For centuries, argan oil has been a culinary staple for Morroco. The natural oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. While argan oil is native to Morroco, it’s widely used worldwide for medical, culinary, and cosmetic purposes. Argan oil contains many nutrients like vitamins A, E, and C, antioxidants, and omega-6 fatty acids. Thus, it’s often called liquid gold. All thanks to its nutty flavor and numerous health benefits. In this post, we’ll be considering the benefits of argan oil. Let’s get started!
1) Reduce skin ageing
Argan oil is fast becoming a major ingredient of skincare products. Research shows that naturally occurring oil can increase skin elasticity and slow down the aging process. It could help with skin repair and maintenance. You can apply the oil topically or take the oral supplement frequently. Argan oil can make your skin appear youthful and supple.
2) Supports wound healing
Argan oil can promote the wound-healing process. The oil contains antioxidants and Vitamin E, which improves skin repair and helps wounds and cuts heal quickly. For maximum benefits, you can take argan oil supplements.
3) Eliminates acne
There are claims that argan oil supports acne treatment. It offers anti-inflammatory effects, thus reducing redness and skin irritation as a result of acne. Argan oil can also help hydrate the skin and prevent acne. It’s important you know the cause of acne before using the oil on your skin. This is vital as some acne may be due to hormonal imbalances.
4) Moisturizes skin
The fatty acid-rich oil doubles as a moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin, giving it a firm and smooth texture. To help seal in hydration, it’s recommended to add a few drops of argan oil to your daily moisturizer. You can ingest the oil orally as a daily supplement or apply it topically.
5) Prevents and reduces stretch marks
While anyone can have stretch marks, it’s often associated with pregnancy. Argan oil claims to be a remedy for stretch marks and reduce inflammation. For best results, start applying the oil once you notice the marks. It’s ideal to apply argan oil to the affected areas twice daily.
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6) Treats skin conditions
For decades, argan oil has been used in treating various skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc. Argan oil helps relieve symptoms of these skin defects. The oil helps reduce swelling and soothes the skin. Furthermore, it offers sun protection and brightens your skin tone.
7) Boosts hair growth
Argan oil contains phenols that stimulate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Massage the scalp with the oil and leave it for a while to boost blood circulation and open pores.
8) Helps itchy scalp
Argan oil possesses healing properties that prove effective in treating dandruff and reducing itching and dryness. Add a few drops of the oil to an essential oil (tea tree oil) and massage gently into the scalp.
9) Boosts hair shine
Compared to coconut oil and olive oil, argan oil doesn’t make your hair greasy upon application. The fatty acids in it make your hair shiny, giving it a silky look. Add a few drops to wet hair before styling. If your hair is dry, apply just a small quantity while focusing on the split ends.
10) Support hair color retention
A distinct use of argan oil is in retaining hair color. It helps reduce discoloration, which is a result of aging and environmental factors. Applying the oil in small amounts to your hair will help keep the natural color and prevent fading.
11) Reduce puffiness around the eyes
Argan oil works as an eye oil to relieve redness and inflammation around the eyes. Just add a few drops to your lower and upper eyelids and rub them in a circular way.
12) Helps moisturize the lips
Besides moisturizing the skin, argan oil also moistens the lips, and prevents chapping and flakiness. It supports healthy and soft lips.
13) Works as an aftershave
You can use argan oil as a shaving oil or aftershave. It’s advised to apply argan oil to the skin before shaving. This helps soften the hair, making it easy to shave and preventing cuts. After shaving, use the oil as an aftershave to repair damaged skin.
14) Strengthen nails and cuticles
Weak nails and dry rigid cuticles are caused by dehydration. As a moisturizer, argan oil softens your cuticles, strengthens your nails, and promotes nail growth.
15) Boosts cardiovascular health
As a rich source of omega fatty acids, argan oil has an effect on the heart. It lowers the risk of heart disease. There are promising results of the oil promoting cardiovascular health in humans.
16) Prevents diabetes
Research shows that argan oil reduces fasting blood sugar and supports insulin resistance. This benefit is attributed to their antioxidant properties.
17) Possess anti-cancer effects
Argan oil can slow down the growth of cancerous cells. Early studies prove its cancer-fighting effects.
18) For cooking
You can use 100% pure argan oil for cooking. Dip bread in argan oil or drizzle the oil on vegetables or couscous.
How to choose the best argan oil
Ensure you opt for 100% pure argan oil. For maximum effectiveness, the argan oil should be pure without any added ingredients. Those with additives are less effective. The best argan oil has an amber color, is easily applied, and absorbs quickly. It could have a slight nutty smell which is derived from the extraction process. Make sure you choose argan oil for specific uses. The one for cooking is usually roasted or heated, destroying fatty acids that aid hydration. Choose argan oil packed in a dark glass container. Avoid plastic containers at all costs. The dark glass prevents the oil from light hence helping it retain its properties and improving its potency.
The takeaway
Argan oil offers numerous health benefits. All thanks to its nutrients and healing properties. Considered safe for use, you can apply the oil to your skin or ingest it orally. If you don’t see any positive results after using the oil, you should see your physician.
