What is argan oil?
Argan oil is extracted from the kernel of the fruit of the argan tree, a thousand-year-old tree cultivated in Morocco in the arid areas of the Atlas Mountains. This precious nut oil, used in cooking as well as in beauty, symbolizes the Berber art of living, it is one of the emblems of the Kingdom of Morocco where it has been used for centuries. Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids (over 75%), argan oil is known for its nourishing, regenerating, repairing, anti-aging properties. Its fatty acid content restores suppleness to the skin. Dry or malnourished skin regains a feeling of comfort. Another asset and not the least, argan oil is beneficial for all skin types and is particularly suitable for dry and mature skin. However, the treasure of the desert is a victim of its success. Since the oil has become ultra desirable in cosmetics, its production has been considerably intensified and industrialized. Such a development would threaten the argan groves with extinction.
Close to the olive the argan nut is more difficult to cultivate hence its cost much higher than for other oils.
What are the benefits of argan oil?
As a cosmetic ingredient of choice, argan oil is known for its many properties:
Anti-aging
Rich in vitamin E, sterols (lipids) and phenolic compounds (antioxidants), argan oil fights free radicals responsible for premature skin aging and stimulates the enzymatic activity of skin defense cells.
Anti-wrinkle
Vitamin E and the polyphenols in argan oil stimulate collagen synthesis which strengthens the supporting tissue of the epidermis. On the surface, the skin is plumped up, more supple and wrinkles are less marked.
Protector
By restoring the barrier function of the skin, argan oil protects it from external aggressions such as cold, wind but also from possible allergens and dust.
Moisturizing
Thanks to its exceptional content of essential fatty acids, argan oil plays a role in the permeability of the epidermis. It participates in the restoration and maintenance of the skin's hydrolipidic film and reinforces its barrier function. Water losses and evaporation of water from the skin are limited with a lower risk of skin dryness.
Fabric softener
Applied regularly, argan oil restores elasticity and suppleness to the skin. The epidermis is more toned, more comfortable. Argan oil helps prevent stretch marks in pregnant women if applied early in pregnancy.
Nourishing
With its high content of essential fatty acids, argan oil is extremely nourishing. It is an active ingredient prized by dry, flaky, dull and tight skin. In winter, it envelops the skin with softness.
Anti-spots
It is the anti-free radical activity of argan oil that allows it to have a preventive effect on the formation of stains.
Soothing
In traditional medicine, argan oil is used to soothe skin suffering from psoriasis, burns, chickenpox. It is also a source of comfort for sensitive, irritated skin.
Did you know that?
The preparation of argan oil is an artisanal work carried out exclusively by women. They must harvest about 100 kg of fruit to extract 5 kg of nuts which will give 3 liters of oil extracted mechanically in first cold pressing.
What are the benefits of argan oil for hair?
Argan oil is a key ingredient in the beauty routine of dry, brittle, colored hair. The precious oil is also recommended to nourish curly, frizzy, naturally drier hair. As for the skin, argan oil is a treasure for the hair fiber which benefits from its many properties:
Nourishes in depth
Repairs split ends
Fortifies
Protects the hair fibre from external aggressions.
Restores shine and shine to dull hair
Revives the brilliance of the colours
What uses of argan oil for the skin?
Argan oil has as many uses as indications. In cosmetics, argan oil is used in the formulation of creams, milks, nourishing and protective butters, in regenerating anti-aging care ... Pure, it is used directly on the skin massage to nourish, fight against dehydration, leaving the skin supple and silky. It can also be used to care for the hands, leaving them moisturized. In this case, it is preferable to apply it in the evening before bedtime, to provide a nourishing bath for your hands during the night. Also think of argan oil to take care of your feet, it restores suppleness and elasticity to the skin. Massage your feet every night with argan oil and slip them into a pair of socks to enhance the nourishing action (and avoid slipping on the floor!).
What uses of argan oil for hair?
To find flexible hair, shiny, intensely nourished, stronger and more beautiful, add argan oil to your hair routine. With these few simple gestures, hair regains its shine:
Add a few drops of argan oil to your shampoos, balms, styling creams, etc.
Apply a few drops every day to dry tips.
Take an oil bath and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes once or twice a week before shampooing.
You can also buy care lines containing argan oil. Check the INCI list to ensure that argan oil is high enough in the list.
How to choose your argan oil?
For a pure use of argan oil for skin or hair, choose a good quality oil 100% pure and natural, virgin, extracted mechanically by first cold pressing (not to denature vitamins and antioxidants that do not like heat). Your oil must not contain any chemical ingredients. Preferably opt for an organic and fair trade oil.
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