Argan oil is a vegetable oil with many uses and benefits for the skin and hair . Its properties make it a unique ingredient for the formulation of natural and organic cosmetics . You've probably seen it advertised in dozens of cosmetics, as one of the star ingredients of many brands.
But what is it for? What skin type is it used for? And how should I use it? Let's look at the details so you can get the most out of it.
What is argan oil used for?
Argan oil is known as "liquid gold" due to its wide range of benefits for both skin and hair. Its key properties include its ability to deeply nourish, improve elasticity, and protect against premature aging. Its essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3, 6, and 9 , along with vitamin E (tocopherol), make it a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidation and protects against free radicals, key factors in skin aging.
Its most common uses include:
- Facial care : Ideal for all skin types, it moisturizes without leaving a greasy feeling. It improves radiance, evens skin tone, and helps reduce blemishes and fine lines.
- Body care : Its regenerative properties make it especially useful for treating stretch marks and scars. It's also perfect for firming the skin on the body, especially in areas like the abdomen and legs.
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Hair Care : Argan oil nourishes hair, giving it shine and volume, while protecting it from damage caused by the sun and heat tools.
This versatile and nourishing oil is a staple in any natural beauty routine.
Origin of Argan Oil
Argan oil is obtained from the ripe seeds of the argan tree . It is a tree endemic to Morocco , found mainly near the west coast of Morocco, around Essaouira, a beautiful town we recommend visiting if you haven't already.
The area where it grows, called “Arganeraie,” was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1998.
This species grows to 10 meters tall, with small leaves that are eaten by many goats, which you can see climbing the trees when food is scarce on the ground.
Benefits of argan oil
Argan oil has multiple benefits. This vegetable oil primarily contains essential fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, tocopherols (an antioxidant vitamin E) , and other active ingredients such as beta-carotenoids, squalene, and phytosterols. These active ingredients give it many beneficial properties for the skin.
There are many properties of cold-extracted organic argan oil, including:
- It improves the elasticity and appearance of the skin, making it highly valuable in natural cosmetics as an emollient and anti-aging active ingredient for all skin types.
- In addition, its fatty acids will improve cell regeneration.
- Its antioxidants will protect you from oxidation and, therefore, premature aging.
- It is also healing, so it slightly improves skin marks.
- Stabilizes oil production in combination skin and improves acne.
- It is suitable for nourishing hair and maintaining its hydration.
Properties and contraindications of argan oil
Argan oil is known for its many benefits for skin, hair, and overall health, but as with any natural product, it's important to consider both its properties and potential contraindications. Below is a visual summary to help you better understand the positive effects of argan oil and the situations in which it's advisable to use it with caution.
Properties of argan oil
Argan oil is known for its wide range of benefits, thanks to its richness in essential nutrients. Its main properties include:
- Moisturizing and nourishing : Its essential fatty acids, such as Omega 6 and 9, along with its high vitamin E content, make it an exceptional moisturizer for skin and hair. It penetrates deeply without leaving a greasy feeling, providing intense nourishment.
- Antioxidant : Vitamin E and other antioxidant compounds protect the skin from free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging. This makes it an excellent anti-aging ingredient.
- Regenerating and healing : Argan oil stimulates cell regeneration, helping to improve the appearance of scars, blemishes and small imperfections.
- Anti-inflammatory : It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for soothing irritated skin or problems such as acne, dermatitis or psoriasis.
Contraindications of argan oil
Although argan oil is generally safe for most people, it is important to keep in mind some considerations:
- Allergies : People with nut allergies should be cautious, as argan oil comes from a seed and may cause reactions in sensitive cases.
- Oily or acne-prone skin : Although it's non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), some people with extremely oily skin may find that overusing oils, including argan oil, can increase sebum production. In these cases, it's recommended to apply it in small amounts or in combination with other products.
- Use on open wounds : Although it is healing, its use is not recommended on open wounds or serious burns, as it could delay healing in these cases.
In general, argan oil is very well tolerated, and its benefits far outweigh any potential contraindications when used appropriately.
Uses of argan oil
Argan oil can be used for hair, face, or body, as its fatty acids and vitamins make it suitable for the entire body. This is one of the reasons why it's so popular, and we believe it will stay forever, as its production is increasing in Morocco.
Argan oil for facial use
It's highly valued in facial cosmetics. Whether in oil or cream form, we must look at the list of ingredients to ensure it's at the top of the list. Because it's highly absorbed , it's ideal for all skin types, both dry and combination, providing radiance.
How to use argan oil for your face
If using the oil directly , or an oil-based serum, apply a few drops to the palm of your hand, rub it together to warm and activate it beforehand. Then, gently massage it all over your face, using upward movements until completely absorbed. If your skin is still oily, you can remove the excess and use less next time. If you use the right amount, a good oil will be completely absorbed. In the following video, we explain how to apply an oil-based serum.
If we use it in cream (emulsified), we will apply it to the palm of the hand and once spread on the fingertips, we will apply it to the face with a gentle massage.
At Saper, we only use organic, first-pressed vegetable oils. Some of our products containing argan oil include:
- Bio-Protect 360 Cream , a light emulsion from our anti-aging line , which also contains active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. A luxury for daily use, which protects the skin from pollution throughout the day.
- Argan Revitalizing Serum , a serum in oil format, with a glass pipette, indicated to deeply nourish normal and combination skin, of any age, to revitalize and improve the appearance of the skin.
Benefits of argan oil on the face before sleeping
Including argan oil in your nighttime facial care routine can offer numerous benefits while you sleep. Thanks to its richness in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this oil provides deep hydration that intensely nourishes the skin throughout the night, helping to keep it soft and supple when you wake up.
Intensive hydration and nutrition
During the night, the skin undergoes a natural regeneration process, and argan oil enhances this process. When applied before bed, it helps deeply nourish the skin's layers, keeping it hydrated and preventing water loss. The result is softer, more elastic, and revitalized skin.
Anti-aging action and cell regeneration
Argan oil is known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidants and vitamin E fight free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging, while its regenerative properties promote skin elasticity and firmness. Applying it before bed maximizes its restorative effects, contributing to more rejuvenated skin.
Soothing and anti-inflammatory effect
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin, while promoting cell repair. During the night, argan oil helps regenerate damaged cells, improving the skin's overall appearance and reducing blemishes, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion.
Argan oil for the body
Its healing and regenerative properties make it a highly recommended oil for firming and treating stretch marks. It's also very useful before and after pregnancy to prevent or improve the appearance of stretch marks.
How to use argan oil for the body
Ideally, use the oil right after showering, when your body is still slightly damp. This will help it penetrate deeper and in less time.
We can recommend one of our body oils:
- Ultra-Firming Body Oil, a blend of oils with a high percentage of argan, improves stretch marks and firms the legs and abdomen. It also doesn't leave a greasy feeling, so you can apply it and get dressed right afterward.
Argan oil for hair
Another of argan oil's main uses is for hair. Hair tends to dry out with many of the products we use to clean it. Therefore, applying argan oil will nourish it and add volume. It also has a protective effect against sunlight, heat, and cold, making it recommended at any time of year.
How to use argan oil for hair
Apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage to warm. Start massaging your hair from the top to the ends, preferably while it's still slightly damp. Try to avoid the roots to avoid a greasy appearance.
We hope you enjoyed it and that it helps you choose the best quality cosmetics for your skin and hair. And as always, we're happy for you to visit our social media channels and send you our newsletter with all the latest news and promotions.
