Liquid Gold is a common name for Argan oil. If you are looking for an amazing, all around carrier oil for your hair and skin, you may want to consider this golden oil.
With an abundance of fatty acids and vitamins it is clear to see why this oil has been used for centuries and is also common in a lot of the products we use today.
When used on the skin, it can help protect against sun damage, fade dark spots and of course, deeply moisturize the skin.
When applied to the hair and scalp, it can encourage hair growth, condition the hair, improve hair’s shine and help prevent dandruff and an itchy scalp.
How else can this oil boost your natural beauty routine?
What is Argan Oil
Argan oil is a plant derived oil from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco. The oil is cold pressed from the kernels and can be applied topically to the skin or ingested for its benefits. It contains many vitamins and nutrients that can be used to improve the health of hair, skin and nails. It is a common oil found in a lot of personal care products such as shampoos, soap and conditioner, and it is valued for its anti-aging and skin softening properties.
Argan oil is a light-weight oil and is beneficial for all skin types but can be more beneficial to those that suffer from dry skin. It is a non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores or leave skin feeling greasy. This makes it a great oil for acne prone skin as well.
Skin Benefits of Argan Oil
Protects Against Sun Damage
The antioxidants found in Argan oil can help protect skin from free radical damage from the sun as well as prevent sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
The next time you want to have some fun in the sun, apply some Argan oil to the skin or add some to your favorite sunscreen.
Moisturizes Skin
Suffering from dry, itchy or irritated skin? Applying Argan oil to the affected areas can help moisturize the skin as well as deliver many nutrients such as fatty acids and vitamins to improve skin’s health.
After exfoliating works best so the oil can penetrate deep into the skin and deliver its many nutrients and vitamins to the skin. It also improves water retention in the skin keeping skin supple and plump.
Simply apply a small amount of oil to damp skin and rub it in. Your skin will be hydrated, nourished and moisturized.
Helps Seal In Moisture
The skin acts like a barrier for our bodies but sometimes, this barrier can release too much water from the top layer of skin causing it to dry out.
By applying Argan oil to the skin on a regular basis, not only will skin’s appearance improve, but it provides a healing and sealing layer on the skin. It stops moisture from escaping the epidermis which prevents further drying and damage.
Soothes and Treats Dry Skin
For all those suffering from dry, flaky skin, you can say “no more” by applying Argan oil can relieve your symptoms.
Rich in vitamin E, oleic acid and linoleic acid, Argan oil is an excellent moisturizer that will deeply moisturize, hydrate and nourish the skin. It basically heals dry skin from the inside out and gives skin a healthy, smooth and supple appearance.
Fades Dark Spots
Dark spots on the skin can be caused by several different things such as hormones, aging or years of sun exposure. What ever the reason, they are not great to look at and can even bring our morale down a bit when we see them in the mirror.
The vitamin E present in Argan oil inhibits the production of excess pigment from scars and blemishes. It helps improve and brighten skin tone leaving us with a more even skin tone.
Prevents and Reduces Stretch Marks
Those pesky and unsightly stretch marks won’t stand a chance against this liquid gold. Applying Argan oil to the skin after a shower or bath can improve skin’s elasticity.
When the skin is elastic, it is able to stretch without leaving marks during pregnancy or fast weight gain.
Apply Argan oil to the skin 2 times a day to areas prone to stretch marks or to areas that already have them. Apply the oil immediately if you suspect new stretch marks appearing for better results.
Scar Treatment
You can’t avoid getting cuts and scratches on the skin, but you sure as hell can dictate how bad the scar will be.
The antioxidants and the vitamin E content found in Argan oil can prevent scarring and will help with the regeneration of new skin cells.
If you already have scars or hyperpigmentation and want them to fade, apply Argan oil daily to the affected area. Give it some time for it to work its magic.
Anti-Aging Moisturizer
No one likes to see fine lines and wrinkles on their face. But to help reduce their appearance, try applying argan oil daily and see what happens.
Argan oil deeply hydrates, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. It is also known to tighten and firm the skin and improve skin’s elasticity which can, in return, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.
To see results, apply Argan oil to the skin daily, take it internally (with safe to ingest oil) or add it to your favorite moisturizer.
Eye Treatment
When you wake up and you notice your eyes are red or puffy, add a few drops of Argan oil to your upper and lower lids and gently massage in a circular motion. Argan oil can reduce puffiness and inflammation.
Reduces Skin Oiliness
For those who have oily skin, the skin produces too much sebum or skin oil and leaves skin’s surface too oily. If you want to reduce skin oiliness, opt in for Argan oil.
Argan oil has sebum-reducing properties that can decrease the amount of sebum being produced. Apply the oil or a product that contains oil, 2 times a day to reduce the over production of sebum, thus, giving you less oily skin.
Treats Acne
Speaking of oily skin, a lot of the causes for acne is excess oil on the skin. The oil sits on the skin and can even trap dirt and other toxins in the pores which creates the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
As mentioned above, Argan oil can help reduce the production of sebum and help regulate it so skin won’t be overly oily. Not only is the reduction of oil beneficial to helping stop breakouts, it also limits and reduces the amount of dirt and toxins that will get trapped in the pores.
Argan oil won’t clog the pores and can promote a more even skin tone.
Apply a few drops of Argan oil to the skin 2 times a day and expect to see results in as little as 4 weeks. For better results, dilute anti-bacterial essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint or eucalyptus, with Argan oil.
Treats Several Skin Conditions
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamin E found in Argan oil can help soothe irritated skin. It can reduce the inflammation of the skin caused from psoriasis, dermatitis and rosacea and help the skin repair faster.
