5 things you probably didn't know about ingredient du jour, argan oil

Argan oil is the ingredient that natural beauty fans love, and it's getting more and more popular for a very good reason: it works

More and more women all of skin types have introduced various oils into their beauty regimes over the past few years, but it's argan oil that is a particularly useful ingredient for skin and hair. Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it soothes skin and it doesn't irritate. This makes it ideal for dry, sensitive skin, but suitable for other skin types, too.

You know broadly that argan oil is good for skin and hair, here are five things you didn't know.

• It can soothe and help treat acne

If you grew up avoiding oil because you were told that it clogs pores, causing breakouts, remove that thought from your mind. In general, oils used in cosmetics now are emollient: soft and soothing on the skin. Argan oil has the opposite effect of causing breakouts; it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for acne-prone skin.

Still worried about putting oil on oil? Argan oil is non-greasy, in fact, it actually helps to regulate the skin's oil production levels. Combo skin that feels oily in the morning and drier as the day goes on can also benefit from argan oil. It helps to balance out sebum activity and soothe the skin when it's dry.

• Anti-ageing

Argan oils have anti-ageing properties; it adds moisture and hydration to dehydrated skin, helping skin to hold onto its youthful plumpness. Containing anti-oxidants that not only helps with combating blemishes, it also helps slow down the ageing process and helps to maintain firmness and elasticity.

• Healing

Those nifty anti-oxidants contained in argan oil are also super beneficial for irritated skin. Whether it's the cracked, hard skin on feet that have been encased in sturdy shoes all winter, or a burn on your hand thanks to a fiddly moment with your curling tongs, a few drops of argan oil can soothe sore skin, speed up the healing process, and reduce inflammation.

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful thing, sure, but a baby isn't always the only result. Stretch marks are a common issue with pregnant women, as is sagging skin after the baby is born. So, along comes argan oil to the rescue! Its high Vitamin E content increases the elasticity of the skin; rubbing some argan oil onto areas prone to stretch marks can reduce the likelihood of them developing.

• Makeup removal

Argan oil is also effective at removing stubborn and waterproof makeup, as it dilutes the components in long-lasting cosmetics that are resistant to water.  Just apply the oil to your face and rub in with your fingers. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Voila!