If you haven't heard about raw argan oil yet, you're in for a nice surprise.
Derived from the nuts of the fruit of the Argania Spinosa tree in Morocco, argan oil (also known as argon or argane oil) comes in two forms: cosmetic grade and culinary.
The cosmetic version has been used for centuries by women in Southwestern Morocco to naturally enhance their hair, skin and nails. European women have also known about this beauty secret for some time, but it has only recently begun to make waves in the USA thanks to word-of-mouth, as well as the efforts of the King of Morocco Mohammed VI and the local government to turn this liquid gold (as it is known in Europe) into a global export.
PROPERTIES
Raw argan oil is deemed to be one of the world's richest natural sources of vitamin E. It also contains 80% essential fatty acids, as well as squalene, phytosterols and phenolic compounds. All these elements combine to offer users a myriad of potential beauty benefits, including:
Softer skin
Diminished wrinkles
Reduced scarring
Balanced sebum production (helps clear acne and monthly blemishes)
Relief for eczema and psoriasis (even for babies)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Face
When using 100% pure cosmetic grade argan oil, you only need to use a few drops for your entire face. A little really does go a long way. You can apply it at night as an intensive moisturizing treatment and/or in the morning as a base for your makeup. The oil penetrates easily, does not leave an oily residue and can even be used around the eye area.
Nails
If your nails and cuticles are looking a little worse for wear, simply soak them in a 50:50 mixture of raw argan oil and lemon juice for 10 minutes (or even overnight). This will not only soften your cuticles and limit nail breakage but will also give your nails a healthy radiance.
Hair
For an intensive hair treatment to improve dry scalp and add shine, apply a generous amount of oil to dry hair, then wrap in a warm towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash and style as usual.
Tip #1:
Start by using raw argan oil at night only to see how your skin likes it. You can then progress to twice a day if your skin needs extra hydration or you can simply apply it to dry or wrinkle-prone areas.
Tip #2:
Raw argan oil has a distinctive natural odor which may deter more sensitive-nosed people from using it. If that is the case, opt for a deodorized version.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR BUYING RAW ARGAN OIL
Before you rush off and purchase the first bottle you find of this liquid gold, be sure to read the below tips. You will soon realize that, firstly, not all argan oil is created equal. And, secondly, even the best raw material can be easily compromised due to the commercial manufacturing and treatment processes used by some cosmetics companies.
1. Make sure you are buying 100% pure argan oil.
If you are buying argan oil from a reputable (online) retailer in the USA or Europe, you can skip this tip and go straight to #2. However, if you are planning on purchasing the oil while visiting Morocco or from an unfamiliar retailer, then please read on. Apparently, some unsuspecting tourists browsing the local souks, or stopping at road-side stands, have been sold common vegetable oil simply labeled as argan oil. To avoid being duped, read the label and make sure the name of the cooperative that produced it is featured. Better yet, go directly to the cooperatives and buy it straight from the source.
2. If you are choosing to use raw argan oil as a beauty product, make sure you buy cosmetic grade and not culinary argan oil.
The nuts destined for culinary oil are roasted to bring out their distinctive nutty flavor; those that will be used for skin- and hair-care products are usually left raw to maintain the integrity of the essential fatty acids and vitamins.
3. To gain the maximum beauty benefit, choose argan oil that is all-natural and preferably certified organic.
That way you don't have to worry about how it was produced.
4. Choose first cold-pressed raw argan oil.
If you want to buy the best argan oil, look for oil that is labeled "first cold-pressed." Cold-pressed means that the oil was not heated over a certain temperature (usually 80 degrees Fahrenheit) during processing, thus retaining more nutrients and undergoing less degradation. First cold-pressed means that the oil was made with the first pressing of the argan nuts.
5. Above all, do your best to purchase fairly-traded argan oil.
Women in Morocco have greatly benefited from the heightened interest in argan oil and are now operating cooperatives in return for fair wages and good working conditions. By actively seeking out fair-trade products, you are supporting their efforts.
6. To preserve as many of the oil's properties as possible (and be more eco-friendly), opt for a dark-colored, UV-protected glass bottle, rather than a plastic container.
7. If you are not buying 100% pure argan oil, research the other ingredients in the finished product.
You will want to double check that they are not diminishing the oil's natural properties, such as acetic acid is thought to do.
8. Given its price, make sure that there is a high enough concentration of argan oil in any finished product you buy to make an actual difference in your skin.
Since argan oil has become the latest miracle ingredient in the beauty industry, its mere mention has lots of advertising power! A quick and easy way to ensure you are getting good amounts is to read the label. If argan oil is listed as one of the first ingredients, your money will be well-spent. If it appears as the last ingredient, then it's likely that it is being used in small quantities and you may not see the results you are looking for.
9. If you are sensitive to the natural nutty odor of argan oil (which does dissipate upon application), choose a product that has been deodorized.
Although it's preferable to use the oil in its 100% natural state, I understand that some people could be put off by its distinctive smell. To combat this, some companies offer a deodorized version, so bear this in mind if you have a sensitive nose!
10. Finally, if you want to enhance your health and beauty from the inside out, you might like to consume a tablespoon of culinary argan oil every day.
Be sure to choose a smaller size, opaque bottle though as, once open, the oil should be consumed relatively quickly and ideally be refrigerated. (As a side note, culinary argan oil should not be heated. Simply drizzle it over salads, vegetables and fish for a healthy, gourmet taste).
Armed with the above information, you should now be able to source the best argan oil for your needs and see for yourself why argan oil has become one of the beauty industry's latest miracle ingredients.
If you want to find out what the best argan-based products are, visit the argan oil website.
Georgina Sweeney is a certified health counselor, licensed aesthetician and total image consultant, specializing in natural ways to help you look and feel your best.
She works one-on-one with women, via the telephone and in person, to help them lose weight, improve digestion, reduce stress, have more energy and look rejuvenated, so that they can lead a happier and more enoyable life.
To find out how Georgina can help you look and feel the best you can be, schedule a free telephone consultation at www.imagine-you.com.
» left by Anonymous (30 days 14 hours ago.)
Good article, gave me just the information I was looking for - will save off the tips for future reference. Thanks!
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