Plant oils are getting more and more acknowledgment and appreciation from cosmetic companies and consumers for their positive effects on our skin's health and appearance while also bringing us closer to nature by consuming a natural and less environmentally agressive skin care product.
There is a strong reason to realise the therapeutic benefits plant oils have, whether it's for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing effects or their repairing, hydrating and regenerating properties.
It has became common practice to integrate them in many cosmetic products. Topical use of plant oils can have different effects depending on the composition, general health and characteristics of our skin.
Let’s start with some insight into Argan oil, sometimes also called LIQUID GOLD.
Argan oil is produced from the nuts that are found in the fruit of the Argania spinosa tree that grows in the Sous valley region of Morroco and Tindouf in Algeria. In traditional Morrocan medicine it has been used as a natural remedy for various skin diseases and conditions for many years (here we'll only mention its topical use). We can see it mainly in the form of a pure oil for direct use on the skin or mixed in various types of cosmetic products (creams, shampoos and soaps) with the aim to improve the health of our skin, nails or hair.
So why is Argan oil so rich and beneficious? This is due to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic, palmitic and stearic), vitamins (e.g. vitamin E - tocopherol) and other components the kernels contain.
Therefore Argan oil is a great moisturiser that can help improve the retention of water in our skin (the benefit is provided by a fat-soluble antioxidant - vitamin E).
It is well known for its effective anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties (used for generations by Moroccan women in their anti-wrinkle treatments and as a natural protector from sun damage, sunburn or hyperpigmentation), increasing the skin’s elasticity and preventing the creation of skin marks.
There have even been some researches made on post-menopausal women that reported significant changes in the appearance of the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer) in terms of slowing the skin's aging effects.
For those who are affected by the symptoms of skin diseases like atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis or rosacea, argan oil can sooth the irritated areas. It is used also for dry hair, in some cases of hair loss and for the moisturising and softening of nail cuticles. It can also reduce the symptoms of some inflammatory skin conditions and infections as argan oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its powerful anti-oxidants can also assist with healing of minor cuts and scratches.
For those who suffer with mild and superficial form of acne, argan oil can be a natural remedy that can decrease excessive grease (yes, peculiarly it has a sebum-reducing ability) and therefore help with treating this unpleasant condition alongside with the recommended daily care.
As mentioned, argan oil works in favour of the skin's elasticity. Decreased elasticity can result in the creation of stretch marks so if natural remedies are your preference, look out for one of nature's richest oils - pure argan oil.