Ten Important Benefits of Argan Oil

High in vitamin E and essential fatty acids,argan oil, also known as 'liquid gold', is believed by many to be the best oil for skin and hair care.It is one of the rarest but most sought-after oils in the world because of its limited growing area,declining supply and increasing demand. 

Ten Important Benefits of Argan Oil

1)It is a great skin moisturizer. It hydrates and softens the skin and is non-greasy and non-irritating.

2)The anti-oxidants in argan oil make it a good anti-aging product. It gives the skin a healthy glow and reduces wrinkles.It also increases the elasticity of the skin.

3)Due to its vitamin E and fatty acid content,argan oil can repair dry,damaged skin. It has been useful in cases of eczema and contains ingredients that soothe the skin.

4)It gives protection against stretch marks during pregnancy and sagging skin after the birth.

5)It can hydrate skin toners.

6)It contributes to the healing of acne scars and blemishes.

7)It can be used as a hair conditioner,leaving the hair softer, silkier and shinier after being used.It also helps in controlling frizzy hair and treating split ends.

8)Argan oil can be used as a hair-styling agent and applied after drying the hair.

9)Argan oil has softening properties which make it ideal for applying to brittle nails,dry hands and cracked,hard skin on the feet.

10)It can be used on the lips as a moisturizer. Only one drop is required .

Where does Argan Oil Come From?

Argan oil comes from the nut of the argan tree, which is native to south-west Morocco and can adapt to severe conditions, including drought.The argan tree lives for 150 to 200 years and starts producing fruit when it is between 30 and 50 years old.It grows to about 35 feet tall.Goats often climb these trees in search of food, which is scarce in the region.Local women crack the argan nuts between two stones by hand to extract the oil. The raw kernels are extracted from the hard shell and ground in a stone grinder. They are then kneaded by hand and cold pressed into the oil. One woman takes three days to make one litre of oil. In 1998, the argan forest in Morocco was declared a UNESCO protected area, so argan oil is sustainable. 

What are the Risks of Using Argan Oil?

Argan oil can be safely used in its pure form, as well as being used as an ingredient in lotions, conditioners and moisturizers.There have been some reports of rashes appearing on the skin of sensitive people. Beware of watered down, diluted forms of argan oil,which are of an inferior quality. Because it is labour-intensive to produce, a 100ml bottle of pure argan oil, will cost about $25.It should have a mild, nutty scent and should not have a strong smell or be odorless.The colour should be golden-yellow and not too light. It should also be smooth, silky and easily absorbed. If you have a nut allergy, it is best to consult a health practitioner before applying argan oil. 

How to use Argan Oil

Massage a few drops of argan oil into the face and neck after cleansing to use as a face moisturizer and get the best anti-aging effects.

Add argan oil to your skin toner to hydrate it or add it to rose water to create your own toner.

Add a couple of drops of the oil to a face mask.

Argan oil can be applied all over the body after a shower and can be used for a massage as it is easily absorbed.

Apply it directly to damaged,itchy skin. This will provide relief as well as speed the healing process.

To add moisture to dry hair, apply the oil to still-damp hair or just to the dry ends.This will make the hair shine and control frizziness.

For a dry scalp,put some argan oil onto a cotton ball and apply all over the scalp. Do this before going to bed and cover the hair and leave the oil on overnight.Wash the hair in the morning and it will be soft and luminous.

To use as a styling agent on the hair ,rub a few drops of the oil onto your palms and comb your fingers through your hair after drying it.

Argan oil can be applied directly to the nails and lips.

If using argan oil with other moisturizers, it should be applied last to lock in the moisture. Oils are heavier than most moisturizers so they form a barrier.

Argan oil can also be added to foundation which will give the face a glow.

How to Store Argan Oil

Argan oil must be purchased and stored in a dark,glass bottle with the lid tightly closed away from sunlight as light breaks down its healing properties. It should be kept in a cool,dark place. Its anti-oxidant properties protect it from oxidizing and it can be stored for up to two years.