The Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin Health

When we think about skin and oil, we might automatically think of oily skin types, shine and a constant battle to keep our skin dewy but not greasy, glowy but not shiny.

But oil and skin can be harmonious, especially if we choose a natural oil in our skin care products that has benefits for the skin; nourishing and supporting it to look and feel healthy, moisturised and happy - without it feeling overloaded. Even if we have oily acne prone skin, or an inflamed, irritated skin condition such as eczema, we can still use certain oils that have healthy, glowing skin benefits.

One such oil, is organic Moroccan argan oil. In fact, pure argan oil may be the secret ingredient your skin isn't being so secret about needing.

In recent years, argan oil has become more and more popular with skincare aficionados. Many health gurus and beauty influencers will shout from the rooftops about argan oil benefits and what it can bring to our beauty regime, whether we have dry or sensitive skin, or oily, acne prone skin.

Organic argan oil contains many compounds with known skin benefits, and it really could transform your complexion. What's more, the benefits for skin don't stop at our faces. We can also apply argan oil directly to the skin on our entire body, and it can be used in our hair care regime too!

So here's everything you need to know about argan oil for your skin or hair, why it helps protect the skin barrier and the benefits of using it on a daily basis.

What is Moroccan Argan Oil?

First up, we can't talk about the argan oil benefits for skin and hair without first talking about what it is. This golden yellow oil is derived from argan kernels, or in other words, the nuts of the argan tree.

Therefore, argan oil is a plant oil derived from the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It's been used by the people of Morocco as a traditional cosmetic treatment for hair, skin and nails for generations. As a skin and hair care product, it's used both externally when applied directly to the skin, and internally when taken as a supplement.

Argan oil is full of skin loving nutrients and for this reason, it's now found in many beauty and skincare products such as moisturisers and soaps, as well as shampoos and conditioners.

What Are the Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin?

Argan oil has a high concentration of vitamin E, which is great for protecting the skin against harmful environmental pollution and UV rays, ultimately slowing down the ageing process on the skin. Vitamin E has a powerful antioxidant effect, that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It's for this reason that historically, Moroccan women say that argan oil can be used as sun protection. (However, don't be tempted to use argan oil as your sole sun protection, use a sunscreen or protect your skin from the sun with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeved clothing.) Alongside this, argan oil also contains vitamin A, which encourages healthy skin cell production.

Additionally, argan oil is a natural moisturiser, and a good one at that! Due to this, it is often used to treat the appearance of acne, scars and wrinkles. It can even be used to soothe post-shave irritation and to bring moisture to any part of the body, such as dry, cracked elbows or hard skin on the feet.

Are Products with Argan Oil Good for the Face?

The vitamin E in argan oil isn't just good for protecting the skin, it also helps to keep it moisturised. Argan oil easily penetrates the skin, therefore using the oil provides well needed nourishment to dry, dehydrated skin. Well moisturised skin also benefits anyone with irritated, red or inflamed skin.

Studies have found that applying argan oil to the face can actually help to reduce visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and drooping skin. It can help to improve the elasticity of the skin, that gives it a more youthful appearance.

This means that one of the main benefits of using argan oil as part of a robust skin care regime and healthy lifestyle, is it's anti ageing prowess! It won't irritate your skin, it will simply help to keep your skin looking fresh and plump.

Can I Use Argan Oil on Oily Skin?

Surely if we have oily skin, adding even more oil to it will only make it look greasy? You'd think so, but not all oils are created equal!

Since argan oil is easily absorbed into the skin, it helps to explain why argan oil is one of the oils that can be well tolerated by those of us with oily skin. Argan oil is relatively lightweight and therefore doesn't cause the skin to feel greasy or overloaded. The fatty acids found in argan oil also help to reduce inflammation, that can lead to acne breakouts, irritation and redness.

Apply a few drops of argan oil to damp skin at night, underneath your normal moisturiser to begin with. Then, to fully reap the benefits, use products that contain the pure oil during the day for fresh looking skin.

