Argan oil: properties and applications

Argan oil - pressed from the kernels of the fruits of the evergreen relic argan tree (Argania spinosa), which grows mainly in the arid regions of Morocco - 2.5 times more expensive than grape seed oil or macadamia, 11 times more expensive than jojoba oil and 15 times exceeds the cost of peach oil (derived from the kernels of peach bones).

Obviously, the cost is determined by the limited region of growth of the source of the given oil, the complex technology of its production, and also the very short shelf life of the product - from three to six months (and with decreasing temperature, the oil is irreversibly thickened).

Let's see what is valued for argan oil in cosmetology.

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Composition and use of argan oil

Endless competition among manufacturers of cosmetics constantly forces to let out new products of the brands: face creams, means on care of a body, hair and fingernails. And quite an exotic argan oil quickly became a fashionable ingredient. Moreover, the composition of this oil convinced the specialists in its considerable use for skin and hair.

The unsaponifiable part of the argan oil contains mono- and polyunsaturated fatty omega-acids (oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, stearidone), as well as saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, myristic). The composition of fats is similar to olive, sesame or peanut butter. Unsaturated fats in oils contribute to the fact that the skin retains moisture and remains elastic.

Carotenoids (argan oil contains about 0.4% provitamin A) can protect the skin of keratinization and the harmful effects of the sun. In comparison with olive, argan oil contains almost twice as much as tocopherol (vitamin E), in particular α- and γ-tocopherol. The benefit of this vitamin is that it increases the elasticity of the skin, promotes nutrition and regeneration of damaged epidermal cells, reduces inflammation and strengthens the walls of the capillaries. It is proved that tocopherol helps in reducing scars from wounds and prevents the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Argan oil polyphenols (vanillin and ferulic acids, tyrosol, quercetin and myricetin) inhibit lipid peroxidation and provide an antibacterial effect. The benefits of polyphenols are that they are struggling with photoaging because they are able to absorb ultraviolet rays and thereby protect the skin from their destructive effects. The most valuable phenolic compound in the composition of argan oil is ferulic acid, which counteracts free radicals more efficiently than vitamins E, A or C.

Argan oil contains squalene, an organic compound involved in the production of cholesterol, steroid hormones and vitamin D in the human body. Our skin contains 12% squalene, which softens, moisturizes the skin and protects its cells from oxidative processes. Largely due to this component, argan oil from wrinkles helps so effectively, stimulating the growth of new cells and reducing the manifestation of age-related skin changes.

Also in the argan oil there are rare plant D-7 sterols (phytosterols), scotenol and α-spinasterol, which were found only in the seed oil of the cactus Senita cactus growing in Mexico. These phytosterols not only reduce any inflammatory processes, but also stimulate the production of new collagen, lost due to sun exposure and aging.

The benefit of argan oil is that its use helps:

• to moisturize and soften the skin;
• saturate the skin with beneficial substances, increase its elasticity and make wrinkles less visible on the face and neck;
• to struggle with excessive dryness of skin, to remove itching and irritation of dry skin;
• treat damaged skin cells and reduce inflammation in acne;
• make the hair soft, silky and shiny.

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Application of argan oil

Today, argan oil in cosmetology is recognized as one of the most effective means of solving many problems with different types of skin.

So, the use of argan oil for dry skin helps to retain moisture, reduce itching and flaking.

Sensitive and problematic skin perfectly perceive the antioxidants and vitamin E contained in this oil. Dermatologists recommend using it for dermatitis, eczema and even psoriasis.

To compensate for the lack of moisture, oily skin produces more sebum, causing the appearance of acne. The use of argan oil can provide the necessary moisture for oily skin, which will reduce the production of sebum.

Combined skin type is characterized by the fact that some areas of the face are oily, and the remaining dry, and argan oil is able to balance the production of sebum in all areas of the face.

Special difficulties in the use of this oil there. However, you should apply it correctly.

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Argan oil for the face

To maximize the benefits of oil should be body temperature. It is also important that the skin before applying to the face was clean and slightly damp. Enough two drops of argan oil, which is applied to the face and neck in circular motions. The area with wrinkles is useful for slightly massaging the pressing movements of the fingers.

This oil, thanks to fatty linoleic acid, surprisingly easily penetrates into the skin, which in just a few minutes becomes smoother and silky.

Argan oil can be applied to the lips if they are weathering and cracked. But cosmetologists warn that you should not use oil before or during sunbathing.

See also - Argan oil for face

Argan oil for hair

Argan oil can act as a moisturizer for the scalp at its dryness and the presence of dandruff, and can also promote the growth of healthy and strong hair, if the tips are cut, the hair becomes dull from frequent staining or drying by a hair dryer.

To use argan oil as a conditioner for the hair, you need to drop a few drops on the palm of your hand, rub it between them and rub it into slightly damp hair, starting from the tips. With very dry hair, you can leave the oil overnight (wrapping the head with a towel), and in the morning, wash it off with shampoo. If you suffer from dry scalp and dandruff, oil should be applied only to the roots of the hair, and then massage the skin with your fingers.

When you need to quickly put unruly curly hair, argan oil (literally a couple of drops) is applied to dry hair (evenly distributed over the entire length), and then they are easily combed, becoming smoother and more voluminous.

Keep in mind that argan oil for eyelashes is also very useful, so they can be applied twice a week at night for a little oil (for example, a clean brush for carcasses).

Argan oil for body

With the help of this remarkable oil, exfoliation of dead keratinized cells can be performed. It is enough to mix a few drops of argan oil with water and this emulsion with a gauze wipe massage the body, and then take a normal warm shower.

The use of argan oil for the body in moisturizing, and it is recommended to apply to the skin of the body after a bath or shower. With oily skin, use oil in a minimal amount so as not to clog pores.

