Argan Oil for Acne Scarring

Argan oil is a therapeutic, exotic oil that has been mostly used for dry and damaged hair. It seems to be the fad of the moment actually. Everywhere you look you see argan oil hair products, or the other name by which it goes “Moroccan oil”.

It is mostly known for its moisturizing qualities and hair-repairing qualities. Which is why I was surprised when I started to see argan oil linked to acne treatment. I decided to investigate of course, I myself suffering from acne since I was a teenager and only getting control of it in my twenties.

So, how could something that is used to infuse oil and moisture into the hair be good for addressing something that is usually accompanied by hyper oil production? Well, argan oil is mostly used for the treatment of acne scarring as well as for the healing of existing lesions.

There is really no evidence that it can actually stop acne from forming like some other types of cleansers can do. However, It may be helpful as part of an acne healing program as well as a treatment for reducing the effects of acne scarring as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

I'm going to talk below more about the specific properties such as nutrients and vitamins that are found in argan oil which make it so therapeutic for the skin and hair. The great thing about it is that you get them all in one totally natural oil instead of having to combine all of these elements together on your own.

Argan Oil's Skin Smoothing Properties Come From....

Vitamin E 

Why is argan oil good for helping to heal acne scarring? Well, it contains large amounts of linoleic acid, as well as large quantities of vitamin E. Both of these nutrients are healing to the skin and help to reduce skin damage by assisting in reducing free radical damage.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It has been used as a treatment for wound healing and abrasion care for many years now. It helps repair damaged skin and may also help smooth acne scarring such as ice pick scars, pock marking and scrapes that often occur from deep acne lesions.

Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid, as well as the saponin content of argan oil, help to soften the skin and make it appear more radiant and supple. It may also help to reduce redness in those that experience irritation. Many people use it for its anti aging properties due to these super emollient qualities.

Saponins are a sort of natural detergent that are found in some plants. They are found in abundance in the argan tree from which this oil comes from. The tree is grown in Morocco, hence the name given to it as another trade name “Moroccan oil”.

Essential Fatty Acids

Argan oil also contains several essential fatty acids that help protect the layer of protective lipids (natural fats found in the skin) that keep toxins out and moisture in. Fatty acids are vital to the health and suppleness of our skin - especially as we age. With aging, our skin begins to lose elasticity and dries out more easily.

The essential fatty acids in this oil help to rebuild not only the moisture, but also help the skin to maintain elasticity. While we're talking about elasticity....

Vitamin A

The vitamin A that is naturally occurring in argan oil is also a huge benefit to our skin. Vitamin A is actually what makes up retinol, another popular skin care ingredient as you may well know. It helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and acts as an additional antioxidant. And while we're talking about antioxidants...

Squalene and Carotenes

Argan oil is rich in squalene and carotenes. These are both powerful antioxidants that help to fight the free radicals, or positive ions, that bombard our skin every day. Free radicals cause early "healthy" cell death and are even responsible for hastening or causing cancer.

Try to Buy Organic Only

Organic argan oil can run in the higher price range. However, it is well worth it if you find the right supplier, as quality means everything when it comes to this oil. A little goes a long way, and most who use it say it lasts them a while. Of course, this depends on whether you are using it solely on your face or on your facial skin and your hair.

The nice thing about this natural oil is that it can be used interchangeably on the hair and skin. It seems to have soothing properties, as well as healing properties for acne scarring and for repairing skin damage due to aging.

So essentially, a teenager with acne scarring can use argan oil to help smooth out their pitting and ice pick types of scars as well as to help fade red scars left over. Also, an older adult with wrinkles and fine lines or age spots can use it to help with these issues.

There haven't really been reports of argan oil clogging the pores, so it may even be used on those with active acne.