Argan Face Serum

Top 12 Argan Oil Benefits for Skin & Hair
By Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS

Imagine a fruit so nutritious that goats will climb trees just to eat them! Inside that little fruit, is the little nut that gives us argan oil. (1)

For generations, natives of the argan woodlands in Morocco have pressed the nut to extract this precious oil, to use argan oil benefits as a dietary supplement, for wound treatment and rash relief, and to nourish skin and hair. These slow-growing trees are so revered that in 1998 the argan forest was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. (2a)

What is argan oil? It’s a rare oil that is high in both oleic omega 9 monounsaturated nonessential and linoleic omega 6 unsaturated fatty acids, both of which aid acne-prone skin which is usually deficient in linoleic acid in the subum. (2b) Depending on its sourcing, argan oil contains about 35–40 percent linoleic acid and 42–48 percent oleic acid. While linoleic acid will reduce inflammation and acne and increase skin moisturization levels, oleic acid can improve the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients penetrate the skin more easily. (2c)

In addition, when judged by how much it clogs pores (comedogenic rating), argan oil rates out as a zero, as in it does not clog pores. (2d) These are just some of the reasons why argan oil has become a popular carrier oil for acne sufferers and others.

Argan Oil Benefits Throughout History

Produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), this plant oil is exclusive to Morocco but historically argan oil use was not. People throughout the world have taken advantage of the many argan oil benefits to help treat skin infections, bug bites and skin rashes. And now it is used by men and women all over the world seeking an effective, all-natural moisturizer for skin and hair. (3)

One of the main reasons that argan oil is so therapeutic is because it’s rich with vitamin A and vitamin E. However, Moroccan argan oil is also packed with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to skin, argan oil benefits include easing inflammation while moisturizing the skin. (4)

When applied externally, trocopherol from the vitamin E helps to boost cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair. This is why cosmetic companies are including it in their high-end anti-aging, hair and skin care products.

The good news is that to get argan oil benefits you don’t have to purchase luxury hair and skin care products. You can purchase just the oil, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine. Although 100 percent argan oil can be expensive, just a drop or two will nourish hair and skin throughout the day.