Argan oil has become increasingly popular for cosmetic use, and the number of hair and skin care products on the US market with Argan oil as an ingredient has increased quite dramatically over recent years.
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is endemic to Morocco and is especially common in the southwest of the country. The Argan tree lives to be about 150-200 years old but doesn’t start producing the fruit until it is 30-50 years old. Because the tree is found only in a limited area, the oil itself is quite rare and this is why it is expensive. But the high concentration and small amount needed help with the cost, and with it’s amazing properties for hair and skin, you can ditch many of your expensive hair and skin care products and stick with Argan oil from head to toe.
The oil is extracted through a long process that includes gathering the Argan nuts and drying them in the sun. The next stage involves cracking the Argan nut to obtain the kernels and then crushing them to a paste. Using pressure, the oil is extracted from the paste and this oil is the famous Argan oil. Pure Argan oil may contain some sediment. This is a natural part of the production process and doesn’t affect the quality of the Argan oil.
The oil is particularly rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9) and has many cosmetic qualities. It serves an important component in luxury spa treatments worldwide.
Benefits of Argan oil for the hair:Due to being rich in antioxidants, this oil is a perfect care product for nails and hair. This natural product restores hair shine, boosts cell regeneration, strengthen the hair, gives unique softness, fights weather damage (with the capability of high resistance to ultraviolet), adds moisture to dry hair and scalp and prevents unwanted frizzy hair. It’s also good to apply it on your nails if they are prone to cracking and peeling.
Argan oil is not just for women, because in addition to the above great features, it is one of the most efficient products to reduce hair loss as it increases blood circulation to the scalp. Argan oil can also reduce or completely eliminate your dandruff by properly moisturizing the scalp.
Since Argan oil is full of vitamins and antioxidants, it is commonly used in hair shampoos and conditioners to repair damage caused by coloring and straightening treatments, hair care tools and sun damage.
How to use it? Apply the oil to your hair while it is still damp for an all over treatment or apply just to your dry ends. If you do this before bed, you’ll give the oil plenty of time to moisturize your hair and scalp before you wash your hair in the morning.
Benefits of Argan oil for the skin:Argan oil can do great wonders on the skin – Argan oil is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, so it has the ability to regress the signs of aging. This is a major reason of the increased demand of this product even though it is expensive. When applied to the skin, Argan oil helps to eliminate wrinkles and other skin degeneration. Argan oil has also the ability to improve
stretch marks, heal burns, acne scars and skin blemishes. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has an effective treatment for acne and other skin irritations.
Argan oil can treat many skin disorders – it is very effective for dry skin and helps to freshen, soften and hydrate it more than many other cosmetic products and creams. Just apply a generous amount of it on your body and face and you will eventually see how effective it is in improving your look and skin so it is smooth and radiant. You can apply a pure Argan oil to your skin as a daily moisturizer, especially if you have dry skin. Apply it the same way that you use body lotion or cream. It is mostly recommended to apply the oil right after you get out of the shower for best moisturizing results.
Shelf Life:Argan oil is slow to become rancid. Users can expect a shelf life of 1 year with proper storage (cool dark place, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended. It is recommend to use 100% pure Moroccan Argan oil for best benefits (sometimes the Argan oil is mixed with other oils). You can purchase it through health food stores or
online.
Argan oil can be used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy
