Argan Oil For Face – What Are The Benefits And How To Use it?

Protect your skin from the sun and slow down the signs of aging with this nourishing oil.

Medically reviewed by Dr. CP Thajudheen Dr. CP Thajudheen, MD
By Ramona Sinha Ramona Sinha, Certified Skin Care Coach • Mar 13, 2023

Argan Oil For Face – What Are The Benefits And How To Use it?

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Argan oil is excellent for maintaining healthy hair. However, you will be surprised to know that you can use argan oil for the face. This nourishing oil is extremely gentle, lightweight, and has moisturizing benefits. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe your skin and get rid of dry patches. Keep reading to understand the benefits of argan oil for the skin and how to use it.

Trivia

In 1988, UNESCO declared the argan forests of Morocco as part of their International Biosphere Reserve to help preserve them.

In This Article

Is Argan Oil Good For The Face?

Argan oil is considered the holy grail of oils for hair and skin because it falls right in the middle of the oil spectrum. It is neither too heavy nor too light. It gets easily absorbed into your skin and is also highly moisturizing. You hardly need a drop or two for your face. The best part is that you can apply it directly without a carrier oil.

Around 99% of argan oil is made up of triglyceridesⁱXA type of fat that stores unused calories, provides energy between meals, helps smoothen the skin, and works as an antioxidant. (oleic and linoleic acids), and the remaining 1% contains vitamin E, carotenoidsⁱXAntioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, prevent the degradation of collagen, and have other health benefits. , sterolsⁱXFat-like substances that have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties and contribute to the skin’s natural barrier layer. , and polyphenolsⁱXNaturally occurring reducing agents that protect the body against oxidative stress and various health conditions, like cancer. (1). These are known to be great for the skin.

Argan oil fortifies your skin, reduces inflammation, softens dry patches, and helps improve the overall skin health. Let’s look at some benefits of using argan oil for the skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For The Skin?

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Moisturizes Your Skin

Argan oil contains vitamin E and other fatty acids. It is light and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It hydrates, nourishes, and keeps your skin moisturized for a long time. If you live in arid and cold conditions, you need this oil in your closet. You can probably even replace your regular moisturizer with this one. It suits all skin types, so you have nothing to worry about.

Treats Acne

Using oil on acne-prone skin (i.e., oily skin) might sound crazy, but argan oil acts as a healing agent. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and soothe acne (2). It also has anti-sebum properties that can help in reducing greasiness and improve the appearance of oily skin (3).

Anti-Aging

Woman with aging symptoms like wrinkles and pigmentation

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Our skin starts to wrinkle and tends to look duller than it is because it lacks moisture and hydration, which speeds up the aging process. Argan oil increases skin’s regeneration rate and improves its elasticity (4). Since argan oil is extremely hydrating, it locks in moisture and makes your face look plumper, brighter, and softer.

Protects From Sun Damage

Argan oil contains antioxidants that protect and repair your skin from sunburn, damage, or hyperpigmentation caused due to sun exposure (5). Hyperpigmentation is usually caused due to an increase in the production and accumulation of melanin in your skin. The different components in argan oil work collectively to inhibit the production of melanin.

Treats And Heals Skin Conditions

Woman with atopic dermatitis and other skin issues

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Inflamed and itchy patches characterize some skin conditions, like eczema or atopic dermatitisⁱXThe most common type of eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin in all age groups. (AD). Apart from your regular medication, using argan oil can reduce the redness of the itchy flaky skin, soothing your skin, locking in the moisture, and maintaining your skin’s barrier function.

Dr. Sanusi Umar, MD, FAAD, says, “Although the exact causes of AD are not well understood yet, people suffering from it have a loss of moisture and inflammation of the skin. Argan oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and like any oil, traps moisture, and so is great for hydrating the skin. Consequently, it is an effective remedy to alleviate some AD symptoms.”

Improves Skin’s Overall Health

Argan oil is loaded with ingredients that are considered the best for maintaining your skin’s health (1). Using it in your everyday skin routine can make a lot of difference to your overall skin appearance.

