Argan oil comes from the nut of the argan tree. This tree is native of Morocco which is why the oil is often called Moroccan oil. It is also called liquid gold due to its many beneficial health properties. Morrocan women have been using this oil for centuries for both cooking and as a topical application.
After flowering the fruit of the argan tree takes over a year to grow and mature into the oil rich nut. The contents of the nut is then processed by hand to produce the oil. The time taken for the nut to ripen and the hand processing of the oil is the reason for the high cost of the oil. However, a small amount can go a long way and has numerous uses which makes it ideal for anyone looking to streamline a beauty routine.
Good quality oil contains high levels of tocopherols (vitamin E) and fatty acids which are beneficial to soft, supple skin, it also heals sun and age damage, and improves the skin's water content. Argan oil is always easily absorbed into the skin, it leaves a soft sheen to the skin without leaving a thick oily slick. If your oil is laying on top of the skin take a look at the label, it is most likely mixed with another type of oil, you want to make sure it is 100% argan oil. If your bottle does turn out to be a blend of two or more oils it doesn't necessarily mean it is bad and you should throw it away, it just means it is probably made with a particular purpose in mind such as a hand or eye product rather than one product that can perform a multiple of tasks.
Pure argan oil can be used as a moisturizer all over the body including the face. Because the oil is light and easily absorbed means it can even be worn under makeup.
At the end of the day it can be used with cotton wool to remove makeup including around the eye area. For this reason avoid using as an eye cream if you are going to be wearing mascara and/or eyeliner as you will look like a panda within a few minutes. I know this first hand.
A small amount rubbed between the palms and then applied to freshly washed hair can work as a leave in hair conditioner and natural hair tamer.
Apply throughout the day to hardworking hands and cuticles will benefit too.
Before going to bed apply to heels and toes and then slip on a pair of socks for smooth feet.
Below is a small selection of argan oil that can be found around the web. I have added my affiliate links to some (not all) the photos which means if you click on the links below and make a purchase I may receive a small payment at no cost to you. I hope you enjoy the links. Thank you for your support!
This is the oil I am currently using. It's by Aura Cacia and available on Amazon. I've been using it several times a day every day for the at least the last three weeks and still have over half a bottle left. I love how soft and supple my skin feels, although learned the hard way not to try and spray it directly onto my face as there is no guarantee the oil will go on the face and not splutter over clothing and of course the oil leaves an oily mark that needs to be washed out. Otherwise, I have no negative remarks to make other than I wish I had started using this product on my skin years ago.
