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How Effective Is Argan Oil for Psoriasis?
Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the argan tree, which can be found primarily in Morocco. There are two grades of argan oil, culinary and cosmetic, but this oil is one of the rarest in the world. Although the oil is valued for both its nutritious and age-defying properties, there is little clinical evidence to suggest that argan oil for psoriasis is an effective treatment.
The nutritional benefits of argan oil are well documented, and clinical trials have demonstrated that the oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, carotenes, phenols and polysterols. In other words, the vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats contained within the oil have certain health-related benefits that include the prevention of cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol. The presence of these nutrients is why some people believe that using argan oil for psoriasis will help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
People who suffer from psoriasis will often experience symptoms such as inflamed skin, which can become scaly. Likewise, excessive itching also can occur, and it can lead to further inflammation and sometimes infection. Oil from the argan tree is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so many psoriasis sufferers claim that by applying argan oil to the affected areas, inflammation and the likelihood of infection are significantly reduced. In addition, vitamin E and fatty acids are thought to assist in the process of skin regeneration, thereby accelerating the healing process.
Cosmetic argan oil for psoriasis is also believed to protect the skin from a number of factors. An individual who suffers from psoriasis is known to be particularly sensitive to some external elements. It is claimed by some people that argan oil can act as a barrier for defense against the sun, wind and some environmental pollutants that can be absorbed through the skin and can lead to further irritation.
There have been several studies and many independent clinical trials that have examined the nutritional and health-related benefits associated with consuming culinary-grade argan oil. The results have been conclusive, and the nutritional composition of the oil is undisputed. As of mid-2011, however, cosmetic-grade argan oil had been subject to only one clinical trial. Although research has shown that argan oil does have beneficial effects when used for cosmetic purposes, this research has not conducted by an independent body, nor has it focused on the efficacy of using argan oil for psoriasis.
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![The vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats contained within argan oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease.]()
By: dalaprodThe vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats contained within argan oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease. -
![Argan oil is derived from the fruit of the native Moroccan Argan tree.]()
By: cutArgan oil is derived from the fruit of the native Moroccan Argan tree. -
![Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by itchy, red patches of skin that are often scaly.]()
By: Farina3000Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by itchy, red patches of skin that are often scaly. -
![Psoriasis on the scalp may produce unsightly flakes.]()
By: Jasmin MerdanPsoriasis on the scalp may produce unsightly flakes.
Discussion Comments
After several years of very mild psoriasis having gone into the last two years of severe psoriasis on my arms and legs, I have now used a dry oil spray with argan oil on my skin and it is going away! Very quick and dramatic results.
@Lonelygod: Any sulfate free shampoo will help you. since sulfates dry out your hair and damage your scalp so that might be your problem. Always check the ingredient list for them. Try to get argan oil shampoos since argan oil is the best oil for keeping hair healthy, soft and moisturized. Look for Pro Natural’s argan oil shampoo. That one is the best in my experience, plus salons use it so it must be good for others too.
I started using Shea moisture shampoo and conditioner. (the raw shea and argan oil) and within four or five days, the results were amazing. I have had pretty bad scalp psoriasis for over 15 years and all of a sudden the flaking is not near as bad and the psoriasis seems to be clearing. My hair looks so shiny and thicker.
I have tried so many other natural shampoos over the years and nothing has made my scalp and hair look and feel so good. I have had a number of people ask me what I have done to my hair. I just ordered the same brand body lotion to put on my arms and legs because I could not find the lotion locally and plan to try the culinary oil as soon as possible. The culinary oil is kind of pricey but may be worth it.
@lonelygod - I used argan oil on my skin and I feel that it did improve the texture quite a lot. It seems like the areas that were especially scaly were much smoother and less itchy.
As for your scalp, you actually might be better off with a shampoo for psoriasis. I think that if you put argan oil directly into your hair it might be a hard thing to wash out easily.
My scalp was never that bad, but I found that a simple shampoo with a touch of argan oil in it worked for me. It helped with the flaking, so at least I could avoid the embarrassment of dandruff.
I have psoriasis on my scalp and sometimes the itching drives me mad. I have been considering getting some argan oil for my scalp. Does anyone have any experience using argan oil for psoriasis? Did it help you?
The argan oil I am looking at is quite expensive and I want to make sure I am getting my money's worth if I purchase it. There are also a few higher end shampoos that use argan oil as one of their ingredients. While the shampoos are still expensive, they don't come close to what argan oil costs. It would be an option if I don't really need to use pure oil.
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