Argan oil has become a staple in many beauty routines, thanks to its numerous benefits for both hair and skin. But with its rise in popularity comes questions about how to properly store and use it.
One common concern is whether or not argan oil is heat sensitive. After all, exposure to heat can cause oils to break down and lose their effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind argan oil and heat, and provide tips on how to properly care for this precious oil.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of argan oil!
Is Argan Oil Heat Sensitive?
Argan oil is a delicate oil that can be affected by heat and light. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and light can cause the natural components of the oil to break down, reducing its effectiveness.
This means that it’s important to store argan oil properly, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet or drawer.
When using argan oil for hair or skin care, it’s important to avoid exposing it to high temperatures as well. This means not using it as a hot oil treatment or applying it before using heat styling tools.
However, this doesn’t mean that argan oil can’t be used as a heat protectant. In fact, cold-pressed argan oil is an excellent heat protectant for hair. It coats the hair with a protective layer that reduces the harmful effects of high temperatures.
To use argan oil as a heat protectant, apply it to your hair before styling. This will help protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands.
It’s important to note that while argan oil is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild sensitivity. If you have an inflammatory skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, external oils may aggravate the condition.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil is a natural oil derived from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. This oil has been used for centuries for its numerous health and beauty benefits. The oil is extracted by cold-pressing the kernels of the argan tree, which results in a highly concentrated oil that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Argan oil is known for its ability to hydrate and soften hair and skin. It contains essential fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acid, which help to increase skin moisture and promote healthy skin. Additionally, argan oil contains antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E, which can help protect skin cells from free radical damage and brighten the complexion.
When it comes to hair care, argan oil is an excellent choice for those looking to strengthen damaged and brittle hair. It can help increase hair elasticity and prevent breakage by neutralizing hair damage from free radicals and other elements. Argan oil also works as a heat protectant by coating hair with a protective layer that reduces the harmful effects of high temperatures.
The Science Behind Heat Sensitivity
Argan oil is composed of various components, including fatty acids, tocopherols, and phospholipids. The heat sensitivity of argan oil is mainly due to the presence of these components.
Fatty acids are one of the main components of argan oil, and they play a crucial role in the oil’s heat sensitivity. The higher the content of unsaturated fats in the oil, the more prone it is to heat and oxidation. This results in a shorter shelf life for the oil. Argan oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to heat damage.
Tocopherols, which are a type of vitamin E, are also present in argan oil. These antioxidants play an important role in protecting the oil from oxidative damage caused by heat and light. However, tocopherols themselves are also sensitive to heat and can break down when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.
Phospholipids are another component of argan oil that can be affected by heat. These molecules are essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes and play a crucial role in protecting the skin barrier. When exposed to high temperatures, phospholipids can break down, reducing their effectiveness.
How Heat Affects Argan Oil
Argan oil can be affected by heat, which can alter its chemical composition and reduce its effectiveness. A study conducted on argan oil found that roasting the almonds at high temperatures (above 100°C) resulted in a significant decrease in the tocopherols content, which are important antioxidants that protect the oil from oxidation. This decrease is due to their thermolability, meaning they break down when exposed to high temperatures.
Furthermore, the study found that the phospholipids content increased with roasting temperature and time. This increase could be explained by better extractability of the phospholipids from the roasted almonds. However, the fatty acid composition did not show significant variation regardless of roasting temperature and duration.
The physicochemical parameters (acidity, peroxide value, and absorbance at 232, 270 nm) increased slightly with roasting temperature and duration. The browning index also increased significantly for temperatures greater than or equal to 100°C.
The study concluded that a roasting temperature of 125-150°C for 10 minutes would allow for the development of the organoleptic properties of the oil, such as its hazelnut flavor, without compromising its oxidative stability.
Therefore, it’s important to avoid exposing argan oil to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. When using it for cooking or other applications that involve heat, it’s best to use it over a short period of time and at lower temperatures. When using it for hair or skin care, it’s important to avoid using it as a hot oil treatment or applying it before using heat styling tools. Instead, use it as a heat protectant by applying it before styling to reduce the harmful effects of high temperatures on your hair.
Proper Storage And Usage
To ensure that your argan oil remains effective and fresh, proper storage is essential. Argan oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cabinet or drawer is an ideal storage location.
When using argan oil for hair or skin care, it’s important to avoid exposing it to high temperatures. This means not using it as a hot oil treatment or applying it before using heat styling tools. High temperatures can cause the natural components of the oil to break down, reducing its effectiveness.
However, argan oil can be used as a heat protectant for hair. To use argan oil as a heat protectant, apply it to your hair before styling. This will help protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands.
It’s important to note that while argan oil is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild sensitivity. If you have an inflammatory skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, external oils may aggravate the condition. It’s always best to patch test on a small area of skin before using any new product.
Tips For Protecting Argan Oil From Heat Damage
While argan oil can be used as a heat protectant, it’s important to take precautions to prevent it from being damaged by heat. Here are some tips for protecting argan oil from heat damage:
1. Store it properly: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to store argan oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help preserve its natural components and effectiveness.
2. Apply it sparingly: When using argan oil as a heat protectant, avoid applying too much, as this can cause your hair to become greasy and weigh it down. A few drops of oil should be enough to coat your hair and protect it from heat damage.
3. Use it in conjunction with other oils: As mentioned in the original text, combining argan oil with other oils like avocado oil can provide a dual heat protectant that smooths and protects your locks from hot styling tools and environmental stressors.
4. Don’t use it as a hot oil treatment: While argan oil is great for nourishing your hair, using it as a hot oil treatment can damage the natural components of the oil and reduce its effectiveness as a heat protectant.
5. Apply it before styling: To get the most out of argan oil as a heat protectant, apply it to your hair before using any heat styling tools. This will help create a protective layer that reduces the harmful effects of high temperatures on your hair.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your argan oil remains effective as a heat protectant and helps keep your hair healthy and shiny.
