Argan Oil in Cosmetology

Introduction:

Argan oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of argan trees. The fruit is a nut covered in a hard shell. The oil obtained from these nuts can be used in their pure form for topical applications on skin and hair. In addition, the variety of ingredients in this oil serves the purpose of cosmetology.

What Are the Main Ingredients of Argan Oil?

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E maintains the skin healthy by fighting skin damage from the sun, irritation, any injury, and aging due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Polyphenols: It is an excellent antioxidant preventing skin damage from free radicals. It protects the skin and hair from the sun's ultraviolet radiation and has high healing properties in combination with tocopherol, and polyphenols aid in reducing hair loss.

• Fatty Acids: The fatty acids help form the protective barrier over the skin. They contain an omega-6 fatty acid that soothes the skin and heals acne. They also contain oleic acid that helps moisturize dry hair and skin.

• Squalene: Protects the skin from free radical damage, helps trap moisture, and keeps the skin hydrated.

How Is Argan Oil Beneficial for Skin?

The active ingredients of argan oil are the main reason for the oil's effectiveness on the skin. The beneficial effects of argan oil on the skin are:

• Great Moisturizer: Argan oil is a natural moisturizer for the skin and can be used to treat dry skin and obtain a glowing complexion. The oil acts as a barrier to harmful elements and protects the skin.

• Anti-aging Properties: They boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, thereby improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and any other minor imperfections.

• Shield to Irritants: It acts as a shield to the skin and keeps it away from allergic reactions. They are used to treat rashes, skin irritations, and sunburns. They are suitable to treat even minor burns due to razor cuts.

• Lip Care: Using argan oil on the lip will prevent it from drying and reduce the creases around the lips.

• Acne Control: Argan oil is good at preventing acne or reducing acne scars by enhancing the regenerative and hydrating properties of the skin. They reduce inflammation and control sebum production, thus avoiding clogging pores.

How Is Argan Oil Beneficial for Hair?

• Nourishes the Hair: Direct application of argan oil helps restore damaged hair by conditioning the hair follicles. In addition, they protect the hair from sun damage. Finally, they help eliminate split ends and dry ends of hair.

• Heat Protection: While using heat over the hair for styling, it is common to use a heat protectant. Argan oil is an active ingredient in heat protectants, nourishing and conditioning the hair.

• Scalp Treatment: Argan oil is effective in scalp treatments as it is rich in antioxidants. It reduces scalp irritation, inflammation, and dandruff. To achieve smooth and shiny hair, it is good to blend argan and coconut oil and apply it for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Takes Care of Colored Hair: The coloring agent added during the process usually strips away the moisture content in the hair. But the application of argan oil would help trap the moisture in the hair, thereby preventing dryness. In addition, it helps to maintain the pigments in the hair.

How Is Argan Oil Beneficial for Hands and Nails?

The benefits of argan oil for hands and nails are:

• It helps in soothing dry hands and nail cuticles.

• It makes the hand feel soft.

• They prevent the cracking of nails by adding nutrients to them and, therefore, can be applied over brittle and cracked nails.

• Protects the nails and hands from harsh chemicals used during cosmetic treatments.

What Are the Side Effects of Argan Oil?

The side effects of argan oil are:

• The application of argan oil may cause rashes, redness, or itchiness at the site.

• The tocopherol in argan oil may interact with anticoagulants and slow the clotting process.

• Argan oil is found to stimulate acne breakouts on the skin.

• The argan oil has a thick consistency and can form a thick layer over the skin leading to clogging of the pores.

• In individuals with oily skin, adding argan oil would boost the formation of acne breakouts.

• The signs of aging can be inhibited, but they cannot eliminate the pre-existing ones.

What Are the Signs of an Impure Argan Oil?

The oil is found to be impure and unsafe for use if-

• The oil is not smooth.

• The oil does not get absorbed on application over the skin.

• The oil feels sticky and burns the skin.

• The oil is completely clear.

• If a powerful aroma arises from the oil.

• If the oil in the shop is too cheap.

What Are the Warnings for Using Argan Oil?

The warnings for using argan oil are:

• To eliminate the adverse effects of argan oil, check for the quality of the oil with the above signs of an impure oil as an indicator.

• Avoid storing argan oil in a plastic container. Instead, use a glass bottle for storage.

• Keep the argan oil in a cool and dark place.

• Avoid using argan oil with some fragrance. The natural form of argan oil is usually scentless.

Who Should Not Use Argan Oil?

Individuals with oily skin and hair, allergies to tree nuts, and hair with low porosity.

What Are the Alternatives to Argan Oil?

If argan oil is not the right choice for some individuals, they must prefer alternatives as follows:

• Coconut Oil: It is the best choice for maintaining hair health. It moisturizes the hair and adds a protective layer to the hair.

• Sunflower Oil: It is rich in vitamins E, C, and B6 and can penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize them.

Conclusion:

The argan oil is suitable for all skin types, so without any worries, it can be used as a routine for skin care and hair care. The extensive properties of the oil make it beneficial for any kind of skin and hair issues. Be it acne, dry skin, dandruff, dry hair, or signs of aging, the argan oil is useful.