Do you know Argan Oil? It is an oil considered almost "miraculous" for its properties, rich in benefits for our health and beauty. So let's discover the most portentous uses
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himArgan oil is obtained from the cold pressing of the fruits of the Argania Spinosa tree, typical of Morocco, and so full of nutrients that even goats climb the trees to eat them.
For centuries, at least since 600 BC, local populations have relied on this oil to treat certain health ailments and to enhance their beauty. What makes argan particularly beneficial is its richness in vitamins A, C and E, as well as the presence of antioxidants, linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids.
When applied externally, it can help stimulate cell production, which results in healthier skin and hair. That's why, if you notice, argan oil is often included among the ingredients in many high-end beauty products.
This oil can actually be used both topically and internally (but as long as it is specifically for food use) in order to improve our health and our appearance in general.
Here 20 benefits and uses of Argan oil:
Index
Reduces acne and oily skin
The triterpenoids found naturally in Argan oil offer incredible benefits for skin health and can be useful in treating mild acne and healing the signs that this problem entails. The presence of linoleic acid also helps reduce inflammation caused by acne. It was then shown by a study that argan oil is able to counteract excessively high sebum levels in the case of oily skin, reducing oiliness and improving the general appearance of the face.
- How to use it against acne: for this purpose, simply use a few drops applied directly to the areas to be treated.
Reduces dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis
Even in the case of dry skin or real dermatological problems such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis, argan oil is effective in reducing rashes and itching. In fact, it helps to soothe inflammation and moisturize the skin so that it can perform its barrier function in the best possible way. Furthermore, thanks to the vitamin E content, argan oil acts as an antioxidant and fights the harmful effects of free radicals which are one of the main causes of problems that appear on the skin.
- How to use it for psoriasis: You can use argan oil as an anti-psoriasis ointment by following this recipe:
The properties of Argan oil and a simple anti psoriasis recipe
Improves the appearance of the skin
Even if you do not have skin problems such as acne, eczema, wrinkles or scars, you can take advantage of the benefits of argan oil to improve the appearance of your face, making the skin softer and more supple. The saponins present in this oil help to reactivate cell regeneration by keeping the largest organ of our body healthy: the skin!
Anti-age
Fatty acids and vitamin E are an excellent combination to act on our skin by reducing the signs of premature aging. It is therefore excellent to apply this oil on wrinkles and so-called crow's feet. Regular use of Argan oil reduces the depth of wrinkles and manages to fade age spots by restoring the elasticity of the skin and increasing the rate of cell regeneration. A study then demonstrated the super moisturizing capacity of this oil and its positive effect in reducing the signs of skin aging.
Against UV radiation
As mentioned, Argan oil contains a high level of antioxidants, these can help protect skin, hair and nails from damage caused by UV radiation. A 2013 study, published in Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, showed how argan oil accelerates recovery from UV damage as it is an inhibitor of melanin biosynthesis, which means it can normalize the cells of the skin that contain too high doses of this substance.
- How to use it to protect sun damaged skin: Applying this oil to UV-damaged skin can actually help fade sunspots and heal dry or red skin that results from overexposure to UV rays by promoting the regeneration of healthy cells.
Lowers cholesterol
The argan oil variant that can be used in the kitchen can help lower bad cholesterol levels. The unique combination of plant sterols found in this oil blocks the absorption of bad cholesterol within the intestinal tract. Also present in this omega 3 vegetable fat are healthy fatty acids capable of regulating blood cholesterol, as also demonstrated by this study conducted in Morocco.
Relieves joint and muscle pain
Thanks to its many active ingredients, argan oil is considered beneficial and useful for relieving joint and muscle pain. The flavonoids present in Argan oil as well as the triterpenoids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to relieve swelling and pain due to arthritis. Its high content of linoleic acid instead increases the production of prostaglandins 1, which are known to help rheumatological conditions as well.
- How to use it to relieve sore muscles and joints: a few drops of pure argan oil can be massaged into the skin several times a day.
Improves digestion
Argan oil for internal use contains organic compounds which, added to food, allow to increase the concentration of pepsin in the stomach, thus improving digestion. Pepsin is a critically important enzyme found in gastric juices that aids in the digestion of proteins. Better digestion means more energy, less hunger, more weight loss, and a generally healthier body.
