What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For Hair And Face?

The argan tree, growing only in Morocco, has many food, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and cosmetic properties. Argan oil is a highly prized vegetable oil by pharmaceutical and cosmetic laboratories. It is also preferred by stars known in the industry as “liquid gold” for its various virtues long experienced by Berber women for millennia.

What Is Argan Oil, And Where Does It Come From?

This oil is extracted by pressure from the amendments of the argan tree ( Argania spinosa ), belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is a tree growing in southwestern Morocco’s arid and semi-arid areas, over  ​​800,000 hectares.

Pure Argan Oil From Morocco: Its Origin

The Souss region is home to the only existing argan forests in the world. This area, called RBA “Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve,” has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In recent years, oil and its cosmetic derivatives have become the subject of growing consumer interest. 

This has transformed the products of the argan tree into a development opportunity for women in this region of southern Morocco. About forty women’s cooperatives work on extracting Argan oil following an ancestral practice. Once ripe, the amendments are picked up, brought to the village, shelled, and pulped.

How Is Argan Oil Made?

Coming from the fruit of the argan tree, by pressure, this oil has an artisanal extraction method that has been lost over the centuries. First, the amendments are picked by hand, only those that have fallen to the ground and have not been eaten by the animals. Then, once stripped of their shell, the fleshy pulp is removed, which is ground with a bit of water in a kind of hand mill called a zerg in Berber.

Formerly the operation was done using a round stone, similar to that used for the production of olive oil. The dough obtained is kneaded for a long time. It is mixed with cold water to obtain the mixture, which is also the main ingredient of the black soap used in the hammam. Then it is pressed by hand to extract the oil. 

This part of the process has been replaced by mechanical presses, which speed up and optimize the extraction. In one day, 100 kilos of almonds produce only 1 liter of oil. You should know that an Argania Spinosa tree produces about 8 kilos of seeds in one year. For this, no one is a costly oil. Finally, everything is preserved in the manufacturing process; the residues (flesh and leftover pasta) are kept to feed the livestock, and the bark will be used for heating.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil?

For the Berbers, the argan tree is the tree “blessed by the Gods” because the oil is, for them, a real “green gold” with many food, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and cosmetic properties. Indeed, it contains various unsaturated fatty acids, including

1. linoleic acid, the precursor of the omega-6 family
2. linolenic acid, the precursor of the omega-3 family, constitutes the most important essential fatty acids
3. citric acid (or vitamin C ) gives it dietary nutritional value.

It also contains tocopherol, which is none other than the active form of vitamin E, known for its many benefits on the skin, as well as beta-carotene, phenols, and steroids. It is, therefore, ideal for nourishing the connective tissue and lowering cholesterol, which it regulates thanks to its oleic acid content and protection against tumors. It also aids digestion by increasing pepsin concentration in the digestion juice.

What Is The Effect Of Argan Oil On The Skin?

Rich in active ingredients, it is versatile and makes the skin soft and velvety, with an anti-aging effect. It protects the skin from external agents such as wind, ultraviolet rays, smog, heavy metals, and other pollutants. It repairs dry skin by nourishing it deeply with a moisturizing and emollient effect.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For The Skin?

Its benefits on the skin are innumerable:

1. protects the skin from external aggressions
2. deeply nourishes and regenerates the skin
3. fights aging to give radiance and hydration thanks to its anti-wrinkle action
4. regenerates tired epidermis
5. soothes irritation
6. useful in the treatment of acne, chapping, and burns, and helps prevent the formation of stretch marks
7. beneficial on chapped lips to make them soft
8. after shaving, men can apply it on the face
9. beneficial for babies, to soothe diaper rash

There are no contraindications except that it should be avoided around the eyes and not ingested.

When To Apply Argan Oil On The Face?

In the evening, gently massage 2-3 drops of oil on well-cleansed facial skin to make it absorb.

How To Use Argan Oil For The Skin?

It should be used sparingly because it is a very concentrated natural product; a few drops are enough. Pour them directly into the affected area with a light massage to work them into the skin. A few drops can be added to bath water for a relaxing effect. It can be put on the skin and massaged with the loofah glove before soaping up. 

Combined with salt or sugar, it is ideal for creating a homemade scrub. It can be mixed with other vectors such as linseed bran oil, wheat germ oil or hemp oil, or hazelnut oil for relaxing massages with a stimulating effect to protect the skin of athletes who spend many hours outdoors. It can be used hot or at room temperature on the legs, arms, shoulders, and back.

Is Argan Oil Good For Wrinkles?

It is very effective as an anti-wrinkle treatment thanks to its high omega-3 and six fatty acids content, which prevent oxidation.

Is Argan Oil Comedogenic?

Its sebum-regulating action also helps fight acne and reduce the redness of rosacea. It is not a comedogenic oil.

Is Argan Oil Good For Scars?

It is also a powerful natural remedy for relieving skin irritations such as abrasions or minor burns, thanks to its healing and anti-microbial properties and omega three and omega six fatty acids, which provide good cell renewal power. It can also be used in case of dermatitis and psoriasis, in addition to treatment.

Is Argan Oil Good For Stretch Marks?

Its elastic power not only reduces wrinkles but also prevents the formation of stretch marks. In this case, associate it with sweet almond oil for a synergistic effect.

What is the effect of argan oil on hair?

This precious oil brings shine to the hair while restoring its natural and silky softness and also to dry and brittle hair. It also has an anti-frizz effect.

