Argan Oil for Combination Skin Types
Moroccan argan oil for combination skin is an all-purpose skin treatment; it is an effective antioxidant and skin soothing oil that is gaining popularity.
Almost everyone suffers from combination-type skin from time to time. The oil glands in the center of the face (T-zone) ooze sebum, but the periphery of the face remains dehydrated and flaky. One solution is to simply purchase and use different products for the various parts of the face, but this is expensive and time-consuming. An oil called argan may turn out to be useful in solving the problem, as it appears to moisturize dry skin and control oil on portions of the skin that produce excess sebum.
An excellent skin soother with twice the antioxidant capabilities of olive oil, argan oil is said to be very good for combination skin, as it has been shown in one published scientific study to regulate the skin’s oil production (some acne-plagued users claim it heals and prevents blemishes as well, but this has not yet been backed up with an experimental study). At the same time, argan oil destroys harmful free radicals and supposedly increases the oxygen and nutrient levels in skin cells; thereby giving the face a healthy glow.
Because of this unusual combination of benefits, argan oil is popping up in many cosmetic products. The pure oil may be used by itself at night, or layered under or blended with a favorite moisturizer or skin serum. Products containing argan oil are often quite expensive, as there is only one source for it, and safe harvesting methods add to the cost of cosmetics containing it. Luckily, a little goes a long way.
Enessa Aromatherapy makes an essential oil blend called Argan Gold Elixir; it claims to be especially beneficial for the neck and chest area, but can be used on the face as well.
A dry oil spray with argan may be used on the face, body, and even the hair; such products are immediately absorbed and leave no greasy residue. Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil is a good one to try; not only is it organic, but the argan oil is collected under Fair Trade principles. Oddly, it is packaged in a clear bottle; so it should be kept in a dark, cool place (light and heat inactivate antioxidants). Transferring it to a dark bottle is of course another option.
Aveda’s Green Science Face and Eye Creams contain argan oil, but unfortunately also come in packaging that will not keep the ingredient stable for very long.
Josie Maran has a product line based heavily on argan oil: Josie Maran Argan Oil is 100% organic, and comes packaged correctly in a dark brown bottle. The company also makes an Argan Oil Primer Mist for quick application, and a solid stick argan oil moisturizer that is particularly useful for dry, cracked heels and elbows.
Signature Club A by Adrienne Precious Argan Oil Ayurveda Night Caps are individual encapsulated dosages of the oil, a great way to keep this valuable ingredient stable and fresh for overnight treatments.
Argan oil is definitely worth trying, especially for oily and combination skin types; if it doesn’t work for you, it functions as an effective cuticle softener and temporary split end mender for the hair, so it won’t go to waste!
Almost everyone suffers from combination-type skin from time to time. The oil glands in the center of the face (T-zone) ooze sebum, but the periphery of the face remains dehydrated and flaky. One solution is to simply purchase and use different products for the various parts of the face, but this is expensive and time-consuming. An oil called argan may turn out to be useful in solving the problem, as it appears to moisturize dry skin and control oil on portions of the skin that produce excess sebum.
Argan Oil: A Moroccan Skin Secret
Argan oil hails from North Africa, where it is harvested from tree nuts, and nicknamed “the gold of Morocco.” It contains high levels of Vitamin E, ferulic acid, proteins, and essential fatty acids; and has been used for centuries by the native Berbers to promote radiant glowing skin and shiny hair.An excellent skin soother with twice the antioxidant capabilities of olive oil, argan oil is said to be very good for combination skin, as it has been shown in one published scientific study to regulate the skin’s oil production (some acne-plagued users claim it heals and prevents blemishes as well, but this has not yet been backed up with an experimental study). At the same time, argan oil destroys harmful free radicals and supposedly increases the oxygen and nutrient levels in skin cells; thereby giving the face a healthy glow.
Because of this unusual combination of benefits, argan oil is popping up in many cosmetic products. The pure oil may be used by itself at night, or layered under or blended with a favorite moisturizer or skin serum. Products containing argan oil are often quite expensive, as there is only one source for it, and safe harvesting methods add to the cost of cosmetics containing it. Luckily, a little goes a long way.
Products Containing Argan Oil
The best place to find products containing the practically all-purpose Moroccan oil is still natural skin care products or lines that incorporate Ayurvedic principles. Some oils are specially blended with other plant-based ingredients or formulated for use around the eyes; others may be used all over, including in the hair.Enessa Aromatherapy makes an essential oil blend called Argan Gold Elixir; it claims to be especially beneficial for the neck and chest area, but can be used on the face as well.
A dry oil spray with argan may be used on the face, body, and even the hair; such products are immediately absorbed and leave no greasy residue. Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil is a good one to try; not only is it organic, but the argan oil is collected under Fair Trade principles. Oddly, it is packaged in a clear bottle; so it should be kept in a dark, cool place (light and heat inactivate antioxidants). Transferring it to a dark bottle is of course another option.
Aveda’s Green Science Face and Eye Creams contain argan oil, but unfortunately also come in packaging that will not keep the ingredient stable for very long.
Josie Maran has a product line based heavily on argan oil: Josie Maran Argan Oil is 100% organic, and comes packaged correctly in a dark brown bottle. The company also makes an Argan Oil Primer Mist for quick application, and a solid stick argan oil moisturizer that is particularly useful for dry, cracked heels and elbows.
Signature Club A by Adrienne Precious Argan Oil Ayurveda Night Caps are individual encapsulated dosages of the oil, a great way to keep this valuable ingredient stable and fresh for overnight treatments.
Argan oil is definitely worth trying, especially for oily and combination skin types; if it doesn’t work for you, it functions as an effective cuticle softener and temporary split end mender for the hair, so it won’t go to waste!
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