Have you ever experienced the discomfort of a sunburn or minor burn? If so, you know how painful and irritating it can be.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help ease the pain and promote healing. One such remedy is argan oil.
This versatile oil has been used for generations to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burns. In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of using argan oil for burns and how it can help soothe and heal your skin.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to treat burns, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of argan oil.
Is Argan Oil Good For Burns?
Argan oil has been found to have several potential benefits when it comes to treating burns. One of the most significant benefits is its ability to speed up the healing process and prevent infection in wounds.
A study conducted on second-degree burns showed that burns treated with argan oil healed more quickly than those treated with other remedies. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for skin barrier repair, easing inflammation and making the burn feel less tender or itchy while it heals.
Argan oil is rich in fatty acids, which help keep your skin moist and offer relief if the sunburn starts to peel. It also offers antioxidant activity, which has been used for generations to help prevent sun damage. Argan oil has even been found to help protect against UV damage and hyperpigmentation, though it shouldn’t be considered a sufficient substitute for sunscreen.
When using argan oil for burns, it’s important to select the right type of oil. Experts suggest using 100 percent argan oil instead of one that has fragrance in it, as a scented oil may be too aggressive for sensitive skin. It’s also important not to use argan oil on burns that are still fresh, hot, and raw. The oil is occlusive, meaning that it can trap all the heat in your skin and end up making the sunburn worse.
To best use this oil, apply it to slightly damp skin. Since oil technically locks moisture in, you’ll want to apply it directly after you wash your face. Argan oil’s lightweight composition will leave you with a dewy glow rather than a face full of oil.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a plant oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. The oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic and culinary products. Argan oil is available in two types: food-grade and cosmetic-grade. The former is obtained by cold-pressing roasted argan kernels, while the latter is obtained from unroasted kernels. The oil has a sweet, nutty flavor and is used in a variety of dishes, including couscous and pasta. In addition to its culinary uses, argan oil has several potential health benefits. Studies have shown that it may help reduce heart disease risk by lowering levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent remedy for skin barrier repair, easing inflammation and making the burn feel less tender or itchy while it heals. Overall, argan oil is a versatile and beneficial oil that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
The Nutritional Properties Of Argan Oil
Argan oil is a plant oil that is exclusive to Morocco and is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. This oil is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. These compounds make argan oil an excellent source of nourishment for the skin and hair.
The majority of the fat content in argan oil comes from oleic and linoleic acid, both of which are essential fatty acids that support good health. Linoleic acid can aid acne-prone skin and increase skin moisture, while oleic acid can improve the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients penetrate the skin more easily. Vitamin E is also present in high levels in argan oil and provides powerful antioxidant properties that help maintain and repair the eyes, skin, and hair.
Argan oil has been found to be effective at boosting the immune system due to its high concentration of vitamin E. It also helps support skin health and elasticity, resulting in skin that is slower to sag or wrinkle. The same properties that make argan oil helpful for keeping skin looking young may also help wounds heal. The antioxidants found in argan oil can help reduce inflammation, making it an excellent remedy for burns.
How Argan Oil Can Help Soothe Burns
One of the main ways that argan oil can help soothe burns is through its anti-inflammatory properties. The various phenolic compounds in argan oil are likely responsible for most of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. These compounds, such as CoQ10, melatonin, and plant sterols, play a role in its antioxidant capacity.
When applied to the skin affected by minor burns, argan oil can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. In fact, a study on rats with second-degree burns found that applying argan oil directly to their skin helped the burns heal. While further research into its effects on humans is needed, this study suggests that argan oil may be a promising treatment for minor burns.
Argan oil also has occlusive properties, which means that it can trap moisture in the skin. This can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out, which is important for promoting healing in burned skin. Additionally, argan oil’s fatty acids can help keep the skin moist and offer relief if the sunburn starts to peel.
When using argan oil for burns, it’s important to make sure that the burn has cooled completely before applying the oil. Applying argan oil to burns that are still fresh, hot, and raw can trap heat in the skin and make the burn worse. It’s also important to use 100 percent argan oil instead of one that has fragrance in it, as a scented oil may be too aggressive for sensitive skin.
The Science Behind Argan Oil’s Healing Properties
The healing properties of argan oil can be attributed to its high concentration of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Argan oil is a rare oil that is high in both oleic (omega 9) and linoleic (omega 6) essential fatty acids. Both of these fatty acids aid acne-prone skin, which studies show is usually deficient in linoleic acid in the sebum. Depending on its sourcing, argan oil contains about 35–40 percent linoleic acid and 42–48 percent oleic acid.
Linoleic acid has been found to reduce inflammation and acne, and increase skin moisture. Oleic acid, on the other hand, can improve the skin’s permeability and assist other ingredients penetrate the skin more easily. This combination of fatty acids helps to keep the skin moisturized and supple, which is important for healing burns.
Argan oil also contains vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
In addition to its high concentration of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health problems, including skin damage. Argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for burns and other types of skin irritation.
While scientific evidence supporting the benefits of argan oil on the skin is limited, a 2017 study suggests that argan oil may have anti-inflammatory properties that may improve skin health. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of argan oil. However, the existing research suggests that argan oil may be an effective remedy for burns and other types of skin irritation.
How To Use Argan Oil For Burns
When using argan oil for burns, it’s important to proceed with caution. First and foremost, make sure the burn has cooled completely and maybe has started to peel. Applying argan oil to fresh, hot, and raw burns can trap all the heat in your skin and end up making the sunburn worse.
Once the burn has cooled, apply a few drops of 100 percent pure argan oil onto the affected area. Gently massage the oil into the skin until it is fully absorbed. You can apply argan oil to burns multiple times a day as needed.
Argan oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a fantastic remedy for skin barrier repair. Easing inflammation will also help make the burn feel less tender or itchy while it heals. The oil’s Vitamin E, healthy fats, and amino acids aid in the process of cellular regeneration, which speeds up the healing process and prevents infection in wounds.
It’s important to note that argan oil should not be considered a sufficient substitute for sunscreen. While it does offer some UV protection, it should not be relied upon as your sole source of sun protection.
Other Benefits Of Using Argan Oil For Skin Care
In addition to its potential benefits for treating burns, argan oil has a variety of other benefits when it comes to skin care. One of the most notable benefits is its ability to moisturize the skin. Argan oil contains vitamin E and other fatty acids that are easily absorbed into the skin, providing hydration and nourishment that can keep your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
Argan oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation in the skin. This makes it a great option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it can help soothe inflammation and prevent breakouts. Additionally, argan oil may help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving the elasticity of the skin.
Another potential benefit of using argan oil for skin care is its ability to protect against environmental damage. The oil is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors. This can help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy over time.
