Argan oil, also known as the liquid gold of Morocco, is one of the most sought-after oils in the world. It gained massive popularity recently, especially with celebrities like Justin Timberlake revealing that they love argan oil for their hair.
If you’re wondering if argan oil is safe to use on your face, the answer is yes. Argan oil is good for all over the body, but it is especially great for facial skin because it’s gentle enough that it won’t cause breakouts or clog pores.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about argan oil for your face, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
What is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is natural and nutritious plant oil. It is cold-pressed from the kernels of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa), which grows in Morocco.
This natural face oil is a liquid at normal room temperature. It has a texture similar to that of olive oil, and its color varies from pale yellow to golden brown.
Argan oil is rich in many acids, such as linolenic acid and oleic acid. The presence of these acids opens the pores, making the skin smooth and soft. The oil penetrates deep into the lower layers of the skin to make it supple and hydrated.
Furthermore, it is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients work for different purposes, like revitalizing your skin tone and restoring moisture to your skin.
Can You Use Argan Oil on Your Face?
Argan oil has been used on the face for centuries to treat many skin issues. It provides antioxidants that help repair skin damage, and it contains essential fatty acids that provide hydration.
“Argan oil is rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, which work to hydrate and repair dry skin cells. It contains vitamin E, which can help protect skin cells from environmental stressors,” says Dr. Corey Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist.
It’s also rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that makes up approximately 85% of the fatty acids found in our skin tissue. This means that it can help regenerate cells quicker than some other oils, like olive oil or coconut oil.
More so, argan oil acts as a barrier to prevent moisture loss on the uppermost layer of the skin. This helps soften and reduce wrinkles on the face, making it one of the best natural products for anti-aging.
Can Argan Oil Cure Acne?
Argan oil isn’t like most other oils. It’s non-comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores or lead to breakouts. Instead, it helps to treat acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and evening out skin tone.
While it won’t cure acne on its own, it has several anti-bacterial properties that can help keep your face clear, Hartman explains. It’s also rich in antioxidants which fight free radicals and heal acne-damaged skin cells.
Another benefit of argan oil for acne sufferers is its ability to moisturize the skin. Dry, irritated skin is more prone to breakouts than hydrated skin. Its lightening properties also make it great for fading acne scars.
Additionally, argan oil contains fatty acids that can help regenerate skin cells and reduce inflammation. This makes it especially effective at treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Can Argan Oil Reduce Wrinkles?
Argan oil is a miracle in a bottle. You can use it for a variety of different things, including reducing wrinkles, removing age spots, and other signs of aging.
Featuring many vitamins and nutrients, this wonder oil helps to increase the production of collagen in the skin. This process causes the skin to become more elastic and firm over time, which can help with signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Argan oil is also high in vitamin E and other nutrients that help nourish and moisturize your skin. This helps to increase the production of sebum (skin oil) in your skin, which helps to keep dryness and wrinkles at bay.
Does Argan Oil Darken Skin?
No, it doesn’t. Contrary to this belief, argan oil actually helps to lighten the skin. This facial oil contains an essential fatty acid called linoleic acid. This fatty acid absorbs into your skin where it helps regulate melanin production.
“If you notice increased pigmentation on your face after using argan oil, it is most likely due to certain conditions or factors unrelated to argan oil,” Dr. Fayne Frey, a board-certified dermatologist, explains.
For instance, conditions such as pregnancy, hormonal changes, anxiety, aging, and external factors like pollution or too much sun exposure can darken your skin.
In this case, work with your doctor to find out what’s causing your skin pigmentation. He or she may need to take a sample of your skin to do a biopsy.
Argan Oil for Skin Lightening
Argan oil is a natural oil that can help reduce melanin production in the body. This can help to lighten skin and treat some conditions, such as vitiligo and freckles, Frey says.
It contains antioxidants and fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone by reducing melanin production. It also contains Vitamin E and minerals which help hydrate and nourish the skin.
In addition to lightening skin, argan oil can change the texture of the skin and soften it. There are several ways that you can use argan oil to lighten your skin but for best results, apply it directly to your face.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Face
It moisturizes
Argan oil contains amazing moisturizing and soothing properties that leave your skin healthy and fully moisturized. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that penetrate the skin to hydrate and protect it from free radicals.
Additionally, argan oil contains a high level of vitamin E, which helps to prevent moisture loss by strengthening the skin’s barrier. This helps your skin stay plump, healthy, and hydrated without the use of expensive moisturizers.