Heals Wounds

Before and after images of woman after using argan oil

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Argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help heal wounds (2).

The benefits are great. So, how do you use argan oil for your face?

How To Use Argan Oil For The Face

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Moisturizer – Take a drop or two of argan oil and apply it all over your face before you start your morning routine. Do this at night too and leave it on overnight.
Hydrating Toner – Pour a drop of argan oil on a cotton pad with your toner on it and dab your face with this blend.
Lip Exfoliator Or Moisturizer – Add a little bit of argan oil to brown sugar and gently exfoliate your lips with the mixture. Or dab the oil over the lips and leave it on for a while to let it moisturize and soften them.
Serum – Add argan oil to your serum and let it soak in before you carry on with your skincare routine.

You also need to know how to choose the best argan oil to reap maximum benefits.

How To Choose The Best Argan Oil

Look for cold-pressed argan oil. It is the most effective on both the hair and the skin.

Avoid any product that has artificial fragrances, scents, or chemicals.

Argan oil is all natural and needs no preservatives. So, look for something completely natural and organic.

Argan oil is expensive because of its extraction method and limited availability of the fruit in only a few parts of the world. Do not fall for anything that is incredibly cheap.

Fun Fact

Celebrities like Charlize Theron, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Mendes, Marion Cotillard, and Kim Kardashian maintain that argan oil is the secret to their nourished and glowing skin.

Now that you know what to look for while shopping for argan oil, here are a few brands you can try out!

Best Brands For Argan Oil For The Face

Viva Naturals Organic Argan Oil For Hair, Face, And Skin – Buy it here!
Pura D’or (4 oz) Organic Moroccan Argan Oil – Buy it here!
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil – Buy it here!

So far, we have seen everything that is good about argan oil. What about the bad? Does it have any side effects? Let’s find out!

Side Effects And Risks

Even though argan oil is highly fortifying, it can cause skin allergies or aggravate acne in people who have extremely sensitive skin or tree-nut allergies.
Argan oil is actually made from stone fruit, but it might still cause reactions in some people. Always do a patch test before you go all out with it.
If you are ingesting argan oil, observe how your body is reacting to it. It can cause severe bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or breakouts.

Infographic: Top 5 Skin Benefits To Reap From Argan Oil

You may have been using argan oil in your cooking to add flavor to your dishes. But argan oil is much more than that! The properties of this oil have diverse benefits, even when it is topically applied on the skin. A few drops can hydrate and glow up your skin.

Check out the infographic below to know the benefits of argan oil for your skin.

top 5 ways argan oil can benefit your skin (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Most of us use this potent oil for maintaining our hair health, but you can also use argan oil for the face. It has outstanding hydrating abilities and powerful antioxidant benefits. The oil is extremely viscous and, therefore, you will need a drop or two for your entire face. You can use the oil directly on your face or mix it with other oils and DIY remedies to improve your skin health. Follow the tips shared in the article. However, if you have nut allergies or sensitive skin, do a patch test before using the oil on your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does argan oil darken skin?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that argan oil darkens skin. On the contrary, argan oil may protect the skin against hyperpigmentation caused by free radicals and sun damage (5).

Is argan oil good for under eyes?

Yes, pure argan oil may help reduce puffiness and dark circles under eyes.

Is it okay to use argan oil everyday?

Yes, it is okay to use small amounts of argan oil on skin every day.

What colour is pure argan oil?

Pure argan oil is deep yellow in color.

Does argan oil have a smell?

Yes, pure cosmetic-grade argan oil has a unique, raw, and nutty smell which disappears soon after application as the oil is absorbed into the skin.

Key Takeaways

Argan oil may moisturize the skin, reduce acne, and the signs of aging.
It may also soothe and get rid of dry patches as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may heal wounds.
Argan oil is suitable for all skin types.
You can use argan oil as a skin toner, serum, or lip exfoliator.

Sources

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