Argan Oil: The Non-Comedogenic Cleanser and Moisturizer

Argan oil is one of the few oils that doesn't clog pores.

Many health and beauty products now bear the label “non-comedogenic,” but what does that mean, and what makes them better than comedogenic products? In this article, we'll examine this new advertising trend and see which products live up to the label.

What are comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers?

Comedogenic cleansers are any skin or facial washes that cause the pores to become blocked. This is often caused when astringents or other alcohol-based cleansers dry the skin. In response to the sudden loss of moisture, the skin produces an excessive amount of natural oils to compensate, which ultimately clog pores, leading to blackheads and other skin conditions.

Many commercial moisturizers also include alcohol, but it's frequently the other components that create blocked pores. Thick creams and heavy lotions clog pores because they can't fully absorb into the skin, and instead leave a suffocating layer on the surface.

Many more ingredients are simply unnecessary additives to help the product stay on the shelf longer. These stabilizing ingredients often hinder the moisturizing process, as they're designed to prevent the natural breakdown of the product necessary for full absorption. All of this leads to a process of adding unnecessary and often unnatural compounds to the skin, increasing the need for cleansers to clear out pores.

Because of this cycle, the term “non-comedogenic” has been added to many products to tell customers that the skin care item will not do more harm than good.

What are the results of clogged pores?

The blackheads that result from clogged pores, while frustrating, embarrassing, and uncomfortable, aren't the only problem non-comedogenic facial products cause. While acne and dry or oily skin are often dismissed as normal teenaged problems, whether in teens or adults clogged pores aren't an inconsequential matter. Pores fulfill a vital role in the skin's overall function, including waste disposal, and blocking them can result in more lasting damage than a few days' worth of acne.

Sebaceous cysts can result from bacteria being trapped inside pores and hair follicles. When sebum (the oil produced by pores) becomes trapped in the pore or follicle, it forms a cyst inside the skin. While these aren't dangerous, they can be painful, and can sometimes become infected. Acne and sebaceous cysts can also leave scarring on the face that can last for years without treatment.

Though not yet backed by scientific studies, there's also a pool of thought that believes the skin's inability to cleanse itself through its pores might lead to higher toxicity levels, and possibly cancer. While there has been no link established between clogged pores and either cancer higher levels of toxicity in the body, this concern is another reason some people are moving away from products that block pores.

Non-Comedogenic Options

Unfortunately for consumers, there are no real standards regarding what can be considered a non-comedogenic cleanser. As a result, many washes, moisturizers, and astringents claim to be “non-comedogenic,” without having to prove it. Any product that severely dries the skin (even if it claims to be good for dry skin) can be comedogenic, as the dryness it causes leads the skin to produce high amounts of sebum. Products that coat the skin can also clog pores the same way dirt or makeup does.

When searching for non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers, it's important to keep in mind that the skin's pores interact with each product used, including soap, makeup, makeup removal pads, perfumes, etc. Even though one comedogenic product has been removed, another may continue to cause problems. Ideally, only a limited number of products should be used on the sensitive skin of the face.

Finding a genuinely non-comedogenic facial product from a major beauty brand can be difficult, which is why choosing a natural alternative can provide the best relief from clogged pores. Natural exfoliants, moisturizers, cleansers, and acne treatments can be found in a number of different plant-based products, including oils. In recent years, coconut oil has become popular as a natural moisturizer. It's argan oil, however, that works best out of all the natural oils.

What Does Argan Do for the Skin?

Argan oil contains a host of vital nutrients for your skin.

• It has a balance of oleic and linoleic acid to help prevent acne, as regular acne sufferers tend to have low levels of the latter.
• Argan is a natural moisturizer that absorbs quickly and fully into the skin without blocking pores.
• It can help even out skin tone without the use of any artificial ingredients
• Argan even reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
• High volumes of vitamin E slows visible aging in the skin
• And it's ideal for use on delicate skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

What Sets Pure Argan Oil Apart?

Besides being a true non-comedogenic product with moisturizing and cleansing abilities, Aynara pure organic argan oil from Morocco offers a broad range of all natural health benefits. It treats oily or greasy hair, split ends, and dry scalp, all while leaving the skin with a lustrous glow. This makes it an ideal all-in-one product, especially for those trying to limit the number of different health and beauty products they come into contact with.

Buying Argan Oil

It is vital, when selecting a brand of argan, to make sure that the bottle is labeled as pure, organic argan. There should be no other ingredients besides the oil itself, as any additives can detract or even counteract the effectiveness of pure argan oil.  Other 'filler' oils are made up of different compounds that can interact with skin in very different ways, including comedogenic ways. Pure argan oil is naturally balanced in a way that provides the greatest benefit to the skin with few to no side effects. Aynara argan oil is 100% pure, organic oil.

Using Argan Oil

To cleanse or moisturize the skin using argan, first clean the hands to prevent any contamination. Then pour 1 or 2 drops on the pad of the ring finger (the gentlest finger) and softly massage into the skin in slow, circular motions. The best time to do this is in the morning after showering, and at night before going to bed, and after removing all makeup.

In summary, while it's important to choose a non-comedogenic cleanser or moisturizer, many commercial products use the term very loosely. By using pure argan oil, the number of different products coming into contact with the skin is reduced, and no additives, stabilizers, or any artificial ingredients are used. Pure, organic argan oil is simply one of the safest and most effective health and beauty treatments available.