Reduces signs of aging
Argan oil is packed with antioxidants, which help protect your skin from free radicals caused by pollution or the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These free radicals are one of the most common causes of premature aging on the skin.
The high levels of Vitamin E in argan oil, along with its rich content of essential fatty acids (over 20%) make it one of the most potent natural remedies out there for reducing signs of aging and increasing skin elasticity.
Cures acne
One of the most important benefits of argan oil is dealing with acne. Argan oil is great for acne-prone skin because it will not clog your pores. This means you will not get cysts or whiteheads under your skin.
This natural beauty secret can also help clear up your acne scars without the harsh chemicals that are found in traditional over-the-counter products. Applying a few drops of argan oil also helps to reduce inflammations caused by acne.
Reduces dark spots
As stated earlier, argan oil is rich in antioxidants, which means it can protect your skin from free radicals that are generated by UV rays or pollution.
Argan oil is also rich in fatty acids, and vitamin E. These ingredients help to nourish the skin while fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells.
This helps to reduce dark spots and sunburns while allowing the skin to heal itself. As a bonus, it also increases collagen and elastin levels, which allow for brighter, firmer-looking skin.
Side Effects of Argan Oil for the Face
Argan oil is generally safe for topical use on all skin types, but it can cause allergic reactions or irritations in some people. According to Dr. Hartman, argan oil can cause irritations which can lead to rash or acne in some individuals.
This is more common with people who have nut allergies, so ensure to stay away from it if you are sensitive to nuts like tree nuts or hazelnut. A general rule of thumb is to do a patch test before applying argan oil to your face.
How to Choose the Best Argan Oil for Your Face
“Look for 100% organic argan oil. It is made by cold-pressing the kernels so it’s unrefined and has a higher concentration of essential fatty acids and nutrients,” Dr. Frey explains.
Organic argan oil is very gentle and moisturizing, so it works well for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s good for fighting acne and making your skin look youthful.
Moreover, avoid buying any product with artificial fragrances, scents, or preservatives. These types of products can cause allergic reactions and irritation if you have sensitive skin.
It’s also important to keep in mind that organic argan oil is expensive because of its complex processing and limited availability. So stay away from incredibly cheap argan oil products, they’re probably fake.
How to Use Argan Oil as Face Moisturizer
Because argan oil is rich in antioxidants, using it as a moisturizer can help your skin resist damage caused by free radicals or unstable molecules that form when your skin is exposed to the sun, smoke, or pollution.
Follow these steps to receive maximum benefit from argan oil:
- Start by cleansing your skin with a mild cleanser and warm water to open up pores.
- Apply a thin layer of argan oil on your face.
- Wait for a few minutes and then apply another thin layer on your face.
- Massage your face with gentle circular movements to enhance absorption.
- Pay more attention to your forehead, cheeks, and eye area.
- Leave it on your face all day or overnight for full absorption.
FAQs
Is argan oil good for under the eyes?
Yes, it is. Argan oil is an excellent remedy for wrinkles, redness, and puffiness under the eyes. It can also act as a natural sunscreen by protecting your skin from sun damage.
The high concentration of vitamin E in argan oil helps to retain moisture in the skin and fight against free radicals. These free radicals are responsible for premature aging signs like crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles around the eyes.
Can argan oil slow down aging?
Yes, it can. Argan oil helps reduce inflammation and slow down aging processes with antioxidants that help keep your cells healthy.
Moreover, argan oil is rich in fatty acids, which can help to hydrate and nourish skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. These fatty acids also help to minimize sun damage and heal scars caused by acne or other forms of skin trauma.
Is argan oil safe for your face?
Yes, it is. Argan oil is versatile and safe for just about anyone to use. There are no known side effects except if you have allergies to nuts.
Argan oil is excellent for the face because it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts or blackheads on your face.
Conclusion
Argan oil is a natural beauty product that can be used to soften and soothe the skin, treat acne, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and improve skin elasticity and hydration.
It is one of the best oils for the face. Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This way it is able to nourish, moisturize and even soften skin.
When used regularly, argan oil can treat acne, dryness, and fine lines and even reduce the appearance of scars. It can also help with overall skin lightening.
So the next time you are looking to purchase a new face oil, argan oil is a good place to start from. You’ll be surprised by its amazing benefits.
Thanks for reading.
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