1. It is also helpful for hairdressing and protects the hair from the hair dryer’s heat.
2. It is an excellent natural remedy to prevent split ends and detangle curly hair.

In summer, it can protect hair from the sun, salt, and chlorine if you go to the swimming pool.

How To Use Argan Oil For Hair?

After shampooing, pour a few drops into the palm of your hand, and spread over still-damp hair, starting at the ends and working your way down the length. Before washing damp hair, pour three drops on the ends of the hair, 1-2 times a week, to make a nourishing mask, and wrap a towel around the hair for about 1 hour. In case of dandruff or dermatitis of the scalp, apply a few drops directly to the affected area, massaging lightly to make it penetrate well.

What Are The Benefits Of Argan Oil For Nails?

This oil is also valuable for the nails, which strengthens and helps grow. You can prepare a mask with a few drops of oil mixed with lemon juice and apply it to the nails in the evening before going to sleep. You can put on cotton gloves to increase its effect.

What Are The Varieties Of Argan Oil?

There are two types of oils:

1.  Roasted or traditional argan oil, amber in color, is used in gastronomy with a fairly pronounced aromatic development; it is between almond and hazelnut.
2. Unroasted oil:  yellow-gold called “cold pressed” or “based on unroasted almonds,” less fragrant, less distinctive in taste, and more suitable for external use and, therefore, in cosmetics.

How To Choose Quality Argan Oil?

Certain elements must be taken into account to assess the quality of an oil properly:

1. Please read the label: it must indicate pure oil obtained by cold pressing since it is extracted without chemicals or heat that could alter its properties. Thus, it must be unrefined because refined oils undergo processing that can remove some of the beneficial nutrients. Opt for an unrefined oil to enjoy all the benefits of the oil.
2. Check the place of origin: it comes mainly from Morocco, where it has been produced for centuries. Look for oils from women’s cooperatives in Morocco to ensure you are buying quality oil.
3. Assess the color and texture: the oil should have a light golden color and a slightly thick texture. If it is too thick or has a dark color, it may indicate that it has been mixed with other cheaper oils.
4. Evaluate the odor: pure oil has a slightly nutty odor; if the odor is strong or unpleasant, it may indicate that it has been tampered with or is of poor quality.
5. Check the price: the natural oils from Morocco, from the first cold pressing, torrified or not, always have a high cost. Count 28-30 euros per 250 ml of edible oil and 15-20 euros for a Falcon of 100 ml of cosmetic oil.

Use Argan Oil

This oil is currently used in various cosmetic products to care for the skin, hair, and nails. This oil has long been used by Berber women and today either pure or as an ingredient in creams, conditioners, and beauty serums such as:

1. moisturizer for dry skin
2. anti wrinkle
3. Nourishing and repairing damaged hair thanks to its content of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, as well as antioxidants, particularly provitamin E, associated with beta-carotene.

It can be used raw daily on clean skin or hair after bathing or mixed with other oils such as jojoba, almond, linseed, or olive oil.

How To Choose Quality Argan Oil?

In terms of quality, we can have 4 to 5 varieties of edible oil, and as many of those intended for cosmetics, depending on the different types of seeds and also:

1. type of seed collection
2. seed storage method
3. mode of oil extraction, its decantation
4. oil filtering
5. oil storage

What Is The Price Of Argan Oil?

This precious oil is quite expensive: a 100ml bottle of pure oil, cold pressed, better if organic, for cosmetic use, therefore not roasted, will have a price that varies between 15 and 20 euros. Look for a Moroccan producer who sells directly for a discount. For an edible oil, therefore roasted, virgin, first pressing, generally count 25-30 euros for one bottle of 250 ml. However, it would be best if you always were wary of brands that offer less expensive oils, which can be cut with poor-quality oils.

Edible Argan Oil: Cooking Recipes

Argan oil should not be cooked; it is recommended for seasoning salads or just a drizzle to finish tagines, couscous, grilled tomatoes, and grilled peppers and lightly decorate semolina. Sprinkle a few drops on a firm, semi-dry cheese or a soft goat’s cheese with fresh coriander.

Amlo

We must talk about this oil by mentioning a spread typical of traditional Moroccan and Berber cuisine: Amlou. It is spread on bread, especially at breakfast and as a snack. For a small jar, you will need:

1. 125 g of almonds
2. 125 g of honey
3. 250 ml pure argan oil
4. One pinch of salt

Preparation. Arrange the almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 15 minutes. Leave to cool, then reduce to powder using a blender (the powder must have a sandy texture). Pour the powder into a jar, and add honey, argan oil, and salt. Mix everything well with a wooden spoon, pour into an airtight jar, and close. Let stand for a few days before consuming. Amlou keeps well for several months in a dark place.

Filet Of Sea Bream In Argan Oil

For about ten years, thanks to great chefs inspired by its originality, argan oil has entered European cuisine. It then participates in the composition of subtle seasonings or as a finish on fish dishes, strong meats, or carpaccios.

Ingredients :

1. Four sea bream filets
2. Two zucchini
3. One small candied lemon
4. Two zucchini
5. parsley
6. One clove of garlic
7. One tablespoon of argan oil
8. salt

Pepper

Preparation. Cut the courgettes into slices, steam them for 10 minutes. Cook the sea bream filets, and cut the candied lemon into small pieces. Mix the lemon juice with a bit of oil. Season the zucchini and the fish, salt, pepper, and coat with a drizzle of oil.

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