Argan tree grows in Morocco in the semi-desert sandy soil. Argan Oil is made from the kernels of this tree. It is one of the purest oil in the world. Argan Oil production is the major source of income of the people in Morocco.
This oil has a high amount of Vitamin E, carotene, and essential fatty acids. It is used in a variety of ways. This oil is also found to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. It is a wonderful oil for your skin and hair.
This oil is called the “liquid gold” by the New York Times. The name signifies the importance and the benefits of the oil. You will get to know how to use this oil in this article. Discover the health benefits and side effects of Argan Oil in this article.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Argan Oil
There are many health benefits of this oil. You can use this oil for a variety of purpose. Use the oil as per need in the recommended dose. The health benefits are:
1. Aids In Digestion
It aids in increasing the production of pepsin. Pepsin enzyme then helps in digestion. You can use this oil if you have issues with digestion or have poor digestion. Better digestion helps in getting more energy. This maintains the overall health of the person.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
This oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains flavonoids that can treat both internal and external problems. It also helps in providing relief from muscles or joints pain.
Triterpenoids are present in this oil. These biological compounds have anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid present in this oil increases the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins treat rheumatologic conditions.
Oral intake can help you in decreasing the inflammation throughout the body. It also fights arthritis and other joint pains. Massaging it on the muscles and joints can relieve pain.
3. Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
Argan Oil reduces the risks for cardiovascular diseases. It also helps in preventing the risk factors for atherosclerosis.It does so by decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. It is proven to be cardioprotective by many studies.
The plant sterols present in this oil prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol from the intestinal tract. The omega fatty acids found in this oil regulate cholesterol.
4. Anti-aging Properties
Argan Oil has many vital nutrients. These nutrients have anti-aging properties. Argan Oil fights wrinkles and makes skin shiny.
This helps in delaying aging by giving you a shiny and smooth skin. It also reduces the dark circles.
The fatty acids present in this oil prevent the signs of premature aging. It increases the regenerative power of the skin cells.
On regular use, this oil helps in lessening the severity of wrinkles. It also aids in restoring the skin’s elasticity.
5. Helps In Wound Healing
It has nutrients that promote the production of new cells. The increased production of cells helps in wound healing.It aids in the faster regeneration of the skin cells. You can use it for faster wound healing. It also prevents infections.
6. Prevents Skin Diseases
Argan Oil moisturizes the skin. It is used for treating dry skin diseases. You can avoid medications and use this oil. This will not only save your money but also protect you from the side effects.
It is also found to be a great remedy for treating chicken pox. The oil has fatty acids that help in locking the moisture.
This maintains the cellular integrity. The vitamin present in this oil has antioxidant properties. This protects the skin from damages caused by free radicals.
7. Fights Infections
Argan Oil has anti-bacterial properties. This oil helps in fighting bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It also aids in boosting immunity. This prepares the body for any infection.
8. Liver Protector
It is found to have hepato-protective properties. The nutrients present in this oil are good for the liver.
It protects the liver from any of the damage. It also increases the bile secretion from the liver.
9. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
Argan Oil is found to aid in maintaining the blood sugar levels. This oil thus has the anti-diabetic properties. You can use this oil to get rid of hyperglycemia.
10. Anti-Cancer
This oil has the ability to reduce or prolong cancer. It has anti-proliferative action. This action inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It is found to retard the growth in prostate cancer in men.
Many studies have proven the anti-cancer properties of this oil. The antioxidants present in this oil protect the skin from free radicals. This reduces the chances of getting skin cancer. This oil has been found to be helpful in treating colon and bladder cancer as well.
11. Anti-Oxidant
Argan Oil has anti-oxidant properties. It aids in fighting the free radicals in the body. It protects the body from the damage caused by the free radicals.
It also prevents the environmental damages. Argan oil inhibits the excess synthesis of melanin. This protects the skin cells, hair, and nails from the damage caused by the UV rays.
This promotes the regeneration of the healthy skin cells. You can apply it to UV damaged skin.