In fact, using argan oil may help improve the oiliness of your skin as it gets used to it. It'll help to keep it moisturised, without having to overcompensate by producing more oil.

In other words, argan oil may also help to balance the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. This means that argan oil is extremely beneficial for those with acne prone skin and active breakouts. It will help to soothe the inflammation associated with acne breakouts and balance oil production. Even though argan oil is an oil, obviously, it won't sit on the skin, causing greasiness and shine.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Argan Oil for Your Skin?

Most people can tolerate argan oil. However, if you have a tree nut allergy , you may notice that using it causes your skin to feel itchy or irritated. This is even though the argan fruit it comes from is a stone fruit, rather than a nut. If you're unsure, test a tiny amount on your wrist or the back of your ear to see if you notice any unwanted side effects.

Can I Use Argan Oil on My Body Skin and Hair?

Yes! Argan oil provides vitamins, polyphenols, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, all of which are welcomed by skin that's perhaps lacking moisture or is exposed to common environmental toxins and pollutants on a daily basis. (Whose isn't?!)

So by all means, add it to your body skin care routine too. Argan oil comes in all manner of body lotions and moisturisers, or add a few drops to your regular body moisturiser.

When it comes to maintaining healthy hair, argan oil has many benefits here, too. In the same way as it does the skin, argan oil acts as a non greasy hair moisturiser to wet or dry hair. Apply it to the tips of your hair to banish flyaways and frizz, and to keep things under control. It will add nourishment to the hair without weighing it down. Ideal if you have fine hair, that's been over coloured, bleached or over styled.

How to Use Argan Oil for Face Skin Health

So the big question is: how can you use argan oil on your face?

Read on to see how to improve your skincare routine with the many benefits of argan oil for your face. Using argan oil on your face could be your latest skincare revelation...

Argan oil is useful for any skin type. Dry skin types can use it as a moisturiser, whereas those with oily or combination skin won't be left feeling greasy, as argan oil absorbs quickly into the skin. Those who are faced with greasy skin will find the non-greasy characteristics of argan oil very useful. Since a lack of oils can make the skin overproduce sebum, argan oil allows you to moisturise while leaving your skin grease-free.

To use argan oil on your face, simply put one to two drops in your hand and gently dab onto clean, dry skin with your fingertips. Apply the oil onto the skin in a specified area that needs extra attention, or use across the entire face. Then apply your regular facial moisturiser over the top to seal in all that skin loving goodness. It can be used day or night, or twice a day.

As argan oil's benefits extend to both the hair and skin, rub a few drops between your palms and use as a pre styling balm on wet hair, or smooth over dry hair as a final hair taming product before using hair spray.

How to Choose the Best Argan Oil for the Skin

As with anything regarded a miracle product, buying argan oil can be tricky - knowing which one to try can be difficult as there are different qualities of argan oil available. We'd always advocate choosing the best quality one you can afford. Many a brand of argan oil is produced using a mix of lower quality oils, so always check the label.

The Sönd Range of Alkalising Skincare

However, if you want to incorporate argan oil into your daily routine in a way that's easy and convenient, then both Sönd's day and night creams are a great choice. Our Calming Hydration Day Cream is perfect for nourishing the skin whilst providing an ideal base for makeup, while our night cream is slightly heavier, allowing for a refreshed complexion when you wake.

For a luxurious and calming experience that will leave your skin feeling soft and plump, the Discovery Pack of Sönd's Day & Night Duo (plus our ultra calming cream cleanser) will protect your skin from pollutants in the day, and will have you sleeping sound at night knowing the Overnight Replenishment Night Cream is working wonders with its argan enriched formula.

Both are suitable for all skin types and have been developed to meet the needs of stressed out, acne prone, dry, oily, sensitive or simply contrary skin. So give us a go, we could be the very thing your skin is crying out for. We know you'll love our carefully and thoughtfully developed skin care - because we developed it for ourselves and found it so good, we simply had to share!

This article is not meant to treat or diagnose. Please visit your doctor for advice about any health concerns you may have.