Useful properties and uses of argan oil.
This herbal product is included in the list of the most expensive, rarest and most valuable oils in the world. It is not for nothing that it is considered the “Liquid Gold of Morocco”. Thanks to its unique composition, this natural product has a variety of beneficial properties. It is obtained from the seeds of the fruit of the Argan tree, also known as the Iron Tree or Argania Spinosa.
Basically, the place of its distribution is the south-west of Morocco, the Atlas Mountains region. The fruits of this tree are harvested and dried, and then manually peeled from fibers and shells. Edible or culinary argan oil is obtained by pressing the pre-fried pits of the argan tree.
It has a pleasant nutty scent. Cosmetic argan oil is produced in the same way, only during the process of pressing the bones are not fried, due to which vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances are preserved in the product to the maximum. It is practically odorless, therefore it is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, not only of the skin, but also in the care of skin, nails and hair. By the way, it is recommended to use it for owners of damaged, brittle and split ends. It perfectly restores damaged hair structure, restores shine, health and silkiness. This product is used in the complex treatment of oily dandruff, alopecia and seborrhea.
The specific composition of this unique product determines its popularity and widespread use in the field of cosmetology. In particular, it is used by well-known cosmetic companies in the production of natural cosmetics in beauty salons as a component of effective means for skin and body care, as well as for food and medical purposes. Argan oil has exceptional skin benefits, especially for dry skin types. It has a nourishing, moisturizing effect, preventing dehydration, chapping, excessive dryness, flaking and tightness.
Such popularity and effectiveness of the oil is due to its composition, namely, the content of unsaturated fatty acids (mega-6, omega-9), including linoleic acid (by the way, our body can get it only from the outside, it does not synthesize it itself). These acids inhibit the aging process of the skin at the cellular level, lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, and also reduce the likelihood of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system and significantly increase the effectiveness of treatment for this group of diseases. Due to the huge number of vitamins (especially vitamin E), polyphenols, tocopherols and stearins, argan oil has pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and protective properties (UV protection).
It is impossible not to mention the remarkable restorative, tonic, regenerating and rejuvenating properties of argan oil, which have a beneficial effect on aging, wrinkled and flabby skin, increasing its elasticity and firmness, smoothing the relief, “erasing” shallow wrinkles, age spots and slowing down further aging processes. In addition, the light composition of this oil makes it possible to use it in the care of especially sensitive skin of the eyelids and décolleté area. It also gives a positive effect when systematically used as a treatment for acne and acne, and in general when caring for problem skin, which is due to its anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the ability to normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands. With the systematic use of this unique herbal product, the lipid balance of the skin is restored, as well as the natural production of collagen and elastin by the body is stimulated.
Among other things, argan oil is able to soothe, repair and heal wounds, therefore it is often recommended in the treatment of various kinds of diseases and skin lesions (abrasions, dry eczema, psoriasis, cuts, fungal dermatoses, neurodermatitis, acne, urticaria, neurodermatitis, burns, etc.) etc.), as well as their consequences (scars and scars). In addition, it is an excellent prophylactic agent for postpartum stretch marks.
When used externally, this medicinal product helps to accelerate blood circulation, rapid healing and restoration of the epithelium, perfectly relieves pain in muscles and joints, providing an analgesic effect. Experts often recommend it as a massage agent in the treatment of gout, osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis, and cellulite.
When consumed systematically, argan oil normalizes blood pressure and heart rate, restores the rheological properties of blood, and prevents inflammation in blood vessels. As a rule, this type of oil is recommended as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for hypertension, varicose veins, thrombosis, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, etc. Also, just a couple of tablespoons of it during the day prevents the development of infections of a bacterial and fungal nature. It should also be noted that systematic use of argan oil several times reduces the likelihood of the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, increases the body’s defenses, and also stimulates the elimination of harmful substances accumulated in it from the body. Eating this oil significantly eases the condition of women in menopause, helps obese patients and those suffering from type I diabetes.
Why Argan Oil is so expensive ?
Argan oil can be used in cooking
In addition to medicinal and cosmetic purposes, argan oil is quite popular in cooking, it is used as a product for frying, dressing salads, and an additional component in the preparation of delicious and nutritious breakfasts.
