No matter what the season, your hair and skin can suffer some damage from the elements. Whether it’s from the dry air throughout the winter or the harsh sun during the summer, hair gets frizzy, scalps get itchy, faces get dull, and even your fingernails can get brittle.
While you could fill your bathroom shelves with all kinds of specialty products, there’s one simple oil that can offer nourishing hydration without being heavy or greasy: Argan oil, a multipurpose product that’s been hailed by people for its cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. The oil is made from nuts of argan trees that flourish in the semi-desert climate of Morocco. Because the trees have evolved to hold up to Morocco’s heat and dryness, its nuts yield an oil with a unique nutritive profile and texture. Argan oil contains essential fatty acids, specifically linoleic and oleic acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, all of which are good for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
For Your Hair…
Argan oil works to restore shininess and silkiness to dried-out or frizzy hair, making it smooth and pliable without any greasy residue or heaviness that would weigh it down. The vitamin E content in the oil stops flakes and dandruff from forming along the scalp. Although argan oil won’t get rid of split ends, it will sleeken them to reduce their appearance.
To get the maximum effect from argan oil, comb it through freshly cleaned wet hair and give it about 20 to 30 minutes for the oil to fully absorb into the follicle. If necessary, you can tuck your hair under a shower cap to encourage absorption. After 20 to 30 minutes, rinse it out and style hair as you normally would.
For Your Skin…
Because it’s so light, argan oil works for most skin types, ranging from dry to oily. Applying argan oil regularly improves the skin’s natural barrier to the elements and even improves its elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Argan oil absorbs into the skin easily, so there’s none of the shininess you would get from thicker, heavier moisturizers. Finally, thanks to argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce pain when applied to scratched or injured skin.
What to Look For
Interested in giving argan oil a try? Check the label to make sure it’s pure argan oil, which indicates it is not made with artificial additives or fragrances, which could be irritating to your skin and hair. A high-quality argan oil will come in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light damage. As with any cosmetic product, test a small dab on your skin or hair to check for a reaction before you apply generously.
