Is argan oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the scalp, face, and neck. Argan oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. It has been used for centuries in Morocco to treat hair and scalp problems.

Argan oil is often used as a hair treatment because it penetrates into the hair shaft and helps to restore shine and elasticity. Applied regularly, argan oil can help to prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, and reduce frizz.

Some people use argan oil as a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. However, there is no evidence that argan oil is effective for treating facial and scalp seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, it may aggravate the condition.

Let’s take a deep dive:

Can I use argan oil on my face if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

Argan oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions and for smooth, shiny hair. It is thought to soothe the skin and reduce the inflammation. Some of the benefits of using argan oil include reducing the appearance of wrinkles, improving skin tone, and reducing the appearance of scars.

However, argan oil contains linoleic acid and oleic acid. Malassezia feeds on free fatty acids on the skin so potentially argan oil could be making your skin oilier and encouraging Malassezia proliferation, aggravating seborrheic dermatitis.

Use argan oil on your face at your own peril. Argan oil may be a great way to moisturize skin when you have dry, non-sensitive skin. However, it’s a definite no-no when you have SD. Consider using MCT oil instead.

If you are older with dry skin but still suffering from SD, you might be able to get away with using whipped argan oil. This formulation absorbs much easier. It is still a thick cream so if you find it makes your SD worse, stop using it immediately.

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Further reading: The 5 Best Face Moisturizers For Seborrheic Dermatitis

Is argan oil good for dandruff?

Argan oil has been used as a natural remedy to treat scalp issues and hair problems for centuries. It contains powerful antioxidants that are very beneficial when dealing with itchy scalps and hair growth. Argan oil also has Vitamin E, which helps your scalp and hair to stay healthy.

Argan oil has long been touted as a natural remedy for dandruff. It is said to improve the scalp’s ecology, which in turn aids in the elimination of dandruff. It also potentially reduces inflammation and scaling in the scalp, leading to less itching.

However, dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and go by the same principles. Left on the scalp, argan oil makes your head oily and itchy, inflaming it further.

Having said that, there is a way to gain some benefit from argan oil without worsening scalp SD.

How do you apply argan oil to your scalp for the best results?

If you’re looking for a hair treatment option that will leave your locks looking shiny, strong and healthy, argan oil is a great choice. It’s a light, moisturizing oil that can be used on its own or as a base for other treatments.

Argan oil can be applied to wet or dry hair. Some people prefer to apply it to wet hair, as the water helps to spread the oil evenly throughout the hair and makes it easier to massage it into the scalp.I find that applying argan oil to dry hair is more effective, as it better seals in moisture.

Mix in a few drops of tea tree oil and other essential oils that can improve seborrheic dermatitis, then warm the oil up before massaging it into your scalp thoroughly, working harder on crusted areas. (these carrier oils are safer for seborrheic dermatitis)

Allow the oil time to penetrate, about 10 to 15 minutes should do, before shampooing with an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders. Otherwise, you’ll have a difficult time rinsing it out completely.

Argan oil is a great heat protectant and shine booster for dry hair. But it can leave behind an oily residue. Hair products for shine that contain argan oil also has silicone and other ingredients that can cause build up on the scalp.

If you have SD, I don’t recommend leaving argan oil on your hair. It can make your scalp greasy very quickly, aggravating itch and flaking. However, if you feel your locks can’t do without argan oil, apply a very small amount onto the hair ends, avoiding your scalp as much as possible.

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Further reading: The 5 best hair oils for seborrheic dermatitis

Can I sleep with argan oil in my hair?

Some people like to apply argan oil to their hair before bed and leave it in overnight. Argan oil is thought to prevent damage to the hair. The cuticle of the hair shaft is coated with argan oil, which repairs and nourishes it.

If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, I don’t recommend leaving argan oil on overnight. The oil will make your scalp oily and itchy. It will also transfer from your hair to your face and neck, potentially triggering seborrheic dermatitis. All in all, it makes for an uncomfortable night’s sleep and you might end up with red patches of SD the next day.

Does argan oil make your scalp itch?

One of the benefits of argan oil is that it can help reduce inflammation of the scalp. However, some people do find that argan oil causes their scalp to itch. If you experience this, you can try using a smaller amount of argan oil or diluting it with another type of oil before applying it to your scalp.

A better way for SD sufferers to reap the benefits of argan oil without the risks is to use a shampoo or conditioner that contains argan oil, which will help to nourish your scalp without causing any irritation.

There are even anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners that contain argan oil:

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Does ingesting argan oil help with seborrheic dermatitis?

Argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Ingesting it may be especially beneficial for skin health, hair health, and overall well-being.

Argan oil may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, improve skin texture, and prevent hair loss. Argan oil is also beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and protecting against heart disease.

The high concentration of vitamin E in argan oil helps to boost your immune system. Indirectly, this may also help with seborrheic dermatitis. More research is needed in this area, but there is potential that ingesting argan oil can help improve SD.

Having said that, there are many other beneficial oils like olive oil that is much cheaper and readily available. These oils confer similar benefits and is more palatable.

To wrap up

While argan oil may have many healthy properties, it can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis. If you are considering using argan oil, try it in small amounts and monitor for side effects.