Natural Cosmetics: Argan oil

by Adina Gheorghe

Argan Oil - “The gold of Morocco”
Argan oil is a vegetable oil which is made from the kernels of Argan tree (Argania spinosa). This tree grows only in the south-west part of Morocco, thus why the name “the gold of Morocco”.
There are needed 32 kg fruits in order to obtain one kilogram Argan oil.

The king of care products
Argan oil contains a tremendous amount of unsaturated essential fatty acids (EFAs) and has a great nutritive value, its benefits covering both the domains of beauty and of health.
Also called “the elixir of eternal youth” the argan oil contains unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9), like olive oil. But, comparing to olive oil, argan oil is more rich in linoleic acid and in tocopherols (varieties of Vitamin E), substances with a strong anti-oxidant effect, which eliminate the free radicals and neutralize the process of cellular oxidation.
It is said that the Argan oil has among the highest concentrations of vitamin E of all existing foods.
The Argan oil is considered the king of care products.

The Argan oil`s benefits for skin:
- antiinflammatory effect;
- contributes to the good blood circulation;
- it fades and helps heal blemishes and pimples caused by acne or chickenpox;
- due to its ability to neutralize free radicals has an important role in the treatment of eczema, acne and psoriasis;
- regenerates and nourishes the skin;
- restores hydrolipidic barrier;
- combats skin aging;
- helps to reduce cellulite;
- restores skin`s elasticity;
- helps to restore the skin's natural pH;
- regulates the release of oily sebum and is useful in treating dry skin;
- helps us to extend bronze and soothes any irritation after prolonged exposure to sunlight;
- pregnant women can apply it on their body in order to prevent stretch marks.

Applied on nails they harden, so it is recommended to treat brittle nails.

Methods of using Argan oil:
Hair care: apply all over your hair, when it is wet or it can be applied only on dry or damaged hair tips, only after fully dried.
Scalp care: apply a small amount of oil on a cotton pad and gently dab the scalp. Best is to be done in the evening before bedtime; in the morning wash your hair.
Skin care: Argan oil can be used like any other moisturizer, but it is recommended to be applied immediately after showering, for best results. After cleaning the skin, rub it with oil until the oil is absorbed in the skin. Heat the Argan oil between your palms to facilitate sliding on the body. If you want to discreetly scent Argan massage oil you can add a few drops of rosewater. Any substance you add will bring to it other properties.
Face care: Apply Argan oil over the face and neck. Let stand for 15 minutes. Wipe excess oil with a cotton swab soaked in rosewater. This treatment will leave the skin smooth and hydrated.
Hand and nail care: Wash your hands. If the hands skin is dry, the nails are brittle or soft, soak hands for 15 minutes once or several times a week in a mixture of Argan oil and lemon juice in equal parts. If your nails are brittle, do the above treatment every day. You can reuse the mixture preserving it for a week in a clean container. For a treatment to strengthen the nails in depth, heat a little the mixture in water bath.
Feet care: Massage the legs every morning and evening with Argan oil in which you add lemon juice.

 

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