BEAUTY AND SKIN CARE

April 08, 2020

Beauty always begins with healthy hairs & skin. So here I will be talking about a specific oil which is 'MOROCCAN Oil' which is beneficial for both skin and hairs.....

What is Moroccan oil? 

Moroccan oil is made from the kernels of the argan nut, which is found inside the fruit of the argan tree, native to Morocco (hence the name). In order to get the oil, the fruit has to be dried (typically under the sun), and the nuts extracted, cracked, and pressed—so that the oil is released. Because of the small supply and that growing these types of trees is mostly limited to a single country, Moroccan oil is considered to be one of the rarer oils, which explains the hype and why it can be so expensive.

If you've heard of Moroccan oil, chances are, you've heard of argan oil. If you’re scratching your head, wondering what the difference between the two is, the answer is simple: They are basically the same thing. However, argan oil is a purer form, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City. Since it comes down to purity, Dr. Jaliman actually recommends selecting a product that claims to be 100 percent argan oil over a product that says Moroccan oil.

The benefits of Moroccan oil

Moroccan oil is packed with omega fatty acids, which improve dry skin and add shine to damaged hair. The phenols in Moroccan oil maintain scalp health and help to balance the pH levels, which can combat oil, explains Dr. Jaliman. It also boasts vitamin E and linoleum acids to lightly moisturize your skin, soften dry patches, and even reduce acne scars, Dr. Jaliman adds. Even better? Moroccan oil is considered anti-aging, meaning it can help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent sun damage.

And while it's safe to use on most skin types (and can even keep psoriasis and eczema at bay), Dr. Jaliman cautions against using it if you’re prone to breakouts. Moroccan oil contains oleic acid, a highly comedogenic ingredient (translation: it can clog pores), and could cause inflammatory acne. “If you are acne-prone and experience breakouts often, I would not use too much of any oil,” warns Dr. Jaliman. “However, this is a lightweight oil compared to other much heavier ones, which block pores.”

How to use Moroccan oil

When it comes to using Moroccan oil for skin, a little can go a long way—so think, less is more. Apply a few droplets in the palm of your hand, and then use your fingers to massage the oil onto your face or onto cracked cuticles.

Because argan oil is lighter in comparison to other oils on the market, it can be a total game changer for dry, parched hair, as well—particularly when it comes to hydrating tresses and adding shine. Celebrity stylist Dmitiri Giannetos, who works with Camila Cabello and Meghan Trainor, loves working with Moroccan oil: “It gives a deep moisture to the hair compared to all the other oils without making the hair feel either heavy or greasy." Use it on hair that has been towel dried, and work it into your ends in the morning before brushing.Interested in reaping the moisturizing benefits of Moroccan oil, but don't know where to start? Keep scrolling for expert-approved picks for skin, hair, and nails.

Josie Maran 100 Percent Argan Oil

Dr. Jaliman's pick, this 100 percent argan oil can be used for practically everything, including face, hair, nails, and body. Also great: It could make your hair grow. “Products containing argan oil potentially help nourish the scalp and encourage dermal stem cells, therefore helping grow hair,” says Dr. Jaliman. 

Moroccanoil Treatment Light

A go-to for Giannetos, this lightweight treatment contains nourishing argan oil and linseed extract (derived from flaxseed), which is a good source of alpha linolenic acid, a fatty acid that helps improve hair health. This was actually the first hair oil Giannetos used as a stylist, and he has relied on it for years: “They have the right recipe for a lightweight oil that’s also very hydrating at the same time.”