face mask before or after shaving

Argan Oil for Face Benefits, Uses, and Recommendations

Argan oil is becoming increasingly popular in the beauty industry due to its numerous benefits for the skin. This oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is found mostly in Morocco. Argan oil contains high levels of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a natural and effective skincare product. 

In this post, we discuss the benefits, uses, and recommendations of argan oil for the face.

What does Argan Oil do for your Skin

Moisturizes the Skin

Argan oil is known for its excellent moisturizing properties. It helps to hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and radiant. Typically, argan oil is suitable for all skin types. People with dry skin can benefit from its moisturizing qualities, while individuals with oily skin may also find it agreeable, given its lightweight nature that doesn’t impart a greasy sensation to the skin.

Anti-Aging Properties

Due to its high levels of antioxidants, argan oil helps to prevent and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. A 2020 study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy found that argan oil was effective in reducing the signs of aging in the skin. The study involved 100 women aged 40-60 who were divided into two groups. One group applied argan oil to their faces twice daily for 12 weeks, while the other group applied a placebo oil.

Reduces Inflammation

With fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acids, argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling, redness, and irritation on the skin.

Improves Skin Elasticity

Argan oil contains essential fatty acids that help to improve skin elasticity, making it firmer and more youthful-looking. According to Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas “It is especially beneficial for dry skin, as it can help to improve the skin’s elasticity…”

how to Uses of Argan Oil for Face

Daily Moisturizer

  • After cleansing your face, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply 2-4 drops of argan oil to your fingertips.
  • Gently pat and press the oil onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
  • Allow it to absorb into your skin for a few minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen.

Anti-Aging Treatment

  • Apply argan oil to clean skin before bedtime.
  • Focus on areas with fine lines and wrinkles, such as the corners of your eyes and mouth.
  • Gently massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion.

Acne Treatment

  • After cleansing, apply 1-2 drops of argan oil to your acne-prone areas.
  • Let it absorb into your skin, and you can leave it on overnight.
  • Argan oil can help balance sebum production and reduce inflammation.

Scar Healing

  • Massage a few drops of argan oil onto scars or stretch marks twice a day.
  • Consistent use over several weeks can help fade their appearance.

Skin Brightening

  • Apply argan oil to areas with hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
  • Use it as a spot treatment or apply it evenly to your entire face for a more even complexion.

Makeup Remover

  • Put a few drops of argan oil onto a cotton pad or your fingertips.
  • Gently rub it over your face to dissolve makeup.
  • Rinse your face with warm water and follow with your regular cleanser.

Lip Treatment

  • Dab a drop or two of argan oil onto dry or chapped lips.
  • Rub your lips together to distribute the oil evenly.

Face Mask Booster

  • Add a few drops of argan oil to your favorite face mask before applying it to your skin.
  • This will enhance the mask’s moisturizing and nourishing effects.

Beard Oil

  • Apply a few drops of argan oil to your palms, then rub them together.
  • Gently massage the oil into your beard, starting from the roots to the tips.

Sunburn Relief

  • After sun exposure, gently apply argan oil to sunburned areas.
  • Its soothing properties can help reduce redness and discomfort.

Pre-Shave Oil

  • Apply argan oil to your face and neck before shaving.
  • This will create a smooth surface and reduce irritation during shaving.

Overnight Treatment

  • Before going to bed, apply a generous amount of argan oil to your face and neck.
  • Leave it on overnight, and you can use it as a deep moisturizing treatment.

WILL ARGAN OIL CLOG YOUR PORES?

Argan oil is a non-comedogenic oil, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores. “Argan oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it a good choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin,” said Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand.

However, it is important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

In fact, the potential for pore clogging exists with virtually any product, particularly when your skin exhibits a natural sensitivity to specific ingredients. If you find that argan oil is clogging your pores, you can try using a smaller amount or using it less often. You can also try using a different oil, such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.

Recommendations for Using Argan Oil 

  • Look for Cold-Pressed, Organic Argan Oil: Cold-pressed, organic argan oil is the purest and most effective form of argan oil.
  • Patch Test Before Use: Before using argan oil on your face, test a small amount on your inner arm to ensure you are not allergic to it.
  • Use Sparingly: A little bit of argan oil goes a long way. Use only a few drops at a time to avoid over-moisturizing your skin.
  • Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Argan oil can degrade when exposed to light and heat. Store it in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.
  • Use as Part of Your Skincare Routine: To achieve maximum benefits from argan oil, use it regularly as part of your skincare routine.
  • Use Only Pure, High-Quality Argan Oil: Look for 100% pure, organic, cold-pressed argan oil to ensure you are getting the best quality product.

