How To Use Argan Oil For Healthy Skin?

Are you still struggling to find a single product that resolves your skin issues? Adding argan oil to your skincare regime can give you clear, glowing skin in a matter of weeks.

Argan oil displays some amazing health and skin benefits when applied topically and/or consumed. However, one that is used for cosmetic purposes varies slightly from the one meant for consumption.

Read on to know which type and method of usage will suit your skin type best to get the most out of your argan oil skin regime.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Says

“Snehan: Use of fats are the best medium to detoxify the body, inside and outside according to Ayurveda. At tissue level, massaging with oil increases blood flow. Blood efficiently clears out the metabolic wastes, reducing skin damage. The skin thus appears radiant and healthy.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor Of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• Is Argan Oil Good For Your Skin?
• What Does Argan Oil Do For The Skin?
• Benefits Of Argan Oil For Skin
• How To Use Argan Oil On The Face?
• Side Effects Of Using Argan Oil For Face
• Frequently Asked Questions On Argan Oil

Is Argan Oil Good For Your Skin?

Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, this natural oil extracted from the kernels of the argan fruit is nature’s boon to mankind. Argan oil contains vitamin E, essential fatty acids, phenols, triterpene alcohols and squalene. Each of these benefits your skin in a certain way or aids a specific skin function. Thus, topical application of argan oil is highly beneficial for your skin.

What Does Argan Oil Do For The Skin?

Argan oil, a popular ingredient in various skincare products, is known for its ability to firm sagging skin. It helps your skin retain moisture which automatically improves skin texture and tone. It also possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These help prevent skin aging, dry skin, chronic skin-inflammatory conditions such as eczema, acne and skin cancer.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “Snehan: Use of fats are the best medium to detoxify the body, inside and outside according to Ayurveda. Oils displace dead skin cells and cleanse out pores. Oils help dissolve dirt and residual makeup products from the skin.”

“At tissue level massaging with oil increases blood flow. Blood efficiently clears out the metabolic wastes, reducing skin damage. Enhanced blood flow increases nutrient availability. The skin thus appears radiant and healthy,” she adds.

Benefits Of Argan Oil For Skin

1. Improves Skin Elasticity

Regular application of argan oil has shown to strengthen the skin barrier [1] and improve your skin’s ability to retain moisture. An improved barrier function keeps your skin taut and maintains elasticity. The essential fatty acids in argan oil have an anti-ageing effect on your skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Prevents Sun Damage

Tocopherol, a water soluble derivative of Vitamin E, present in argan oil, acts as an antioxidant [2] which minimizes sun damage. It hunts down free radicals caused by UV ray exposure and prevents skin cell damage from oxidative stress.

3. Enhances Moisture Retention

Argan oil forms a protective barrier over your skin and enhances moisture retention in the stratum corneum through an occlusive effect. With reduced transepidermal water loss, your skin stays soft and supple, keeping dry skin conditions at bay.

4. Heals Acne

Argan oil shows effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent bacterial proliferation in your skin pores and heal inflamed acne lesions. Further, topical application of argan oil can keep excess oil secretions in check. This helps prevent pore clogging and acne.

5. Treats Eczema And Rashes

Due to the presence of tocopherols (vitamin E) and fatty acids in argan oil, topical application has shown to improve eczema symptoms like itchiness, irritation and rash. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties owing to active compounds like carotenoids and xanthophylls keep eczema flare-ups and skin allergies [3] in control.

6. Accelerates Wound Healing

According to a research on the the effect of argan oil in second-degree burn wound healing in 2016, argan oil showed a rapid contraction of second degree burn wounds when applied twice daily. Argan oil can also be applied on minor cuts and injuries to accelerate wound healing.

7. Prevents Skin Infections

Argan oil contains various organic compounds such as geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, eucalyptol and methyleugenol, each of which is known for their powerful antibacterial [4] and antifungal properties. Regular application of argan oil on infected areas can result in quick healing of skin infections.

8. Regulates Oil Secretion

Linoleic acid in argan oil helps to regulate sebum production on your face. This makes argan oil non-comedogenic and suitable for oily skin care.