Prevents stretch marks
This oil can also be used to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy or due to rapid weight gain or decrease. It works by helping to improve the elasticity of the skin and keep it hydrated, which makes these blemishes less likely.
- How to use it for stretch marks: for this purpose it should be applied by warming a few drops in the palms of the hands and rubbing it gently on the areas most prone to the problem such as hips, thighs and abdomen.
Repair split ends
When applied to the hair, Argan oil prevents dryness and other possible damage created by atmospheric agents. The oil makes hair more manageable and less prone to breakage, and can also help set natural dyes like henna or amla better. Rich in vitamin E, it nourishes the hair, repairing split ends, increasing their shine and giving them a generally healthier appearance.
- How to use it for split ends: use a few drops of oil heating it in the palms of your hands before distributing it on the hair with your fingers, paying close attention to the ends of the hair. Then add another drop and massage into the scalp.
Treats dry and brittle hair
In addition to using argan oil for repairing split ends and preventing frizz, this can serve as an overnight treatment for dry, brittle hair so you'll find soft, hydrated hair the next morning.
USE: in this case it is necessary to heat from 5 to 10 drops of oil on the palms of the hands before massaging and spreading them on the scalp and on the hair up to the tips. Then cover everything with a shower cap that helps retain natural heat so that the oil penetrates better into the hair. In the morning you have to wash your hair well, rinsing carefully to make sure that all oil residues are washed off. The treatment should be repeated once or twice a week.
Protects hair from blow dryers and straighteners
Argan oil helps protect hair from treatments that can be aggressive and ruin it, such as using a hairdryer at high temperatures or a straightener.
USE: Before using any styling tool you can apply 2 or 3 drops of oil and then distribute it evenly through the hair from root to tip.
Helps against hair loss
Many men and women suffer from hair loss. As soon as you notice the problem, you can immediately start treating with argan oil which can promote regrowth and prevent hair loss thanks to its rich nutrient content.
Use: the scalp should be treated above all for at least 3 times a week using a few drops of oil to massage with circular movements from the hairline forward and then back on the head and finally moving to the sides and back. Proceed for 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.
Strengthens the nails
Applied to the nails, Argan oil helps promote their strength and health naturally thanks to its high levels of vitamin E. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Argan oil can also help fight infections associated with poor nail health.
USE: apply a single drop for several nails, rubbing it well (there must be no polish) both on the nail and on the cuticles. Leave on for a few minutes.
It nourishes dry and cracked feet
Argan oil can be used to treat dry, cracked skin on the feet. Just massage a few drops on your feet, paying close attention to the most difficult areas. Leave the oil to work and cover your feet with a pair of socks so that it can absorb better. It should be in place for a minimum of 30 minutes but for best results you can also leave it all night.
Soothe the skin after shaving and hair removal
Argan oil is an effective natural treatment to soothe the skin after shaving, both for men after shaving, and for women who have had armpits, legs, groin, etc. To do this, just heat 1 or 2 drops in your hands and massage lightly on the affected area. A decrease in ingrown hair may also be noted.
Preventing Cancer?
Several studies have been done on the potential of argan oil as an anticarcinogen. In particular, the high levels of antioxidants present in the oil help protect the skin from free radicals that can lead to skin cancer. There have also been studies on the power of Argan oil against colon and bladder cancers and prostate cancer, which can result from infection or inflammation.
Soft lips
A few drops of argan oil can be used instead of the more common cocoa butter. The emollient properties of this natural product are particularly suitable for the care of dry or chapped lips.
Also ideal for children
Argan oil is a product also indicated for the care of children, both for general skin irritations or for the treatment of dermatitis and, for example, for diaper irritations. This oil can then be used to make a relaxing massage for babies.
He has a bad glycemia
Traditionally argan oil was also used in Morocco to keep blood sugar at bay. It would in fact be able to reduce insulin resistance and have a positive effect on the metabolism of those who consume a lot of sugars, as also shown by two studies conducted on animals that have both ascertained a significant reduction in both fasting glycaemia and insulin resistance. with a diet rich in sugars accompanied by argan oil.
You might also be interested in argan oil:
The properties of Argan oil and a simple anti psoriasis recipe