Argan Oil Benefits For Hair And Skin
A.Argan Oil Benefits For Skin
It is considered to be good for skin. It contains many vital nutrients and vitamins required for the skin. It hydrates the skin and makes it look shiny and younger. It is used in soaps, shampoos, and conditioners also.
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Cures Cracked Heels
Cracked heels are often problematic for you. All women want to repair it as soon as possible. Argan Oil is also used for repairing cracked heels.
You can use Argan oil for the same. This oil will let you cure your cracked heels as well as save time and money.
How To Use?
Rub a few drops of this oil directly on your skin. Apply mostly to the affected area. Argan oil moisturizes the skin. Use it a little more if the skin is very dry.
Massage it properly and do not rinse it. Leave it for 30 minutes or overnight. Wear socks to cover your feet. This aids in proper absorption.
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Care For Nails
Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E. This oil fights conditions such as brittle, thin and weak nails. It protects the nails from breaking off.
Argan Oil helps in restoring the strength and thickness of the nails. It moisturizes the nails and the cuticles. It also fights skin and associated nail infections. It is extremely useful for the nail health.
How To Use?
Remove your nail polish and wash your nails before applying this oil. Pour a drop of this oil on your nail.Massage this into the cuticle and nail bed. Do the same with all your nails. After that, rinse it thoroughly with water.
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Razor Bumps
This oil may also be used as a shaving cream. This hydrates your skin. It also prevents infections.
You can use this oil in place of expensive shaving creams. Argan oil can also help in healing the razor bumps.
How To Use?
Using it is easy and gives you immediate relief. You just need to warm this oil. Take few drops of warm Argan oil in your palm. Gently massage this oil on the affected area.
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Prevention Of Stretch Marks
Argan Oil plays role in the production of collagen. Collagen increases the elasticity of the skin. This aids in preventing stretch marks in women after delivery.
It also hydrates the skin which reduces the chances of formation of stretch marks. The vitamins present in this oil helps in hydrating the skin.
How To Use?
Warm a few drops of Argan oil. Take1-2 drop of it on your palm and rub it gently on the affected areas. You may use it on your thighs, stomach or hips.
Massage it into these areas to let the oil get absorbed properly. Apply Argan oil and brown sugar on the affected areas if you already have stretch marks.
Do this before bathing. You should apply it to the affected areas after bathing.
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Fights Acne
Acne often leaves scar affecting the beauty of your skin. Argan Oil treats acne. This oil lowers the production of a substance that causes acne.
It may also be used for treating eczema and psoriasis. The triterpenoids present in this oil aid in treating acne.
It has linoleic acid which heals acne-related scarring.
How To Use?
You can directly use the oil or couple it with tea tree oil to get the additional benefits. Pour a 1-2 drop of Argan oil in your palm and apply gently over the affected area. For the problem area, dab a few drops of the oil in it.
You can also apply it with tea tree oil. Boil a cup of water and add a green tea bag in it. Leave it for ten minutes and then remove the tea bag. After it acquires the room temperature, add 2-4 drops of Argan oil in it.
Also, add a drop of tea tree oil. Use this after properly washing your skin. Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial functions. It also has anti-oxidants. It helps in fighting the stubborn acne along with Argan oil.
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Moisturizer
This oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It gets easily absorbed into the skin. It does not give an oily look to your skin.
It hydrates the skin and makes it glow. You can use it as a night time moisturizer. You may also apply it as a whole body moisturizer. It gives shine to the body.
How To Use?
Wash your skin properly before applying this oil. Take a drop of Argan oil on your palm and rub it a bit on it.
Apply this oil then on your face and neck. Massage this oil in a circular motion. Avoid using it in excess.
You may use 1-2 drops depending on the need and weather. You can also apply it to your eyes. Spread a drop of it beneath your eyes with a gentle tapping.
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Skin Toner
Argan Oil may be used as a skin toner. It improves the skin tone and makes it glow even more. Argan oil improves the appearance of your skin.
You can use it to make your skin soft and supple. Saponins in this oil help in regeneration of the healthy skin cells.
How To Use?
You can use this oil with your skin toner. Add 2-4 drops of Argan oil to your toner and apply it smoothly all over the skin. You can also apply it with tea green oil.