Argan Oil vs. other oils

Argan Oil vs. Coconut Oil: While both oils are good at moisturizing the skin, argan oil is lighter and less greasy than coconut oil. Argan oil is also less likely to clog pores, making it a better choice for acne-prone skin.

Argan Oil vs. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating and hypoallergenic. However, argan oil contains more antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it a better choice for anti-aging purposes.

FAQs

  1. Is argan oil good for oily skin? Yes, argan oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. It helps regulate sebum production, reducing the likelihood of acne breakouts.
  2. Can argan oil be used as a sunscreen? No, argan oil does not provide sufficient sun protection. It is recommended to use a separate sunscreen when going out in the sun.
  3. How often should I use argan oil on my face? You can use argan oil on your face once or twice a day. Start by using a small amount and gradually increase the frequency if your skin tolerates it well.
  4. Can argan oil be used on sensitive skin? Yes, argan oil is gentle and non-irritating, making it safe for use on sensitive skin.
  5. Does argan oil have a strong scent? No, argan oil has a mild, nutty scent that dissipates quickly.

Final Takeaway

Argan oil is a versatile and beneficial skincare product that can help hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. Its anti-aging properties and ability to regulate sebum production make it an excellent choice for all skin types. When using argan oil for the face, it’s important to choose a high-quality product, start slowly, and use it in combination with other skincare products for maximum benefits. So, incorporate argan oil into your daily skincare routine and enjoy its many benefits!

The Best Skincare Products for Men: How to Achieve Healthy and Clear Skin

It’s the 21st century and everyone has a right to take good care of themselves, specifically men, who tend to ignore self-care and hygienic problems. If you want to look your best all the time, a proper skincare routine is essential and here are our guides to the best skincare products for men for those who are in need.

Best Face Soaps for Men

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in skincare which helps you clean, remove dirt and oil on your face after a day. There are various types of face wash on the market and it might be quite confusing to people who are new to skincare, but don’t worry, we have a few recommendations for you:

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: If you have oily skin and are struggling with finding the suitable face wash, this is the one for you. CeraVe Foaming Facial cleanser has been liked and chosen by many customers for a long time as it’s an effective cleansing product for oily faces without making their skin feel dry and dehydrated.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash: For those who are having dull, tired-looking skin, you really should try out this product. Kiehl’s facial energizing cleanser contains caffeine, menthol and vitamin E which can help skin resist the effects of environmental stress and gives your skin a fresher, healthier appearance. However, if you’re on a budget, you should take it into consideration before purchasing it since this product is quite pricey.

Best Face Lotions for Men

Face lotion is an item that keeps your skin hydrated, locks in moisture and nutrients and protects it from environmental irritants. Here are a few high-quality, popular face lotions for men:

Clinique for Men Maximum Hydrator Activated Water-Gel Concentrate: Men who have dry skin can totally count on this product to keep their skin moisturized all day as there are hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water in the ingredients, which do wonders in hydrating. But those with oily skin can skip Clinique men’s face lotion because it might be too moist on their skin, which might lead to acne.

Bulldog Skincare Original Moisturizer: This moisturizer for men is designed to provide all-day hydration without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky. 96% of the ingredients of Bulldog Original face lotion are natural which feels very soft and gentle on your skin. If you don’t like products that have a strong scent, this is not for you as some customers said that the scent of it was too powerful.

Best Face Masks for Men

We know that you think the term “Face mask” sounds girly but in fact, people of all genders can wear a face mask without being associated with femininity because self-care is genderless. Let us introduce you to one of the most popular face masks:

Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: Origins charcoal masks are perfect for people with oily or acne-prone skin since they can deep clean and draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers like impurities, debris, reduces excess oils that can lead to blemishes and elevate the appearance of skin’s texture and pores. Many people love this item for its effectiveness in face cleansing but there are also consumers complaining that this product dries too quickly on the skin.

L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Detox and Brighten Mask: This mask with 3 Pure Clays and Charcoal can help you reduce dull skin and increase luminosity which makes your skin look brighter with a healthy glow, smoother and more even skin tone. People love this mask a lot and they have seen many improvements after using it for weeks. However, if you have a sensitive nose, the scent of it might irritate you.

