I first discovered
argan oil, referred to as “liquid gold” in 2008 when I was visiting my
soon-to-be husband in Morocco.
He gave me a bottle as a gift and I was immediately amazed with how it
moisturized, hydrated and softened my skin, body and hair in the Marrakech heat.
I was familiar with the hair brand “Moroccan Oil” but knew it was filled
with silicone, artificial preservatives, dyes, fragrance and contained little
actual argan oil. I wanted to see where organic argan oil came from, so we
visited many argan oil cooperatives in the region. Here’s what I
learned:
Argan oil is produced from an Argan nut
coming from Argan tree, which only grows in Southwestern Morocco.
Local Berber women work in fair-trade
cooperatives where they hand-crack the argan nuts in between two stones, a
technique they’ve used for centuries. Instead of being put through a machine,
the raw argan kernels are hand-extracted from the hard shell, hand-ground in a
stone grinder, hand-kneaded for hours and first cold-pressed into the oil. It
takes one woman three days to make just one liter of oil. This is why argan oil
is so valuable.
In 1998, the Argan forest in Morocco was designated a UNESCO protected
biosphere so argan oil is sustainable.
If you want to de-clutter your cabinet and simplify your beauty routine,
argan oil can become your go-to beauty elixir from head-to-toe. It’s chockfull
of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that promote your
overall health by moisturizing, softening as well as protecting your face and
hair from sun damage – without harmful toxins and Parabens.
Below are 10 ways to use organic argan oil in your daily life:
1. Face Moisturizer - After cleansing morning and/or night, massage
a few drops of argan oil directly onto your face and neck. Since argan is
considered a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and is not greasy. If you want to use
it as a serum, apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.
2. Hydrating Toner – Add a few drops of argan oil to your favorite
facial toner to hydrate and tone simultaneously. You can make your own toner by
adding a few drops of argan oil to Rose or Orange Blossom water.
3. Rejuvenating & Brightening Face Mask – Add a few drops of
argan oil to your store-bought mask. Alternatively, make your own mask by mixing
1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 3 teaspoons of Greek-style yogurt, 1 tablespoon of
honey and 3 drops of argan oil in a bowl. Apply on a clean, dry face and leave
on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
4. Exfoliating Lip Scrub and Moisturizer – To smooth and moisturize
your lips, add a few drops of argan oil and vanilla extract to fine brown sugar.
Lightly massage into lips using circular motion and rinse off.
5. Face Glow – Add a drop or two of argan oil to your foundation,
bronzer or tinted moisturizer for a dewy, luminous glow.
6. Leave-on Conditioner – After the shower, while your hair is still
wet, add a few drops of argan oil to your hair, ends and scalp to hydrate and
moisturize. It’s especially nourishing if your hair is dry from daily use of a
blow dryer, straight-iron or curling iron.
7. Hair Styling Shine – When your hair is dry, use as a styling
product by adding a few drops of argan oil to the palms of your hand. Rub your
hands together and run your fingers through your hair to create shine and tame
frizz. You only need a small amount. It lasts a long time.
8. Overnight Hair Treatment – Massage a generous amount of argan oil
into your hair, ends and scalp. Wrap your hair and leave it on while you sleep.
In the morning, wash your hair and you’ll have luminous, soft locks.
9. Cuticle and Heel Softener – Massage a few drops of argan oil into
your cuticles to soften, moisturize and encourage nail growth. Use as an
overnight treatment to nourish cracked heels by working a good amount into your
feet and toes. Cover with socks and wake up to supple feet.
10. Body and Bath Oil – Add a few drops of argan oil directly onto
your skin, into the bath or body lotion. It’s safe to use on a baby and to help
minimize stretch marks on a pregnant belly too.
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