Plant Sterols in Argan Oil: Benefits for Skin Repair & Health
Plant sterols in our diet and topical creams, such as Argan Oil, have amazing effects on the health of your skin.
They occur in foods and once ingested are processed into substances that protect our skin from aging and regulate many other important functions our body.
So, a healthy supply of phytosterols is essential if you want to maintain a healthy and youthful looking skin [0].
What are Plant Sterols?
Phytosterols are plant-derived lipids that effectively repair the skin barrier and renew aging tissue by increasing beta-sitosterol levels within the skin surface after ingestion or topical application.
Plant sterols are common in our foods. The most important sterols are beta sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. All of which are found in high levels in Culinary and Cosmetic Argan Oil.
Other good sources of beta sitosterol include nuts, plant oils, seeds, cereals and legumes. Once ingested they are absorbed from the intestine into plasma and transferred to skin.
They work quickly to repair and renew aging skin. Studies found that adding 30g day of plant sterols to the diet for 6 weeks it increased beta-sitosterol levels in the skin surface.
How do Plant Sterols Work?
Plant sterols stabilize cell membranes and promote cell renewal to preserve skin firmness and elasticity, directly combating the biological formation of fine lines and wrinkles. By using Cosmetic Argan Oil, you deliver these lipids directly to the dermal matrix for immediate smoothing effects.
When applied to the skin, sterols promote cell renewal and maintain the integrity of cell membranes. This preserves the firmness and elasticity of the tissue, providing a “mirror-ready” outcome of smoother, more resilient skin. In other words, they directly help fight the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Furthermore, these potent lipids maintain critical skin hydration and reduce the inflammation that causes blotchy complexions and acne. This dual-action approach ensures your skin barrier remains calm, hydrated, and youthful.
Sun Protection and Collagen Support
Topical phytosterols prevent UV-induced photo-aging by mimicking skin cholesterol and protecting keratinocytes from collagen breakdown and water loss caused by environmental radiation.
Studies show that plant sterols can mimic cholesterol and prevent loss of epidermal keratinocyte membranes.
This is very important as Keratinocytes form a barrier against environmental damage and attack by viruses, parasites, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and heat, UV radiation and water loss. They protect the skin from the effects of photo-aging by UV in sunlight.
When phytosterols, such as those in cosmetic Argan Oil, are applied to the skin they protect against collagen breakdown caused by UV light.
By promoting cell regeneration, supporting Keratincyates and accelerating collagen production sterols attack causes of skin aging from sun light and maintain skin elasticity.
Immune System – Itchy & Blotchy Skin
Phytosterols act as natural immunity-boosters with potent anti-inflammatory properties that significantly reduce skin itching, irritation, and the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation marks [1].
Phytosterols possess great anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them amazing immunity-boosters [1]. As a result of boosting phytosterol levels skin is less itchy, irritated or inflamed.
Less inflammation and itching means a clearer complexion with less blotchy patches, less spots and less risk of pigmentation marks due to damage by spots.
Scars and Damaged Skin Repair
Ingesting and topically applying sterol-rich oils accelerates the healing of damaged skin layers, providing therapeutic relief for scars, dermatitis, eczema, and severe sunburn.
Phytosterols have a very positive impact on healing damaged skin. As previously discussed they support the repair of injured layers of the skin by boosting the healing process.
Ingesting plant sterols in the diet and the topical application of sterol-rich oils, such as Argan or Cactus Seed Oil, has a very positive effect, healing skin damaged by scars, dermatitis, eczema and sunburn.
Pro-Tip for Menopausal Skin Care:
Because estrogen decline leads to a rapid 30% drop in collagen, phytosterols are an essential lipid-replenisher during menopause. For optimal results, combine dietary Culinary Argan Oil with topical application to ensure your skin receives a consistent supply of beta-sitosterol from the inside out.
Dry Skin Hydration
A 12-week clinical study confirms that phytosterols maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and significantly increase epidermal water content to combat menopause-related collagen loss [6].
Phytosterols reduce Transepidermal Water Loss. A 12 week study discovered that phytosterols maintain the skin barrier and regulate absorption of cholesterol to keep skin optimally hydrated [6].
During menopause there is a lowering in oestrogenic secretion that reduces skin elasticity because it causes a decrease in dermal fibroblasts collagen and elastic fibres. It can lead to a loss of collagen in the skin of up to 30% during the first 5 years after menopause.
A 2014 study discovered that using argan oil led to a significant increase in water content of the epidermis.
Anti-Inflammatory Sterols – Cortisone Alternative
Phytosterols offer a gentle, anti-pruritic alternative to topical steroid creams, providing effective relief for itchy skin and eczema without the risk of long-term skin thinning.
Taking more phytosterols in your diet and using creams or natural oils containing certain phytosterols you may be able avoid using topical steroid creams.
Creams are currently under development to exploit the anti-pruritic (anti itching) properties of sterols. It is proposed that they may offer a more gentle alternative to topical steroid creams.
Phytosterols for Scalp Health
While primarily used for facial rejuvenation, the barrier-repairing properties of phytosterols also support a healthy scalp environment, reducing dryness and irritation that can impact hair vitality.
Because phytosterols like beta sitosterol are effective at reducing inflammation and transepidermal water loss, they are often used to treat dry, itchy scalp conditions. By maintaining the scalp’s moisture barrier, Argan oil helps create the optimal environment for healthy hair.
Read our Full Guide on Beta Sitosterol for Hair Loss & DHT Blocking ►︎
The Phytosterol Content of Argan Oil ►
Frequently Asked Questions
How do plant sterols help with skin aging?
Phytosterols work by stabilizing cell membranes and inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen. This helps maintain skin firmness and prevents the formation of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Are phytosterols safe for menopausal skin?
Yes, they are highly recommended. During menopause, skin loses lipids and collagen rapidly. Phytosterols act as a natural lipid-replenisher to restore hydration and elasticity during this transition.
Can I use plant sterols instead of steroid creams?
While you should consult your doctor, many people find that sterol-rich oils like Argan oil provide a natural, “anti-pruritic” (anti-itching) effect that can help manage mild eczema and irritation without the side effects of hydrocortisone.
Do I need to eat plant sterols or apply them topically?
A “dual-action” approach is most effective. Research shows that dietary intake increases sterol levels in skin surface lipids, while topical application provides immediate barrier repair and UV protection.
Is Argan oil high in beta-sitosterol?
Yes, Argan oil contains significant levels of beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, which are the primary phytosterols responsible for skin repair and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Can phytosterols help with an itchy scalp?
Absolutely. Because they reduce transepidermal water loss and soothe inflammation, they are excellent for repairing the scalp’s moisture barrier and reducing dryness-related itching.
Are there other health benefits to a diet rich in phytosterols?
Beyond skin health, a high intake of plant sterols (specifically beta-sitosterol) is clinically recognized for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol and support prostate health [7].
How does beta-sitosterol support prostate health?
Research suggests that beta-sitosterol can improve urinary flow and reduce the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by modulating inflammatory pathways [8].
Can eating Argan oil help with hair thinning?
Yes. When consumed as part of a regular diet, the beta-sitosterol in Culinary Argan oil acts as a mild 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, reducing the DHT responsible for hair follicle miniaturization [9].