Boil one cup of water and add a green tea bag in it. Leave it for 8-10 minutes and then remove the tea bag. Allow it to cool. Add 1-2 drops of tea green oil in this.
You can now mix 2-4 drops of Argan oil in it. You may store this toner and use daily. Apply it in morning and night after cleansing your skin properly.
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Exfoliant
Argan Oil is used as an exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells and help the skin breathe better. It gives you younger and better complexion.
Regular use of this oil helps to remove the dead cells. This also reduces the wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
How To Use?
Mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with 2-3 drops of Argan oil. Take this mixture in your hand and rub it on your face. Do this in a circular motion.
Continue doing the same for 3-4 minutes. Rinse it then with water and dry your skin. You can also use this on your elbows and heels.
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Lip Care
It is also used to treat dry and cracked lips. It nourishes your lips giving them a smoother and softer texture.
It is useful, particularly in winters. Argan oil aids in preventing chapped lips.
How To Use?
Drop one drop of Argan oil on your finger. Gently rub this on your lips. Wipe off the excess oil. Rub it gently to aid in proper absorption.
2.Argan Oil Benefits For Hair Care
Argan Oil is essential for the hair care. It is used in many hair care products. It is used as shampoo as well as a conditioner. It is beneficial for the hair in many ways.
It helps in reducing hair fall and improves the texture of the hair. It also makes the hair shiny and silky. It is also found to be useful in fighting against split-ends.
It is good for both the hair and the scalp. It promotes hair growth. It may also be used for hair regrowth.
It moisturizes the scalp and fights dandruff. It also protects the hair against the heat damage. You may also use it as a hair mask to improve the hair quality. It fights excess hair loss.
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Argan Oil And Split Ends
Argan oil helps in repairing the split ends. It prevents the drying of hair. It also protects the hair from damages caused by brushing and styling.
It is rich in Vitamin E. This helps in providing nourishment to the hair. It improves the overall hair health.
How To Use?
You may use it as leave-in-conditioner. This helps in repairing the split ends. Pour 2 drops of this oil on your palm and rub it.
Spread this evenly throughout your hair length. Apply it especially to the ends of the hair. Repeat the same with another few drops of oil on your scalp.
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Curing Dry Hair
If you are worried about dry hair, here is the solution for you. Argan oil helps in curing dry and brittle hair. It nourishes the hair and improves the hair quality.
It makes your hair smooth and shiny. You can use it as an overnight deep conditioner to treat brittle and dry hair.
How To Use?
Take 5-6 drops of Argan oil onto your palm. Massage this oil into your scalp properly. Continue doing the same throughout the length of your hair. Apply it from the root to the tip of the hair.
After this, fold your hair properly and make a bun. Cover it with a shower cap and leave it overnight. Wash it properly in the morning.
You can use this once a week to get the results. You may use it twice a week if your scalp is very dry or to get rid of dandruff.
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Protection From Heat Styling
Many styling agents cause damage to your hair. They contain chemicals that may cause long-term damage to the hair.
Argan oil contains many vital nutrients and vitamins. These can repair the damages caused by the styling agents. It also protects the hair from heat damage.
How To Use?
Apply Argan oil before using styling agents to prevent any damage. Put few drops of this oil on your palm.
Apply it then on your hair. Spread it evenly throughout the length of the hair.
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Hair Loss Treatment
This oil will help you if you are worried about excess hair fall or hair loss. It promotes hair growth and provides strength to the hair.
It is rich in many nutrients. These nutrients stimulate the scalp to produce more hair. It increases the rate of hair production.
How To Use?
Place a few drops of this oil onto the fingertips of both the hands. Apply it to your scalp in a circular direction. Do the same on each side of the head.
Massage it gently for 10-15 minutes. Allow proper absorption of the oil into the scalp. This ensures enough blood supply to the scalp stimulating better hair growth. You can do this thrice a week to get better results.
Other Uses
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Cooking
This oil may also be used for cooking purposes. Argan Oil is good for deep frying. You may also utilize it as dipping oil or salad dressings.
How To Use?