Ways to use argan oil for skin.
By the way, argan oil is considered universal, so it can be used by owners of any skin type. It can be used as a standalone product, as an additional component to various cosmetic formulations (day, night creams, balms, masks, makeup remover milk, sunscreens, hygiene products, etc.), as well as in combination with essential oils. In addition, it is very popular in aromatherapy. It can also be used as a base vegetable oil in various oil masks and homemade creams.
This oil in its pure form or in composition with other cosmetic plant and essential oils should be applied with a cosmetic cotton swab to the skin, including the eyelids, and then gently patted (preferably in combination with massage) into the skin for several minutes. After thirty minutes, remove the remnants of the product, slightly blotting it with a paper napkin.
In the treatment of problem skin, argan oil is mixed in equal proportion with black cumin oil and this mixture is used twice a day, lubricating problem areas.
In case of existing external skin lesions, to accelerate healing and relieve inflammation, argan oil is applied pointwise to the affected areas.
Homemade Argan Oil Recipes
For body.
With a decrease in tone, elasticity of the skin of the body, massage with argan oil should be done. The oil is rubbed in until it is completely absorbed.
For arthritis and rheumatism, it is recommended to massage the painful areas with a mixture of base oil and suitable essential ingredients. Take the components in equal quantities.
For a toning effect while taking a bath or shower, it is recommended to add eight drops of argan oil to the gel or foam.
If you mix this oil (a tablespoon) with an essential component (for example, neroli or tangerine five drops), you get an excellent remedy for stretch marks. Massage the problem areas with the mixture until it is completely absorbed. For the same purposes, you can use another composition: mix 50 ml of the base with lemon and tangerine oil, taken in three drops.
This unique vegetable extract is good for protecting the skin of the face and body from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is recommended to apply argan oil to the skin before and after going to the tanning booth.
Hair masks.
The following mask has a nourishing and regenerating effect for dry and damaged hair: beat egg yolk with a teaspoon of argan oil, then add two teaspoons of olive oil and five drops of lavender and sage essential oils to the mixture. Distribute the composition through the hair and massage into the scalp forty minutes before washing, wrap it in a plastic bag and a towel.
To nourish and moisturize the scalp and hair, make a mask with a mixture of castor oil (teaspoon), argan oil (two teaspoons), ten drops of lavender oil and five drops of sage oil. Spread the mixture on the scalp and let stand for half an hour.
The following mask recipe can strengthen weakened and brittle hair: combine a teaspoon of argan oil with the same amount of burdock oil. After application, let it stand for half an hour, then rinse with shampoo.
To give elasticity and shine to the hair, mix two teaspoons of argan oil and an essential component (this can be karite, macadamia, hazelnuts). Stir the composition thoroughly and distribute through the hair. Withstand the mask for forty minutes, then rinse.
Face masks.
You can moisturize and nourish dry skin with the help of this mask: grind the proteins from two chicken eggs with two tablespoons of chopped oatmeal, add half a teaspoon of argan oil, 30 g of liquid honey (otherwise melt in a water bath). Mix everything thoroughly and apply on a previously cleansed face, excluding the area around the eyes. After twenty minutes, wash off with warm and then cool water.
Masks based on argan oil and cosmetic clay help to improve the complexion. Dilute a tablespoon of clay powder suitable for your skin type with warm water until it becomes a non-liquid sour cream and enrich with five drops of argan oil. Spread the mass on the face and stand for fifteen minutes, rinse with warm water.
For hands and nails.
To eliminate brittleness and delamination of nails, a massage oil mixture is recommended: mix five drops of argan oil with the same amount of lemon juice. Rub the mixture into the nail plate overnight.
Massage mixture for beautiful hand skin. To prepare it, mix in equal proportions argan, chamomile and hazelnut oils. It is advisable to warm the mixture in a water bath until warm. Massage the skin of the hands, paying attention to the nail plate and cuticle.
Argan oil is useful for making nail baths. Heat it in the required amount in a water bath and hold your hands in it for about fifteen minutes. Blot the remaining oil with a paper towel.
Contraindications to the use of argan oil
Individual intolerance to the components.
