Argan oil benefits for the skin, hair and nails

This good-for-all oil can truly impress with its moisturizing properties

argan oil benefits
Source: Argan il for Hair

Argan oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics. From skin care to hair care and even nail strengthening, this oil seems to be a good-for-all and with good reason. Its moisturizing properties make it stand out and they are effective both when the oil is applied topically and when is ingested. If you’re curious about it, check out below the main argan oil benefits for your beauty purposes.

Benefits for hair

argan oil benefits conditioner
Source: Argonafplia

Before becoming famous for its moisturization properties for the skin, the argan oil benefits were already very much appreciated for the hair. All you need is a quick look into the ingredients list of the best hair oils and you’ll very likely to find argan among them.

Conditioner

Due to its richness in vitamins A, C and, E, antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil is super nourishing for the hair. This nutritional combination ensures the strands softness and makes them shinier, more manageable and less prone to frizz.

The fact that it is easily and deeply absorbed also makes it ideal to treat damaged hair and even split ends.

Treat dandruff

Argan oil can help treat dandruff in more than one way.

By moisturizing the scalp, it ensures the skin remains healthy, flexible and less prone to flake. Its anti-inflammatory effect also helps to soothe the scalp and fight off irritations that may be weakening it.

The fact that this oil has antibacterial and fungicidal properties also helps clear the skin of any germs of bacterias that could potentially lead to infection, dandruff and hair loss.

Styling

Argan oil is often used as a nourishing styling product too. It tames frizz, it defines curls and it gives the hair a shiny, but not greasy look that makes it stand out even more.

Moreover, by deeply nourishing the strand it also makes the hair more manageable and less prone to breakage.

Hair loss prevention?

Although argan oil doesn’t contain any special component that prevents hair loss, it is still commonly used for this effect.

The reason lies behind the aforementioned argan oil benefits. By keeping the scalp healthy and free from infections and bacterias, it prevents inflammations and irritations that could lead to hair loss. Likewise, by keeping the strands nourished and flexible, it decreases the chances of breakage and damages to the follicles.

Argan oil benefits: for skin

argan oil benefits skin
Source: Femina

Argan oil is a popular ingredient in many cosmetics. With its high content in vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it is very moisturizing and credited with several skin benefits.

Many of the claimed argan oil benefits lack scientific support or are is inconclusive, though. Below you can find the ones who have been proven to date.

Anti-aging properties

Argan oil does more than nourishing the skin, it can also prevent and reduce aging signs. According to a 2015 study, this oil improved skin elasticity in postmenopausal women in just 60 days, both when applied topically and when taken as a supplement.

This oil has also been linked with inhibiting the formation of melanin, thus helping to prevent age spots too.

High moisturizing effect

Argan oil is widely used in Marocco as a moisturizer and it is also often added to cosmetics and skin care products with the same intent. The effect of this oil has been mostly tested on mature women, whose skin tend to be drier, thinner and weaker.

A 2014 study, confirmed the moisturizing and hydrating effect of this oil. But the most surprising result of this research was that the effect was equally significative both if the oil was applied topically or consumed.

May help with sebum control

In a 2007 study, a sebum control cream containing argan oil was proven to help control the sebum release and reduce the greasiness while improving the overall appearance of oily skin.

However, since the formula was tested as a whole, it doesn’t disclosure if the argan oil had any effect.

Argan oil benefits: for nails

argan oil benefits nails
Unsplash

The highly moisturizing effect of argan oil is not restricted to the skin. This oil also helps strengthen the nails and enhance your mani.

Strengthen the nails

The topical application of vitamin E has been linked to clinical nail improvement and increased growth rate.

Argan oil is a rich source of this vitamin, and together with its the remaining nourishing components, it helps prevent brittle nails.

It prevents infections

Argan oil contains antibacterial and fungicidal properties that help keep the nails free of any irritants or germs that could potentially affect their health.

Since it also has anti-inflammatory properties, this oil can also help soothe infections and irritations and speed their treatment.

Moisturizes

Argan oil is renown for its moisturizing properties, so it is only fair that this effect also translates into the nails.

Massaging this oil over the nail to increase absorption ensures that the nail is nourished and receives the necessary hydration to keep flexible and strong. Furthermore, applying this oil over the cuticles also prevents them from drying out and crack, which is not only unpleasant but it also increases the risk of infection.

Things to consider before buying argan oil

As you might expect, not all argan oils are alike. As more and more people started looking for this golden liquid, many brands also start appearing with cheaper but diluted formulas.

To ensure you can collect the argan oil benefits aforementioned you should be using a formula as pure as possible. To know what to look for and what to pay attention when buying a bottle, check out the video below.