Massage with argan oil is considered the best option for the prevention of skin stretch marks. Stretch marks (striae) are a problem for many pregnant women, so argan oil during pregnancy is very useful. Using a few drops of argan oil and rubbing it lightly into the skin on the chest, hips and abdomen, you can reduce the likelihood of developing an unsightly skin defect during pregnancy.

Argan oil for nails, especially fragile and exfoliating, is also ideal. Caring for your hands with argan oil, try to massage the cuticles with 1-2 drops of oil (every night before going to bed), and in ten days the nails will be stronger and healthier.

Argan oil: what do cosmetic manufacturers propose?

Get to know which brands of argan oil are available today, as well as what cosmetic products contain it.

Eveline Cosmetics (Poland) produces a series of Argan Oil, consisting of a day and night anti-aging wrinkle anti-aging cream; mask for face, neck and décolleté; anti-wrinkle cream in the eye area, and anti-cellulite serum - Slim Extreme 4d Argan Oil Thermo Slimming Cellulite Serum.

Garnier (France): oil for curly, dry and uncontrolled hair Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil.

Belita (Belarus): argan oil for eyelashes in carcasses Belita-Vitex Luxury Argan Oil; a series of hair Professional Hair Repair, which includes oil for dry, porous and damaged hair ARGAN OIL, shampoo based on Argan Oil Professional HAIR Repair, as well as a moisturizing mask with argan oil.

Kapous (RF): ArganOil oil for all hair types; moisturizing serum for hair Fragrance free; Mask for hair Fragrance free with argan oil.

Proffs (Sweden): Argan oil for all types of hair Proffs Argan OiL.

Hair Vital (Italy): day-time moisturizing cream Oil Infusion2 40+ with argan oil, tsubaki (from the seeds of the winter Japanese rose), Peruvian oil Inca Inci and butter of the South African Marula tree.

MoroccanOil (Israel): argan oil for hair Moroccanoil Treatment; mask for hair Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask.

Redken (USA): oil for hair All Soft Argan-6 Multi-Care Oil.

Magic Glance (France): Argan Oil Hair Magic Glance.

Lakme (Spain): argan oil for hair Bio Argan Oil.

Diar Argan (Morocco): organic cosmetics with arganom oil series Cosmetic Argan Oil 100% Pure & Natural; Balm for the face Baume with argan & cactus; massage argan oil for the body. All products have the Ecocert certificate.

Constant Delight (Italy): regenerating face mask Constant Delight maschera ristrutturante con olio di argan; serum for hair Constant Delight siero ristrutturante con olio di argan and restoring shampoo based on argan oil Constant Delight shampoo ristrutturante con olio di argan.

BB Gloss (Brazil-Morocco): argan oil for all hair types BB Gloss Argan oil.

Confume Argan Treatment Oil (Welcos, Korea) - argan oil for hair.

Orly (USA): Argan oil for nails Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops with the addition of jojoba and avocado oil.

RICH (France): RICH Hair Care Argan Oil - argan oil for moisturizing hair; RICH Pure Luxury Argan De-Frizz & Shine Mist - Rich veil hair spray with argan oil; RICH Pure Luxury Argan Oil - elixir for restoring the structure of hair.

Lee Stafford (UK): argan oil hair Lee Stafford Arganoil from MoRocco.

Londa (Germany): VELVET oil for hair with argan oil (Londa Professional VELVET OIL with Argan).

Seliar (Italy): the Echosline line includes Arene hair oil Seliar Argan Beauty Secret; Shampoo based on Arene oil Seliar Argan (with the addition of linseed oil and silk proteins); hair mask Seliar Argan Mask.

Reference (Sweden): oil for hair Ref Argan Oil.

Salerm (Spain): nourishing and moisturizing agent for disobedient hair Salerm Arganology with argan and cotton oils.

Planeta Organica (Russia): shampoo based on argan oil for colored hair ORGANIC ARGAN OIL with betaine, vanilla extracts and mallow flowers.

Gaincosmetics (South Korea) argan oil hair Lombok perfect argan oil.

Almost 20 years ago, in the south of Morocco, the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve biosphere reserve was established. Moroccans call this tree iron or goat: its deep roots help to slow the desert offensive to populated areas, in the shade of these trees you can hide from the scorching sun, the leaves and fruits provide animal feed, the production of argan oil gives jobs to more than 2 million local residents. And argan oil in cosmetology helps to care for the skin and hair.

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Allergic to argan oil

There are cases of allergy to argan oil, although most dermatologists believe that its true culprits are the ingredients used to preserve cosmetic products containing this oil ...

However - if you have an allergy to nuts or peanuts - use argan oil with caution: the researchers found in it an allergic reaction protein 10 kDa, which can belong to the family of oleosins - strong allergens.

Due to the presence of this protein, allergies to argan oil can develop - by the type of contact dermatitis (in the form of uneven skin, facial acne and rash on the scalp).

Therefore, before using argan oil, you should check the reaction to it on a small area of the skin.

Many manufacturers claim that these proteins are removed from their product. But for this oil is exposed to high temperatures and chemicals, that is, it is no longer a 100% natural product.

By purchasing any products, including argan oil, carefully read its label and study the composition.

By the way, the harm from natural Moroccan argan oil, produced manually in local cooperatives, can be due to the presence of organic peroxides in the finished product that are unsafe for the skin. Where do these substances come from in oil?

From goat manure. In co-operatives women work, who choose the bones of argan from the manure of goats that feed on the fruits of this tree. The bones are extremely hard, but after passing through the intestines of the animals, the shell becomes less sturdy, and it is much easier to remove the nuclei-the raw material for the oil.

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