Imagine what kind of oil will be labelled liquid gold?
Imagine how goats climb up trees so that they can eat a special fruit. In that nutritious fruit is a kernel that gives oil so precious, it is dubbed “nature’s liquid gold”, argan oil.
For centuries, natives of the argan woodlands in Morocco have extracted argan oil from this nut. It was and still is used by the Moroccan to treat wounds, as a rash relief and as a natural moisturiser for skin and hair. The trees are so important that UNESCO declared in 1998 the argan forest as a biosphere reserve.
In the past few years, argan oil has taken the beauty market by storm as a beauty elixir. It promises better skin and hair, some even think it is a cure-it-all.
What Makes Argan Oil So Effective?
Argan oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, which act together to work wonders for the face. It has slightly contradictory properties: It’s powerful yet gentle and it nourishes yet does not clog pores. It’s a versatile oil that can be used by all skin types and from head to toe.
Essential Fatty Acids
Argan oil consists mainly of fatty acids. These are essential for skin membrane health, stimulating cell regeneration so that your complexion remains youthful and vibrant. The 3 major essential fatty acids are
Linoleic acid – is a powerful omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA). This Eva is vital for our health but our bodies don’t produce it. Linoleic acid strengthens the skin’s barrier. It is moisturizing, healing, and soothing. When applied to the skin, it helps soothe inflammation, so it can help alleviate acne. It’s sometimes called vitamin F.
Oleic acid – is an emollient. It seals in hydration and makes the skin feel softer and more flexible to the touch. It can improve the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients to penetrate the skin more easily. Oleic acid is also found in safflower, almond, and avocado oil.
Palmitic acid – is also an emollient that seals in the moisture in the skin. It’s found naturally in our skin but will decrease with age.
Vitamins
Argan oil is rich in vitamins A and E. As you probably know, vitamin A boosts skin cell turnover and stimulates fibroblasts so that your skin is bouncy and supple.
Vitamin E is packed with antioxidants preventing signs of ageing and slowing down deterioration. It also can help diminish the appearance of scars and soothe irritated, rough skin. Lastly, it helps control your skin’s oil production by balancing out your sebum levels.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidants and can be found in foods like grapes, pomegranates, green tea, or red wine. Argan oil contains ferulic acid. It boosts the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E.
4 Skincare Benefits of Argan Oil
1) Alleviate Dry Skin
With age, hydration levels drop so that dry, flaky and cracked skin is a bigger concern. The fatty acids make argan oil very nourishing for dry skin. It absorbs quickly but does not leave an oily residue and helps the skin to retain hydration.
2) Clear Acne
Argan oil provides moisture and acts as a barrier to protect the skin from acne-causing microorganisms. It balances the natural oil production which leads to less oily skin and fewer breakouts. In this way, argan oil helps with both oily and dry skin. Its fatty acids don’t clog pores. It not only aids in clearing up acne, but it also helps to reduce the appearances of acne scars and discoloration.
3) Improve Skin Elasticity
Argan oil’s high content of vitamins A and E and its fatty acids deeply nourishes the skin. This strengthens tissues in the skin and therefore can aid in wrinkle prevention.
Since argan oil is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, ferulic acid, and polyphenols, it has a natural anti-aging effect. It protects the skin cells from damage by free radicals, UV rays, stress, and harmful elements in the environment.
4) Prevent Stretch Marks
As you have seen, argan oil improves skin elasticity and suppleness it helps to prevent or reduce stretch marks.
What Kinds Of Argan Oil Products Should You Use?
The argan trees are slow-growing and live to be 150 to 200 years old. They do not start producing fruit until they are between 30 and 50 years old. This and that they grow in a very limited area, make the oil itself quite rare. This brings up the price of argan oil so that 100 percent argan oil can be expensive.
The good news is that since it’s highly potent, you only need a small amount. Just a drop or two will nourish your skin throughout the day. Also, you can use argan oil from head to toe, on your face, body, and hair.
Do you know how other uses of argan oil? Leave it in the comments.
