Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the argan tree (Argania Spinosa), which dates back millions of years to the Tertiary Period. Once covering North Africa and parts of southern Europe, it now exists only in Morocco (approximately 2,125,106 acres remain). The argan tree plays a vital role in providing both food and protection against desertification. In 1999, the argan tree was protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Heritage plant. The people of Morocco have used Argan oil for centuries as both a culinary and cosmetic oil. Production of argan oil is extremely labor-intensive. Tribeswomen harvest and press the oil, and it can take up to 10 hours to crack enough nuts to produce a single quart of oil.
Argan oil contains 80% unsaturated essential fatty acids — omega 3, 6, and 9 — as well as antioxidants, Vitamin E, and saponins which soften the skin. It is effective in treating common skin ailments such as acne, dry skin, wrinkles, and dermatitis by restoring the skin’s water lipid layer. It cools and soothes inflammation and helps to neutralize free radicals.
BENEFITS OF ARGAN OIL?
Argan oil is at the center of many beauty rituals practiced by Morocco’s most beautiful women. Argan oil is widely renowned for its healing, nourishing, moisturizing and hydrating properties, and imparts many benefits to hair, skin and nails. What makes this oil such a treasure is that it is packed with a wealth of powerful vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids — in fact, it is so rich that only a small amount is needed to gain its maximum healing, nourishing, moisturizing, and hydrating effects.
1. Protects, hydrates and nourishes dry, dull skin – Argan oil is a lightweight oil that is 100% natural and non-irritating to skin, contains no synthetic chemicals, and is safe for all skin types. Argan oil seals in moisture on the skin and can easily be used over the entire body. It is the perfect remedy for cracked, chapped lips. A couple of drops warmed up in your palms work as a great nighttime moisturizer for the face and neck, as well.
2. Great for use on wrinkles, stretch marks and scars, and it also helps to even out skin tone – The Vitamin E and Vitamin A contained in Argan oil make it a perfect choice for improving skin elasticity and toning skin in problem areas. Massage the oil directly into scars and stretch marks. This ritual will even help to reduce fine wrinkles and keep areas around the eyes moisturized.
3. Strengthens and conditions hair, promotes hair growth, conditions the scalp, and adds shine – Argan oil penetrates hair quickly with no greasy feel and no build-up, which makes it the perfect leave-in conditioning treatment. Apply 4 to 8 drops of Argan oil to hair overnight for a deep-conditioning hair treatment. (Remember to cover hair with a shower cap while you sleep to protect linens.) Wash the oil out of your hair in the morning. To promote hair growth, massage 1 to 3 drops onto the scalp to stimulate and condition every inch.
4. Tames frizz and prevents split ends – Apply a few drops of Argan oil into your palm. Rub your hands together and then gently pass them through your hair. Apply evenly through to end of the hair. The proteins in the oil help strengthen the hair and seal split ends. The oil will also seal in moisture and add shine to the hair.
5. Soothe and condition cuticles and strengthen nails – First, clean dry nails and cuticles. Then massage oil directly into cuticles, nails, and the skin around your nails to help prevent dryness and cracking. The skin and cuticles will remain soft and moisturized with continued use.
HOW TO USE ORGAN OIL?
Before you start using pure Argan oil, keep these things in mind:
- Know the quality and purity of your Argan oil to get the best results for your skin and hair.
- Know the application methods and benefits of pure Argan oil.
If you want your skin and hair to look their best, always use 100% pure Argan oil and don’t settle for anything less. There are many brands on the market that claim to have “the best Argan oil”. The quality of the Argan oil depends on many factors, starting with the harvesting methods, the kernels storage conditions, and the extraction process, which is a long process to obtain the magical and wonderful pure liquid gold.
Here are a few tips to help you identify your Argan oil quality without having to go all the way back to where it came from.
Color:
The first thing you need to consider when it comes to quality pure Argan oil is its color; it needs to be light golden and free of ant residues or sediments.
Texture:
Pure Argan oil should have low viscosity, be very light and not thick or oily.
Smell:
The smell of Argan oil is a good indicator when it comes to the quality and purity of the oil. An overwhelming, strong, nutty smell can mean one of the following:
The Argan kernel was stored in a humid environment, or water was added during the extraction process; 100% pure Argan oil carries a discrete, subtle, nutty smell.
HOW TO USE PURE COSMETIC ARGAN OIL?
Cosmetic Argan oil is usually produced using traditional methods without roasting the Argan kernel, a process known as cold pressing. There are two grades of cosmetic Argan oil:
1- Extra virgin cosmetic Argan oil: A low acidity level of 0.5 makes it gentle and ideal for all skin types because of its light absorption and noninflammatory properties.
2- Virgin cosmetic Argan oil: With an acidity level of between 0.6 and 1.8, this grade of Argan oil is very helpful when it comes to hair treatments. The high level of acidity rejuvenates and strengthens the hair roots and restores its shine.
How to apply pure Argan oil?
1. On your skin:
Argan oil is a lightweight oil that is 100% natural and non-irritating to skin, contains no chemicals and is safe for all skin types. Argan oil seals in moisture on the skin and can easily be used over the whole body. It is the perfect remedy for cracked, chafed lips. A couple of drops warmed up in your palms works as a great nighttime moisturizer for the face and neck as well.
2- On your hair:
Argan oil penetrates hair quickly with no greasy feel and no buildup, which makes Argan oil the perfect leave-in conditioning treatment. Apply 4 to 8 drops on the hair and let it sit overnight for a deep conditioning hair treatment. Remember to cover your hair with a shower cap while you sleep, to protect linens. Wash the oil out of your hair in the morning. To promote hair growth, massage 1 to 3 drops onto the scalp to stimulate and condition your scalp, or apply a few drops of oil to your palms. Rub your hands together and then through your hair. Apply evenly through to the ends of the hair. The proteins in the oil help strengthen the hair and seal split ends. The oil will seal in moisture and add shine to your hair as well.
3- On your nails:
Massage Argan oil directly into your cuticles, nails, and the skin around your nails to help prevent dryness and cracking. The skin and cuticles will stay moisturized and soft with continued use.
Recent Comments