Apply a small amount of Argan oil directly onto the skin affected by psoriasis daily for best results. For those suffering from rosacea, it is best to take Argan oil internally in capsule form or by a product specifically meant to be ingested.
Heals Skin Infections and Wounds
One of the main reasons people used Argan oil was to treat skin infections due to the antibacterial and fungicidal properties it possess. They give this oil the capability to treat and prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
The abundance of vitamin E and antioxidants help wounds heal faster.
Apply Argan oil directly to the affected area at least 2 times a day for best results.
Beauty Uses of Argan Oil
Shaving and After Shave Balm
Next time you go to shave your legs, arms or wherever, apply argan oil to the skin to help soften the hair. This will make the shaving process easier.
Apply argan oil to the skin after shaving to help heal cuts and smooth the skin.
Nail and Cuticle Oil
Weak and brittle nails often come from dehydration and, as we know now, Argan oil is a great moisturizer.
To help strengthen nails, soften cuticles and encourage healthy nail growth, moisturize your hands with Argan oil when they become dry. Be sure to pay close attention to those cuticles for they are the root of healthy nails.
Hair Benefits of Argan Oil
Conditions Hair
Argan oil is a very moisturizing oil and serves as a great leave in treatment or hair mask. Due to the smaller molecular structure of Argan oil, it can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and scalp better than most oils can. It has the ability to soften the hair which is great for the detangling process.
To make a conditioner with Argan oil, you can apply pure oil to clean, wet hair or apply an Argan oil infused mask to hair. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. For better results, use a shower cap while it sits. Rinse hair thoroughly and style as usual.
Hair Growth
If you are suffering from hair loss or want to grow longer, healthier hair, try using Argan oil. This oil contains phenols that, when applied to the scalp, can help stimulate and strengthen hair follicles. The antioxidants in Argan oil can help promote cell production as well.
Argan oil can be used as a leave in treatment for hair, eyebrows and even eyelashes.
Simply massage a few drops of argan oil to the scalp for several minutes a day. The scalp massage alone can increase blood flow, open up pores and relieve tension.
Prevents Heat Damage
Heat damage can be caused by using everyday hair styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons or hair curlers. The fatty acids and vitamin E found in Argan oil can help protect hair from the heat.
Distribute a light and even amount of Argan oil to your hair and scalp before using styling tools to help protect hair from heat damage.
Boosts Shine
Due to its light weight, Argan oil can easily absorb into the hair shaft. The oil doesn’t sit on top of the hair, so it won’t leave a greasy residue behind. The fatty acids in Argan oil will bring back luster and shine without weighing hair down.
Add a few drops of oil to wet hair before styling or add to dry hair in a small amount.
Reduces Frizz
Frizz is hair’s natural way of telling you it is dry. It is hair’s way of looking for moisture from its surrounding environment.
Adding a few drops of Argan oil to wet hair before styling can add that moisture back. Focus mainly on the ends. This will also reduce the appearance of split ends until you have time to get them trimmed.
Silky Hair Texture
Argan oil is commonly used as a leave in hair treatment or conditioner. Add a few drops to wet or damp hair to help detangle, add shine and create a silky texture for your hair before styling.
Hair Color Retention
Just got a new color on your hair and you’re feeling yourself a bit? Don’t let that color fade over time. Shine on!
By adding a few drops of Argan oil to your hair daily, you can preserve the color and reduce fading. Either for your natural hair color or that new fabulous color. It can also reduce discoloration caused by environmental factors and aging.
Prevents Dandruff and Itchy Scalp
Argan oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate scalp inflammation and irritation. The fatty acids and vitamins found in Argan oil deeply moisturize and hydrates the scalp. Because it is a lightweight oil and a non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores which can lead to damaged hair follicles. By adding anti-bacterial essential oils such as tea tree, you can create your own natural dandruff treatment.
Take a few drops of Argan oil and gently massage it into the scalp. Scalp massages can also be a great way to increase blood circulation. Ideally, you want to leave the oil in your hair overnight and rinse in the morning for the best results. This can be done daily.
Choosing Your Argan Oil
When considering Argan oil to add to your collection, be sure that you choose one that is 100% organic to limit toxin exposure.
Cold pressed oils are the best and most natural way to get the oils from the seed. When oils are cold pressed, they aren’t exposed to high heat or chemicals which can alter the chemical compounds of the oil. Instead, the oil is naturally expelled by high pressure.
Avoid oils that come in plastic bottles or containers when possible. Oils last longer and are protected from sunlight (which can break down its properties causing it to be ineffective) when they are stored in dark, glass bottles.
Argan oil has a slightly cloudy appearance and is usually gold in color. Argan oil should be the only ingredient on the label.
Here are a few that I suggest.
Cliganic Unrefined Argan Oil
Leven Rose Cold Pressed Argan Oil
Now Brand Organic Argan Oil
Argan Oil Precautions
Argan oil is generally safe to use for all skin and hair types, but, like so many other things, it may cause some irritations for some people. If you are using it for the first time, ensure to preform a patch test before full body application to ensure no allergic reactions occur.
Although Argan oil comes from a stone fruit, those who have allergies towards nuts may incur an allergic reaction like a rash or skin irritation when applied to the skin.
Summing It Up
After reading this article, you can probably see why Argan oil is considered liquid gold. It is jam packed with vitamins, fatty acids and nutrients that are very beneficial to the skin and hair.
What was your outcome when using Argan oil? Let us know in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Self Verve nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.