Best Anti-Aging Creams for Men

Like many women, men do want to stay young and youthful for years, that’s why anti-aging creams for men exist. Here are our recommendations:

Lab Series Max LS Power V Lifting Cream: Anti-Age Max LS Cream gives users a visible lift against the effects of gravity, such as sagging and decreased firmness for more sculpted-looking, youthful skin. There are many natural ingredients in it, such as goji berry, coffee Arabica seed oil and oat protein. Many people have used it and love how smooth and young their skin looks after at least a month. But this item is quite expensive so it’s not for those who are on a tight budget.

L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Vita Lift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Moisturizer: This cream is designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness as it contains Pro-Retinol which does wonders in stimulating collagen production. Most of the reviews of L’Oreal Men Anti-Wrinkle and Firming moisturizer are quite positive, whereas there are consumers complaining that this product feels plastic on their faces.

Best Hyaluronic Acids for Men’s Face

For those who don’t know, Hyaluronic acid AKA HA, is a substance that is quite commonly used in the skincare field to moisturize, help skin stretch, flex and reduce skin wrinkles and fine lines and it can even heal wounds.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: This serum of Drunk Elephant will keep your skin hydrated all day as there is a blend of hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide which can improve your skin texture and tone, maintaining its hydration. This is a great product overall, however, the price of it might upset some potential consumers because Drunk Elephant is famous not only for its great products but also expensive prices.

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel: If you have dry skin and are looking for a product that can moisturize your crusty, dry skin, this might be the one. The brand claims that: This oil-free moisturizer combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to help bind moisture to the skin. It can be used alone or with a daily moisturizer to provide extra hydration and is an ideal moisturizer for acne-prone skin. A lot of customers love it and have been using it for years. They say that this product feels very light on their skin and they can see their wrinkles and lines fading. But it works best in the cold, dry weather of the winter because the hot and moist summer will make your skin feel heavy when you apply it.

Best Eye Bag Creams for Men

Not only women but there are men who are concerned about their eye bags as they can be very visible after just one night of lack of sleep. Here are some products that can help you with this issue.

Brickell Men’s Restoring Eye Cream: Brickell Men’s eye cream is formulated with natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of eye bags and puffiness while firming and hydrating the skin around the eyes. This cream is said to be effective in fading the appearance of dark circles and eye bags while also moisturizing and hydrating that area. However, if you have really dark eye bags, this product might not be strong enough.

Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair Cream: Another exclusively for men product is an eye cream from Kiehl’s. Kiehl’s informed on their official website that this product contains Rye seed extract which can decrease the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes, Linseed extract for firmer skin and blurring minerals to brighten the eyes area. This product is loved by customers thanks to its amazing moisturization but it might take you at least more than 1 to 2 months to see any visible result.

Best Retinol Creams for Men 

If retinol sounds unfamiliar to you, we can explain it. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is added to skin creams, lotions and serums for its anti-aging effects and acne elimination. If you’re interested in those 2 benefits that we said above, here are our suggestions for you.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream: This cream from Neutrogena not only has retinol, it also contains HA which can help you hydrate the skin and improve skin texture. Like any retinol product on the market, Neutrogena retinol cream is chosen by customers because it really makes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines fade over time, but irritations after applying it are inevitable.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer: This product is formulated with retinol and vitamin B3, these 2 substances combined, provide users with better skin texture and of course, a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines. Overall it’s a nice moisturizing product but in terms of anti-aging, many customers complain that this product is too slow on fading aging signs.

Best Shave Creams for Men

Besides using retinol or HA to appear younger, men can also shave daily to maintain a neat, youthful look. A good shave cream can provide a smooth and comfortable shave while also hydrating and nourishing the skin. 

Proraso Shaving Cream: The main ingredients of this shaving cream are Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol which is a purifying and toning action with a refreshing and revitalizing effect that can be used for every kind of beard and skin type. Many customers like its smell because it’s not too strong like other shaving creams. However, you might feel a little bit of burn on your skin after shaving.

The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream: This product is specially formulated to avoid irritations, razor burns and leave you with smooth, hydrated skin after shaving. It’s also very rich in glycerin, coconut and pure sandalwood essential oil, giving it a very nature-like scent. This product is highly rated on many online shopping websites, however, many people find its smell too strong, which irritates those with sensitive noses.

Investing in yourself will never be a waste of money, especially when you understand your needs and skin status well, skincare is not gonna be too difficult for everyone, even beginners. If you’re new to this aspect of self-love, you can use our article as a reference for any future purchases.