Discover all the benefits of Argan Oil. An ingredient that is used both in cosmetics and in food and that is increasingly in demand for being considered the “liquid gold of Morocco”.
The trend for argan oil never ceases to amaze us. An increasingly fashionable ingredient in the beauty industry, used for decades by Berber women to rejuvenate their skin, strengthen their hair, and protect it from the cold and wind. Now, many cosmetics include it under the title of “Moroccan liquid gold”, a name that defines it for its great contribution to hydration and nutrition. But how is it used?
Our skin and hair are exposed to numerous environmental changes throughout the year. Cold, wind, or changes in temperature affect the health of our hair and our skin. We know that. We have tried different cosmetics and natural remedies to alleviate these effects, but have you ever tried argan oil?
To begin with, argan oil is obtained by pressing the fruits of the Argan tree, which only grows in Morocco, in the southwestern area. This is where its use is defined because argan oil, in addition to being perfect as a cosmetic, is also edible.
While the cosmetic is obtained from raw grains, the edible is extracted after roasting the argan almonds. The difference is that the argan oil used for the world of beauty has almost no odor because the beans have not been roasted and their color is lighter than that used for cooking.
But above all, although there are different applications, the upward trend is the use of argan oil as a cosmetic due to its great properties. A liquid rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega-6 and containing high doses of vitamin E and polyphenols, which makes it a perfect antioxidant. In addition, it has other hydrating, antioxidant, and regenerative qualities.
Argan Oil is Rich in Essential fatty Acids Such as Omega-6 and Contains High Doses of Vitamin E and Polyphenols, Which Makes it a Perfect Antioxidant
In fact, it is ideal to effectively combat dryness and physiological aging of the skin. Due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe flaky, dry, and irritation-prone skin. In addition, it can have a calming effect on the appearance of acne and is also used in flaking skin and burns, as well as in rheumatism. The same athletes and sportsmen use it to soothe muscle aches through massages that provide heat and relief to the most affected joints.
Argan oil is an essential part of Moroccan folk medicine. It is used from skincare to hair or nail maintenance. It is an ingredient that can also help soothe various skin problems such as those already mentioned, as well as eczema, stretch marks, psoriasis, or chickenpox.
On the other hand, beyond the universe of beauty, the effects of argan on our health and well-being also go through food. It has a pleasant fruity flavor that allows it to be consumed with bread or as an ingredient in traditional dishes of Moroccan cuisine; salads, couscous, tajines of meat or fish. It can be consumed hot or cold, but it is not recommended to use it for frying.
In addition to its exquisite taste, its regular consumption can bring us benefits such as stabilizing the cholesterol level. It also acts as an appetite suppressant, so it has an anti-obesity effect and helps liver function.
Whether you decide on the cosmetic or the edible when you go to buy argan oil you have to look closely at its labeling to verify that it is pure and that it has been extracted by a first cold grip. You will identify it, in addition to its label, by its light golden color and its mild smell.
The precautions that you must take into account are to avoid direct contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. It is not recommended to apply it on open wounds or on reactive skin or that have any type of pathology.
Now, we show you eight ways of using that perhaps you did not know to incorporate this oil into your daily beauty routine. Make the most of the benefits of this ingredient with decades of tradition and consumption.
1.Ideal as Night Hydration
As we have already mentioned, one of the properties of argan oil is that it is absorbed very quickly, therefore it is ideal to let it act during the hours of sleep since it does not leave an oily residue. You can apply it before going to sleep and after cleaning your skin in the usual way. To do this, you just have to pour a single drop of argan cosmetic oil into the palm of your hand to warm it up. Then apply it in circular motions to the face and neck.
You can also use it in the eye contour area. You should apply a drop with your finger in the upper area of the eye, with a tapping motion, from the beginning of the nose to the temple, always on the bone, and start again. Next and in a similar way, apply another drop under the eyes with the same light strokes.
2.Argan Oil for Acne
One of the benefits of argan oil is that it reduces sebum levels in people with oily skin. Therefore, its use is ideal for anyone who suffers from acne.
The high content of linoleic acid present in argan oil helps reduce inflammation caused by acne, while also repairing damaged skin cells. If you use argan oil as a moisturizer and at the same time want to fight acne, place a drop in the palm of your hand and gently apply a little more to the problem areas with your finger.
3.Tone your Skin
Toning the skin is not just anything. The facial care routine is a very important action that helps to normalize the pH of the skin after having been subjected to cleaning. In the case of argal oil, how to include it?
You can enrich the facial toner that you use regularly by adding 1 to 2 drops of argan oil for every 100 ml of toner. If you want to prepare your own natural and homemade facial toner, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare an infusion with 1 green tea bag and 200 ml of boiling water (1 cup).
- Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes, remove the bag, and cool to room temperature.
- Add to this infusion, 3 to 4 drops of argan oil and one to two drops of lemon essential oil or orange essential oil.
- Store it in a dark jar with a lid, this way it keeps well for a couple of weeks.
- You can use it in the morning and at night, always after cleansing and before hydration.
4.Prevents the Formation of Stretch Marks
Argan oil improves the elasticity of the skin, therefore its application helps effectively to prevent the formation of stretch marks. To apply, heat 2 to 3 drops of argan oil in the palms of your hands and gently rub on the stomach, thighs, hips, or anywhere on the body where you think there is a potential risk of stretch marks
In the event that you already have stretch marks and you want to blur them, prepare a soft paste with argan oil and brown sugar, massage the affected areas with it before bathing or showering. Then rinse well and apply pure argan oil to the stretch mark area before dressing.
5.Perfect Lip Balm
The properties of argan oil and its benefits are not only limited to the skin and hair, it is also an extraordinary treatment for the lips. Use it as a lip balm by gently rubbing 1 to 2 drops directly onto your lips. After applying, clean the excess if necessary. Cosmetic argan oil to heal chapped lips, the soft, smooth, and conditioned maintained.
6.Make your Own Facial Scrub
We show you how to prepare a facial scrub with argan oil in a very simple way. In this way, you will obtain a product that, in addition to exfoliating your skin, offers you an important anti-aging effect.
- Mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with 2-3 drops of argan oil.
- Brown sugar helps the skin more easily absorb the nutrients in argan oil.
- Rub the above mixture on your face for 2 to 4 minutes making circular movements, with special emphasis on those areas prone to acne or with dryness problems.
- Then rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel or cotton pads.
8.Dry Feet and Cracked Heels
If you want to avoid dry feet or cracked heels, argan oil can help. To do this, you will have to apply a few drops on your feet and massage for a few minutes with special attention to the problem areas. Then cover your feet with a pair of socks to maintain a stable temperature and promote oil penetration. Leave the socks on for at least 20 minutes, if possible let the argan oil act overnight.
To finish, clean the soles of your feet with a warm cloth and thus remove any excess product that could make you slip in the shower.
9.Enrich your Body Moisturizer
Beyond the moisturizing cream or lotion you use for the body, did you know that you can enrich it with argan oil? You just have to add a couple of drops of cosmetic argan oil to your cream, lotion, or body oil to immediately take advantage of the properties of argan oil, especially in those rough areas such as elbows, knees and heels
