Argan oil is not only good for skin and hair -

What is the use of using argan oil?

Argan oil is presented as a real miracle cure for skin and hair. Dermatologist Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains the health benefits one can expect from argan oil – from better wound healing to anti-aging effects.

What is Argan Oil?

Argan oil is extracted from the nuts of the argan tree and has been used in Moroccan cooking for centuries. Argan oil contains a number of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids as well as other compounds such as polyphenols, squalene and triterpene alcohol.

Argan oil can not only be used for cooking, but also has a beneficial effect on hair and skin. "The fatty acids it contains, like linoleic acid and oleic acid, are very hydrating," Dr. Khetarpal reports in a Cleveland Clinic press release.

Argan oil strengthens hair

Additionally, the oil also contains vitamin E and important antioxidants, which can prevent hair breakage and free radical damage, the expert adds. The oil hydrates and reduces frizz while leaving little residue.

"It hydrates hair more easily without weighing it down, while promoting the overall health of your hair," says Dr. Khetarpal.

Additionally, the oil can also cover the appearance of split ends by briefly massaging it into the ends of the hair. However, it is not possible to completely remove split ends using argan oil.

Protects hair from heat

Many people use a hair dryer after washing their hair, and women in particular often use a straightener. However, the heat released by these devices is in no way good for the hair, underlines the expert.

Argan oil can help here and act as a sort of natural heat shield. “Oils add a protective layer to hair and help strengthen hair that has been damaged by too much heat or chemicals,” says Dr. Khetarpal.

As another example of the benefits of argan oil for hair, the doctor cites a 2013 study that found argan oil improved the quality of colored hair.

Do not use directly on the scalp

Although argan oil is beneficial for the hair, applying the oil to the scalp is not recommended, especially for people with oily hair. Excessive use of the oil can promote seborrheic dermatitis.

"This is what happens when the normal yeasts in the scalp take over," says Dr. Khetarpal.

Argan oil for healthy skin

Especially when people tend to have dry skin, argan oil can help. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids, which provide the skin with much-needed hydration, according to Dr. Khetarpal. Argan oil strengthens the skin barrier on the one hand and improves the general appearance of the skin on the other.

Argan oil can even help with eczema, psoriasis, or chronic dry skin. “It can be used on dry and sensitive skin when seeking natural remedies. However, it is important that there are no fragrances or preservatives added to the oil as these can make things like eczema worse,” says Dr. Khetarpal.

According to the expert, a study has also suggested that argan oil may actually have anti-aging effects by increasing skin elasticity.

Argan oil to heal wounds

If there are only slight abrasions or scratches, the use of argan oil may be helpful. It helps with burns and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties, according to a 2017 study, reports the expert.

What to consider when buying?

The doctor recommends buying the purest possible argan oil in order to get the most out of it. Some brands of argan oil may contain excessive fragrances and substances that can irritate skin and hair. These should be avoided. (as)

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This text corresponds to the specifications of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic: 5 Skin and Hair Benefits of Argan Oil (published 08/01/2022), Cleveland Clinic Regina Siqueira Haddad Carvalho, Luis Antonio Paludetti, Maria Valéria Robles Velasco, Robson Miranda da Gama, et al.: Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa kernel oil) and Cupuassu butter (Theobroma grandiflorum seed butter) post-treatment with hair dye; in: Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications (published September 2013), Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong, Juan Luis Santiago, et al. : Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of certain vegetable oils; in: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (published 2017-12-27), International Journal of Molecular SciencesPierre Andreoletti, Riad El Kebbaj, Fatima-Ezzahra Saih, Norbert Latruffe, M'Hammed Saïd El Kebbaj, et al. : Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Aging Properties with particular emphasis on studies with LPS and argan oil as a model transposable to aging; in: Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (published on 03/25/2018), Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Important Note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.