All About Argan Oil

About Argan Oil:

Argan oil is known as liquid gold. It is native to Morocco. This oil is rich in nutrients that include fatty acids & vitamin E. It is beneficial for the hair & skin. It is the best choice for cosmetics. It has anti-oxidant properties that make it ideal for an anti-aging product. It restores elasticity of the skin and makes it softer.

Argan is native to the Haha coast of the Western High Atlas region in Morocco. Its height is 8-10 m(26-33 ft.). This tree lives up to 200 years. It is thorny with gnarled trunks & wide-spreading crown.

In Essence:

• Argan tree is given name 'Tree of Life' as it heals ailments & beautifies.
• 'Liquid gold' is its nickname.
• Originally, it was used in medicines but now it is ideal for cosmetics.
• It enhances the texture & appearance of the hair & skin as it hydrates & softens them.
• It is used to soothe inflamed & irritated skin.

History:

Argan is called 'Tree of Life' in Berber state of Morocco. It was originated in the village of Argana; it was given the name 'Liquid Gold'. It was used by the local people of Morocco to reduce the appearance of blemishes & to treat rheumatic problems. It is used in pharmaceutical & cosmetic products.

In the last few years, argan oil has caught the attention of scientists to know about its antioxidants that make nails & hairs healthy & rejuvenated. It is well-known for enhancing the appearance of youthfulness. These days argan is the popular ingredient that is used all around the world.

Benefits:

It is used in cosmetics as it enhances the appearance & texture of the skin & hair. It has antioxidant content that easily hydrates, softens & conditions without leaving any greasy component. Argan oil makes skin looking firmer, softer & smoother as it enhances the elasticity & reduces the appearance of the wrinkles. It is used on the acne-prone skin as it soothes inflammation & irritation. It is effective for diminishing the blemishes. It promotes the growth of the skin as it boosts the suppleness. It controls the frizz, adds shine & style hairs easily.

It is used in medicines. It has antimicrobial properties & nutrients that prevent the skin from aggravation. It can heal the skin that is sorer, infected, cracked & blemished. It balances the pH & melanin levels. It has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the pain & swelling of the joints & muscles.

It's main constituents are:

Oleic acid

• Maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
• Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
• Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
• Eliminate dandruff and thereby support hair growth
• Boost immunity
• Exhibit antioxidant properties
• Prevent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain

Linoleic acid

• Moisturize hair and promote its growth
• Facilitate wound healing
• Be an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils
• Exhibit anti-inflammatory properties
• Soothe acne and reduce chances of future outbreaks
• Promote moisture retention in skin and hair
• Make oils feel thinner in consistency, thus being beneficial for use on acne-prone skin

Palmitic acid

• Have emollient properties
• Soften hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
• Be the most common saturated fatty acid

Stearic acid

• Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
• Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
• Help products remain potent when stored for long periods
• Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy
• Have exceptional cleansing properties
• Soften skin

Linolenic acid

• Lessen inflammation
• Control blood clotting on the skin
• Soothe joint pain and ease stiffness to improve flexibility
• Be an essential Omega-3 Fatty Acid

How is oil extracted?

Fruit of argan is in round, oval or conical shape. This fruit is never picked from the trees; it gets ripen & falls from the tree in the late summer. Let's know how this oil is extracted:

• First, the collected fruit in the open air. After the fruit is dried, the fleshy pulp is removed by the hand.
• Second, the nut is cracked to obtain the kernels. It should be done by hands as doing mechanical stones doesn't remove stones.
• Third, kernel shells are ground down & these can be used in the pottery & cosmetics. It is mechanically ground & cold-pressed; brown mash is extracted that makes unrefined argan oil.
• Fourth, this unfiltered oil is transferred to the vessels & left for 2 weeks so that the solids settle at the bottom. After that, it is enhanced for purity & clarity.

Uses of oil:

• It works as a fast-absorbing & non-greasy moisturizer; this can be used as night time serum.
• It balances the oil's production & reduces the appearance of the stretch marks & scars.
• It boosts the elasticity, provides relief & hydrates the skin.
• It moisturizes & conditions the hair & skin.
• It can be used as a conditioner or hair mask for repairing the split ends & dryness.
• It makes hair smooth & enhances its manageability.
• It reduces the dryness of the scalp & dandruff.

There are different types of argan oils. Let's know about it:

Contraindications for oil:

1. It can trigger allergic responses.
2. It can cause breathing problems, rashes & redness on the skin.
3. Do the patch test before use.
4. Consult doctor before use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Blends:

It blends well with carrier oils Like Pomegranate seed oil.

Check Also: Saw Palmetto Oil, Almond Oil, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Lavender Oil, Avocado Oil

For more information, check out the following resources:

• All About Lavender Essential Oil
• All About Tea Tree Essential Oil