You can take an oral dose of 1-2 tablespoons per day. You can also consume it by adding it to food or salad.
Argan Oil Side Effects
Not much information is available of the side effects of this oil. But, there are some of the known side effects. This oil should be used optimally.
You may develop certain side effects if this oil is used in excess. Some of the side effects are:
- Skin irritations: Rashes or Acne
- Itching
- Allergies
- Inflammation
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sleeping difficulties, bronchospasm, depression, and anxiety in severe cases
Can I Ingest Argan Oil?
This oil is rich in many vital nutrients. Yes, you can ingest this oil. It helps in decreasing the inflammation in the body upon ingestion. It is also used in treating many of the health conditions.
You may also cook your food in this oil to get the health benefits of the oil. The recommended oral dose is 1-2 tablespoons once a day.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Argan Oil?
You should preferably choose to use 100% Argan Oil. Store it away from the direct sunlight and keep it sealed tight. You should use it within six months of opening for the maximum benefit.
The oil degrades if kept for a longer duration. It may have side effects if used after storing for a longer duration.
Things To Consider Before While Buying Argan Oil
You should be a bit careful while buying Argan Oil. This is necessary to ensure that you buy the pure Argan Oil. Keep these points in mind while buying:
- Pure Argan Oil will not have many ingredients in it. It should be free of many chemicals.
Look for 100% Argan Oil on the ingredient list before buying. Look for another brand if the one you picked does not have the same.
- It takes a lot of labor and time to make Argan Oil. So, this oil is a bit expensive. You should avoid buying cheaper Argan Oil because it may be adulterated.
Buy the one that is with good marketing and economical as well. Buy as per your need and budget. Do not look for cheaper Argan Oil.
- Smell the oil and chose accordingly. Do not buy if it smells terribly bad. If it smells bad, it has gone rancid. Avoid using such oil.
If it smells too good then you may use it for cooking. Usually, the one for culinary use smells really good.
If you want Argan Oil for your skin or hair then look for the one with the raw nutty smell.
- Argan Oil gets easily absorbed into the skin. You need to think if it’s giving a sticky or greasy look to your skin.
Good Argan Oil should be smooth and silky. Also, avoid using the oil if it is causing an allergy. Pure Argan Oil is mostly safe for the body as such.
- You may choose to buy shampoo, lotions, conditioner, soaps, moisturizer or any other product. But, make sure that the product has pure Argan Oil.
Not all the products have pure Argan Oil. The chemicals present in these products may have harmful effects on your body.
Argan Oil Vs Coconut Oil
Both the oil has their own strengths and weaknesses. Argan Oil is a good competitor for coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for moisturizing dry skin and body.
Coconut oil also acts as a conditioner for nails and hair. Argan Oil also has anti-aging properties. Both of these oils are good for the hair growth.
Coconut oil is more effective in treating bacterial infections than the Argan Oil. But, this oil is found to have better anti-oxidant properties than the Coconut oil.
Argan Oil is rich in Vitamin E which cells in faster cell regeneration and hair growth. So, Argan Oil helps in faster hair growth than the Coconut oil.
Argan Oil is easy to wash and gives glossy look to the hair. It also helps in fighting split ends. Coconut oil is difficult to wash off and gives greasy look to the hair. Argan Oil should be regularly used. You may use coconut oil for the once in a while treatment. Coconut oil is a better exfoliator.
Argan Oil is found to be more effective in treating acne. Argan Oil is a better moisturizer for the face whereas coconut oil may be used for the lower body.
Argan Oil has Vitamin E and D. These two vitamins are very important for the healthy skin. You may use the oils based on the need and the use.
Final Talk
You will also now agree that the Argan Oil is wonder oil. This oil has many health and other benefits. It has ample of nutrients that are essential for the body.
There are some side effects of this oil. Use this oil in the recommended dose to avoid any side effects. Oral intake of this oil may be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Yet, it is safe for almost all the people. Use it and see the differences in your skin and hair. Always choose 100% Argan Oil.
Low quality cheaper Argan Oil may not be beneficial for the body. Report to the doctor in case of any allergies or side reactions.