9. Prevents Skin Cancers

The unique components in argan oil such as polyphenols, tocopherols, saponins and sterols prevent cancer triggering factors in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and melanin regulating abilities can effectively reduce the chances of various skin cancers, including melanoma.

10. Prevents Hyperpigmentation

Argan oil is a natural depigmenting [5] agent and is widely used in skin brightening products. It effectively controls excess melanogenesis by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme essential for melanin production) activity that can lead to hyperpigmentation on your skin. Thus, regular application of argan oil can fade dark spots, acne marks, sun tan and naturally brighten your skin tone.

Vedix Tip: Applying argan oil under your eyes can fade dark circles and reduce puffy eyes and fine lines.

How To Use Argan Oil On The Face?

1. As A Toner

To prepare your natural argan oil toner, add 4 to 5 drops of argan oil to 10 ml of rose water. Apply after cleansing to tighten your pores and keep your skin oil-free and glowing all day.

2. As A Moisturizer

If you’re using pure argan oil, a small quantity should be sufficient. It is advisable to apply argan oil as the last step of your skincare routine to seal in essential moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Simply apply a drop or two and gently massage it onto your face to allow your skin to absorb its goodness. Argan oil is beneficial when used as a moisturizer for both oily and combination skin.

3. In Face Packs

A. For Glowing Skin

Blend raw turmeric, sandalwood powder, saffron and milk to form a paste. Add 2-3 drops of argan oil to this. Apply the paste on your skin and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing off. Repeat a few times a week for quick glowing skin.

B.For Acne-Prone Skin

Mix multani mitti, turmeric and triphala powders. Add 2-3 drops of argan oil and tea tree oil to it. Apply on the pimples as a spot treatment. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

C. For Anti-Aging

Add a few drops of argan oil to gotu kola and manjistha powders mixed in equal parts. Add some milk/ honey to adjust the consistency of the pack. Apply on your face 3 to 4 times a week. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off.

D. For Skin Lightening

Blend yashtimadhu, Arjuna twak and aloe vera gel together. Add a few drops of argan oil to this and apply on your skin. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off. Repeat as required.

E. For Skin Inflammation

Prepare a paste by blending colloidal oatmeal, and manuka honey. To this add a few drops of argan oil and apply on the affected areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off. Apply 2 to 3 times a week for quick improvement.

F. For Skin Infections

Mix neem, haritaki and clove powders. Add a few drops of argan oil to make a paste. Apply on the infected areas and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before washing off.

4. As Overnight Treatment

Argan oil is safe to be used as an overnight skin treatment and especially beneficial for dry skin conditions. Apply a very small quantity on your skin and gently massage it in. Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning for beautiful, supple, glowing skin.

However, as per Ayurvedic practices, oils are not left on the skin for long hours. Once the skin absorbs its goodness, the oil is washed off.

“Oils are meant to be washed off, ayurveda does not recommend leaving oils on skin. Argan Oil scores a zero on the comedogenicity index, meaning it has a low ability to cause breakouts. Yet product build-up, over time, can trigger breakouts,” says Dr. Zeel.

Side Effects Of Using Argan Oil For Face

While argan oil is safe for direct topical application, it may irritate sensitive skin accusing rashes, itchiness and redness. Hence, it is always advisable to do a patch test before applying this oil for the first time. You may also dilute argan oil with a carrier oil to prevent allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions On Argan Oil

1. Can I Use Argan Oil On My Face Every Day?

Using argan oil daily is sure to give you great skin benefits. It has amazing moisturizing and skin revitalizing abilities and can be easily added to your skin care products or used independently as a moisturizer in the morning and at night.

Argan oil can also be included in oily skin care routine due to its non-comedogenic nature. In fact, regular application of argan oil on oily skin can help regulate sebum secretions and keep acne problems away.

2. Will Argan Oil Clog Your Pores?

Though argan oil has a medium consistency, it does not clog your pores. Due to its non-comedogenic nature, it is added to many skin care products that address oily skin issues.

The Last Word

Argan oil has been used for centuries to enhance skin and hair health. With brilliant antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-aging, anti-acne and nourishing abilities, this lightweight oil can work magic for your skin. Just follow the recommended methods of use mentioned in this article and experience smooth, soft, glowing skin like never before.