Benefits of Argan Oil

The argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) is endemic to Moroccan lands, but people across the world have historically used Argan Oil as remedies for skin infections, rashes and bug bites. Even today, it is used all over the world as an effective natural solution for skin and hair issues.

Besides linoleic and oleic acids, Argan Oil contains vitamins A and E, which act as anti-oxidants and contribute to the oil’s therapeutic nature. According to research, Argan Oil can be a great anti-inflammatory and moisturising agent when applied externally on the skin.

Tocopherol from vitamin E is a compound that boosts cell production and maintains hair and skin health when applied externally. The fact that cosmetic companies are now using Argan Oil as one of the ingredients in their anti-aging formulae testify to this.

Therefore, the smart way to add to your beauty routine is to purchase just the oil instead of several luxury beauty products. The price of 100% Argan Oil can be quite steep, but you won’t need more than a drop or two for your hair and skin per day.

Multiple benefits of Argan Oil

As a versatile alternative, Argan Oil has a large number of uses. Here are 9 of them.

1. Moisturizer

One of the best features of Argan Oil is that it does not leave an oily residue after getting absorbed quickly. Make sure to clean your skin with a natural cleanser before pouring a single drop of oil into your palm and applying it on your face and neck in a circular motion.

A second drop may be needed in dry weather, especially in winter, but no more than that. The oil is gentle on thin skin, and can be applied safely around the eyes.

Rub a single drop on your face using a tapping motion, and move from the bridge of your nose to your temple and back again. Repeat the same thing beneath your eyes. Anti-wrinkle agents like vitamins A and E aid moisturisation and have anti-aging benefits.

2. Skin Toner

Did you know that you can make your own all-natural skin toner at home using Insignia London Organic and Pure Argan Oil?

Dip a green tea bag in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 7-10 minutes. Remove the bag and let it cool down to room temperature.  Choose an essential oil (orange, lemon or tea tree) and add 1-2 drops to the mix along with 2-4 drops of argan oil. Seal the bowl in a jar. You can now use your this excellent skin toner in the morning or at night after applying your moisturiser and before cleansing your skin.

But if you don’t want to take all this trouble, you may simply add 2-4 drops of the oil to 8 ounces of your usual toner. 

3. Exfoliant

Just like your skin toner, it is extremely easy and quite cheaper to make your own exfoliator at home.

Take 2 drops of Argan Oil on your palm and mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Apply the mixture on your face for 2-4 minutes in circular motion. Ensure that you’re covering dry and acne-prone areas. Once done, rinse with warm water and dry yourself by patting with a towel.

The secret to exfoliators rendering you a younger, fresher look is that they take care of fine lines and wrinkles by removing the dead cells. The home-made exfoliator works well not only because of the Argan Oil but also because of the brown sugar that help the ingredients of the oil penetrate deeper into your skin.

You can also use this on your dry elbows and heels (during a pedicure at home, for instance), but you may need to mix up a bit more for that.

4. Stretch Mark Remedy

Argan oil prevents stretch marks and rejuvenates the skin, courtesy vitamins A and E. All you need to do is to warm 2-3 drops of pure oil on your palms and gently rub on your stomach, hips, and thighs and so on.

If you possess stretch marks already, make sure you massage Argan Oil along with brown sugar on those areas before bathing. Rinse well, and before dressing, apply Argan Oil on the same areas.

5. Razor Bumps and Burn Treatment

Shaving can end up being an unpleasant experience, thanks to razor bumps and razor burns. But don’t worry, for Argan Oil can be a great after-shave if you know how to use it.

Simply pour a couple of drops of the oil on your palm and rub it on the shaved areas for instant relief.

6. Overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment

Dry, brittle hair is a common issue these days with all the pollution around. However, an overnight deep conditioning treatment with Argan Oil once a week may be everything you need to take care of that. Massage 4-10 drops of oil into your scalp all the way to the ends prior to placing a shower cap on top. This helps your natural body heat trapped inside the shower cap to support penetration of the oil, thereby ensuring that your pillow remains oil-free. Wash your hair of all residues in the morning.

In case you have dandruff or dry scalp, continuing this treatment twice a week till the dandruff is gone will be helpful.

7. Lip Conditioner

Have you ever stopped to consider that Argan Oil can be a great natural substitute for the expensive lip balm that you buy from fancy stores?

Simply rub a drop or two on your cracked lips and witness how your lips become smooth, soft and conditioned. 

8. Nail & Cuticle Treatment

Argan oil can also assist in nail and cuticle treatment. Rinse your nails thoroughly after removing all polish. Use a fraction of a drop on each nail, and rub into the nail bed and cuticle. Let it dry till you’ve applied it on all the nails.

Now wash them and apply nail polish if you desire. The oil maintains proper conditioning and moisturisation so that you don’t get painful hangnails.

9. Foot Treatment

Argan oil can soothe dry skin and cracks on heels. You need to rub a drop or two (or more if your skin is too dry) on the affected areas, cover with comfortable socks for a minimum of 20 minutes (preferably overnight), and use a warm washcloth to remove the residual oil from your soles and feet afterward.