Acne is a skin disease often commonly characterized by the outburst of pimples on the skin caused due to pore blocking.
The good news, there are various home / herbal remedies for acne treatment now.
This article shall also talk about a natural remedy that is argan oil. It is a kind of oil extracted from a plant native to Morocco.
What is Argan oil?
Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, scientifically known as Argania Spinosa L.
This tree is now endemic to Morocco though earlier the genus covered entire North Africa.
This tree is now an endangered species and is protected by the UNESCO.
Due to the endemic nature and specific growth circumstances of the Argan tree, this oil remains one of the rarest in the world.
The product value of Argan oil in the cosmetic and health sector has increased dramatically.
It is developed to be one of the most widely used ingredients in skin and hair products, known for its moisturizing, antioxidant and nourishing properties.
It is also used medically against rheumatism.
According to a survey conducted in the United States, the use of argan oil as an ingredient increased from two in 2007 to more than one hundred by 2011.
It is marketed as a natural hair and skin care product.
How does Argan oil Treat Acne?
Argan oil is believed to effective in reducing the overproduction of sebum which is the main cause underlying acne breakouts.
Because of its antioxidant properties, it also works towards unclogging the pores by removing the dead skin cells which prevent the accumulation of bacteria and microbes under the skin’s surface.
Argan oil is also rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids and vitamin E which lightens the skin and eventually reduces the acne scars and marks of inflammation.
Vitamin E also helps in repairing the damaged skin caused due to the breakouts.
Argan oil can either be used individually or in combination with other moisturizer or lotion. It can also be used as a make up base.
How to Apply Argan oil for Acne treatment?
The face should be washed with a non medicated cleanser or soap.
It is very important to note that the benefits of Argan oil are most effective when it is applied to a damp face.
Take a few drops of Argan oil and apply them gently on your face and neck in circular movements using your fingertips.
It should then be left on for 2 to 3 minutes so that the skin can absorb it before applying any other moisturizer or makeup if you are using it in combination or as a base.
This method can be repeated twice a day, probably in the morning and before going to bed.
Benefits of using Argan Oil for Acne
Since it a naturally occurring remedy rather than chemical based, it is known to have quite a number of skin benefits. Some of them are listed below:
- It contains Sterolins which is effective in regulating skin cell metabolism and helps the skin to retain moisture. It is therefore often used as a moisturizing agent.
- The unsaturated fatty acid helps towards softening of the skin
- The antioxidant property of vitamin E helps in the removal of damaged cells and promotes new growth
- Tocopherols and fatty acids improve the elasticity and cell strength of facial skin and its antioxidant properties also prevent further oxidative damage from exposure to pollution and Sun. the protection and strengthening, therefore, contributes towards it being an anti-aging lotion.
Argan oil is known to be beneficial to all kinds of skin type in different ways. Here is a summary of how it benefits the various skin types:
Dry skin: It increases the skin’s ability to retain moisture by balancing the sebum production. By doing this, it naturally reduces instances of dryness
Oily skin : Here again it prevents acne breakouts by balancing the excess sebum while at the same time supporting the skin’s ability to retain the moisture required.
Combination/regular skin: It the kind of skin where some parts of the face are oily like the nose and under lips while other parts are dry. Through balancing the sebum production, it evens down the differential texture of the skin.
Sensitive skin: The presence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamin E heals damaged skin and since it is a naturally occurring element, it rarely has any severe impact on the skin if you are not otherwise allergic to this product.
Possible Issues with using Argan oil
Argan oil has been in use since centuries owing to its culinary, medicinal and cosmetic value. It has been used by the Moroccan people for centuries.
In all this time it has not shown any severe adverse impact and has neither increased the toxicity level when used topically or orally.
There was one reported case of anaphylaxis though this as a direct impact of using argan oil has not yet been scientifically proven
Precautions in the use of Argan oil
Though there are no known side effects of using Argan oil, it is important that you must maintain some precautions before using it. These precautions are listed as below:
- You must do a patch test before relying completely on its use to check for allergies that you may have with argan oil. In case of an allergic reaction, like itching, dryness or hypersensitivity, its use must be avoided and you must also immediately contact a dermatologist
- It should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment and all severe conditions should be immediately reported to the doctor
- It should not be used on open wounds.
- If you are buying it from the market make sure to check for any adulteration in the product.
Customer Reviews - Argan Oil for Acne
We did a survey of online consumer reviews to see what people who have used this treatment felt about it. Here is a summary of what they liked or disliked about the treatment:
What they liked about Argan oil:
Not oily: In spite of being oil, many consumers affirmed to the fact that its application rarely leaves the skin oily in appearance or in feel. This can be attributed to its excellent absorbent quality due to which it gets easily soaked in the skin.
No dryness: Argan oil exhibits excellent moisturizing properties and therefore prevents the skin from the drying effect that is so often the result of any other acne treatment medication
Heals the scars: For a lot of consumers, it not only prevented the breakouts but also was effective in lightening the scars and marks of inflammation. It is probably because of the presence of vitamin E which exhibits lightening properties and evens down the skin tone.
All in one product : Argan oil is one solution to all problems. It can be used as an acne treatment medication, a moisturizer, and a sun protection lotion. It is also effective in maintaining the health of your hair and nail.
What users did not like about it:
Expensive: The only factor that seemed to de-motivate the users from trying it out was its cost. Because of its rarity and status as an endemic and endangered species, the oil of Argan tree is fairly expensive and often rarely available.
Summary
Argan oil is rare naturally occurring oil.
It has no known side effects and is one of the most in-demand cosmetic ingredients because of its high availability of vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidant properties along with sterolins and tocopherols which all help in the regulation of cell metabolism, thereby strengthening the skin.
It can also be used for repairing hair damage and preventing splits in them. It might be a bit expensive but the effect it may have on your skin is definitely worth all that money.
It is a must try for people who are fed up with chemical-based medications and their side effects.