Argan oil is referred to as “liquid gold” for good reasons – the luxurious oil sourced from Moroccan trees offers extensive skin and hair nourishment from powerful antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins and more. But Does it carry risks of comedogenic issues like certain other oils? Keep reading to uncover the facts around using argan for all skin types.
What Is A Comedogenic Oil?
Comedogenic refers to a substance’s likelihood of clogging pores and causing acne eruptions, whiteheads and blackheads. But surprisingly, argan oil fails to make most experts’ lists of highly comedogenic oils. This unique oil’s special properties explain why people across the acne-prone to mature skin spectrum can reap its benefits without pesky clogged pores.
How Argan Oil Compares to Other Oils
Oils higher in oleic acid tend to act more comedogenically than those with high linoleic acid presence. Argan’s precise oleic to linoleic acid ratio closely resembles the skin’s own sebum. As an exceptionally lightweight oil, argan doesn’t feel greasy and penetrates quickly without blocking pores. Contrast this to oils heavier in oleic acid like coconut oil, which breaks some people out due to increased comedogenic behavior relative to argan oil.
What Makes Argan Oil “Pore-Friendly”
Argan oil is renowned for its versatility and numerous benefits for the skin. One of its key features that make it "pore-friendly" is its lightweight molecular structure. The oil is composed of small molecules that are easily absorbed by the skin.
This characteristic ensures that argan oil penetrates the skin quickly and does not leave a heavy or greasy residue behind. This rapid absorption is integral in preventing the oil from clogging pores, which is a common concern for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.
Additionally, argan oil contains a significant amount of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Acne-prone skin tends to have lower levels of linoleic acid, and using products rich in this fatty acid can help balance the skin's lipid content and reduce the risk of clogged pores.
Argan oil also possesses natural antimicrobial properties. It means that the oil has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that are often linked to the formation of acne. By preventing the proliferation of these bacteria, argan oil helps in maintaining clearer and healthier skin.
The richness of argan oil in Vitamin E is another crucial factor. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals, which are molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to various skin issues. By neutralizing these free radicals, Vitamin E in argan oil protects the skin from oxidative stress and reduces the likelihood of exacerbating existing skin problems.
Using 100% Pure, Cold-Pressed Argan Oil Matters
Adulterated products threaten argan oil’s safety for acne-prone and problem skin types. Search for 100% pure, unrefined, sustainably-harvested argan oil. Refined versions undergo processing with chemical solvents stripping away the nutrients essential for argan’s anti-inflammatory properties. These chemicals actually provoke more sensitivity reactions.
Any use of synthetic additives also makes argan products more likely to cause adverse reactions like new or worsened acne breakouts. Unfortunately the soaring popularity of argan oil incentivizes unscrupulous sellers to cut their supply with cheaper ingredients while labeling it 100% pure. See the purchase and use tips below for finding authentic highest-grade argan oil.
How to Incorporate Argan Into Your Routine
When selecting and using argan the right way, people with combination, oily and acneic skin can moisturize without clogging. But because individuals vary, most experts suggest patch-testing first by:
- Trying a couple small dabs on your cheek or jawline
- Observing for 24-48 hours for any redness, itching or emerging bumps
- Discontinuing use if any worrying reaction develops
- Otherwise incorporating into your regimen slowly
If after patch testing, your skin remains even-toned and clear, continue by:
- Using only 2-4 drops to cover the entire face morning and night after cleansing
- Applying to damp skin and allowing the oil to fully absorb before layering products
- Using as the last step before sunscreen in AM and night cream in PM
Conclusion
A high quality, properly extracted and stored argan oil so closely matches skin’s ideal nutritional composition that most users should not experience clogged pores. But oil production methods and person-to-person variability make patch testing prudent before integrating argan oil into your regular routine. Take care to source pure, additive-free argan oil. Then this healing natural oil can indeed harmonize beautifully for both acne and anti-aging purposes.