Argan oil has been a wellness staple in Morocco for centuries, but it’s skyrocketed in popularity across the globe in recent years. While it’s enjoyed culinarily for its nutty flavor and unique nutrition profile, argan oil is most often used topically for a variety of reasons – including helping to fight aging.
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the argan fruit, collected from argan trees, which are native to southwestern Morocco. The seeds – similar in appearance to large olives – historically have been harvested by Berber women in the mountains of Morocco. Inside each seed exists one to three small kernels, and inside these kernels is where you’ll find the nutrient-dense argan oil.
What is argan oil used for?
If you visit Morroco, you’ll notice that argan oil is everywhere. Moroccans have been onto its magic for hundreds of years.
With more vitamin E than olive oil, argan oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and other nutrients. It can serve as a health supplement (if consumed in food-grade from), or it can be applied topically as a beauty product. Both skin and hair can benefit from argan oil – simply apply it directly or look for products enriched with argan oil.
What are some argan oil benefits for skin?
For starters, be sure to choose only high-quality, certified USDA organic argan oil. Poor quality oil is out there, and it won’t provide the same benefits (plus, it might contain additives, fragrances and other ingredients you don’t want on or in your body).
Consider these top ways argan oil can help your skin:
1. Boosts elasticity
The biggest benefit of argan oil, arguably, is boosting skin elasticity. How does it work? By supplying intense moisture to the skin’s surface, argan oil helps to prevent dry, taut skin that cracks and wrinkles more easily than hydrated skin. One study from 2015 discovered that argan oil helps aging, postmenopausal women maintain skin elasticity when taken orally and topically.
2. Prevents stretch marks
Argan oil isn’t just for your face! Apply it all over your body – arms, legs, neck, belly, back – to prevent and treat stretch marks on your skin. As an all-natural product, it’s safe (and ideal!) for pregnant women to use. Again, apply it directly to skin, or try a specialty body cream containing argan oil.
3. Reduce breakouts
Skin blemishes and breakouts happen. Use argan oil – which as natural anti-sebum powers – as part of your regular skincare routine to reduce the oil and contaminants that clog pores and lead to acne. Not only will your complexion look better, but you won’t have to fight as many breakouts.
4. Fights age spots / sunspots
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you might notice hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays on your skin. Argan oil’s vitamin E content naturally helps combat damage to cells, promoting less spotting and scarring over time.
Are you ready for next-level protection from aging? Argan oil is an effective natural solution to aging skin. Even better, it’s affordable and easy to find. Try it for yourself to see how it affects the health and wellness of your skin.
