scientifically known as Argania Spinosa, which is a native of Morocco and known for its various medicinal uses over centuries. The argon oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree fruit and has a sweet scent and nutty flavour, which was traditionally used as a cooking staple in Morocco. Today, argon oil benefits are widely known across the globe, and the majority of people use it for various purposes.

In recent years, argon oil has secured a competitive international place in the oil market for both cosmetic and food-grade purposes. This success is attributed to its unique chemical composition, which offers numerous nutritional and cosmetic benefits. Additionally, scientific studies have validated many of the properties that were previously claimed or observed empirically.

Composition of argan oil

Argan oil has gained popularity in the beauty industry as there are numerous argan oil benefits for skin, hair and face. The oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps moisturise and protect the skin from free radical damage. The components of argon oil contribute to nutritional and cosmetic benefits, making it a popular skin and hair care product. Here are some of its constituents

Argon oil primarily has 99% of triglycerides. These include fatty acids such as:

• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid  
• Palmitic acid  
• Stearic acid

It also contains essential fatty acids such as omega-6, which help strengthen and nourish hair follicles. In addition to these fatty acids, argan oil contains other beneficial components such as tocopherols, phenols, carotenes and squalene. These components contribute to nutritional and cosmetic benefits, making it a popular ingredient for skin and hair care.  

Five ways argan oil improves skin and hair

• Hydrates and nourishes skin: The high content of vitamin E and fatty acids present in argan oil makes it ideal for enhancing the moisturising effect on the skin. Argan oil is beneficial for the skin and makes it an excellent choice for skin hydration and softening. Regular use of argan oil can help to improve the skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Repairs and protects hair: Argan oil benefits for hair are extensive, making it a natural remedy for hair problems. The versatile nature of argan oil helps to repair and protect damaged hair. Rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it deeply nourishes the hair and scalp, promoting overall hair health. It penetrates the hair shaft to strengthen and nourish the hair from within, helping to prevent breakage and split ends. Argan oil forms a protective barrier on the hair, shielding it from environmental damage and heat-styling tools. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce scalp irritation, itching and dandruff.
• Effective for irritated skin: Argan oil has tremendous anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a natural choice to treat irritated skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The soothing and healing properties of argan oil will go a long way in calming red, itchy and inflamed areas that pose a nuisance to sensitive skin or skin problems.  
• Improves skin tone and texture: Continued usage of argan oil can lead to improvement in skin tone and texture. The oil’s antioxidants can fight free radical damage, which causes ageing and dullness to the skin. Using argan oil for face benefits people with dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation, allowing for an even, radiant glow. Argan oil is a wonderful substitute for synthetic hair products. It gives shine and makes hair soft without weighing it down or making it greasy. Simply apply a few drops of argan oil on the end of the hair to control frizz and flyaway and make the hair look smooth and silky.

Other argan oil uses

• Research has shown that argon oil, being a rich source of oleic acid, helps reduce bad cholesterol. Another study has found that argon oil was comparable to olive oil in reducing heart disease risk by impacting antioxidant levels in the blood.  
• A small-scale study showed that argon oil has cancer-fighting properties and helps kill cancer cells.
• Traditionally, argan oil has been used to treat digestive issues. It may help increase pepsin, an important digestive enzyme, thus improving digestion.
• Preliminary studies provided promising results for argon oil, but large-scale studies are required to understand its benefits fully, especially for heart-friendly and anti-cancer properties.

How to apply argon oil on hair?

• Take two to three drops of argon oil, rub it between the palms and run your hands through the ends of the hair, concentrating on tips to smooth split ends. Argan oil, when applied to dry hair, prevents fizziness and seals split ends.
• One can leave the oil for at least 30 minutes. For more intensive treatment, you can leave it on for up to 8 hours or even overnight for maximum hydration.
• After the oil treatment, shampoo and condition your hair as usual to remove the oil.

Edible use of argan oil

Argan oil can be used for topical treatment as well as in cooking, so it is important to choose the right type for your needs.  

• Food-grade argan oil: Also known as virgin or culinary argan oil, this type is safe to eat and can be found in health food stores, Moroccan grocery stores or online. It’s different from cosmetic argan oil, which is meant for hair and skin.
• Culinary uses: In Morocco, argan oil is often used as a dipping oil or drizzled over dishes. It’s not typically used for cooking because it has a low smoke point and burns easily. Instead, it’s best enjoyed cold or added to warm dishes at the end of cooking.

Ways to incorporate argan oil into your diet

• Make the traditional Moroccan dip called amlu by mixing roasted, ground almonds, honey and argan oil.
• Use argan oil as a base for a flavourful salad dressing.
• Add a splash of argan oil to your hummus for a unique twist.
• Drizzle argan oil over grilled fish for added richness.
• Spread argan oil on bread for a delicious and healthy alternative to butter.
• Mix argan oil into rice or couscous to enhance the flavour.

Conclusion

Argan oil is a versatile product that benefits hair and skin. Its rich nutrient content and natural properties make it valuable not only for cosmetic purposes but also for cooking. With the promising preliminary studies, argan oil has extended from topical to edible usage. Try using argan oil in your routine skin and hair care regimen and see the difference it can make for your skin and hair.