I love oils! You know I’m head over heals for Coconut Oil but one oil which has recently grabbed my attention is Moroccan Argan Oil. It was an oil that I had heard of but never indulged in, until by chance I was given a bottle as a secret Santa present in December (my friends know me well!).
Moroccan Argan Oil (argania spinosa) is a very rare and special tree, as it is only grown in the dry and harsh environment of South West Morocco. The Berber women of the region have known of it’s healing properties for hundreds of years time but its popularity as a cosmetic ingredient has increased in the Western world in the last 5 years.
So why all the hype about Argan Oil?
Like coconut oil, the lighter Argan Oil has a variety of uses for both the skin and hair. Lariese Purely Organic name the following properties in the oil:
[su_quote cite=”Lariese Purely Organic” url=”http://lariese.com/moroccan-argan-oil.html#.UuTIBvZxUy7″]it contains the richest form of Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants, amongst other properties, in concentrated oil extracted from the Argan nut. These properties can only be found in very few other plant species[/su_quote]
Like coconut oil, there are a number of popular uses which include:
- Skin repair and rejuvenation
- Protection against UV damage
- Helps to diminish discolouration, stretch marks, blemishes
- Restores lustre to hair, if particularly frizzy and dry
- Strengthens and smooths the nail cuticle
- A natural shaving oil
What effect have I noticed?
I have been using Moroccan Argan Oil for about a month now, applying it to my face primarily in the evening or in the morning if I’m not wearing makeup. I have noticed a marked improvement in my overall complexion – there is an evenness and elasticity to it. For someone who has suffered from oily skin in the past, there no oily residue whatsoever, it blends easily and evenly.
As always, it is important to choose Organic, especially when it comes to Argan Oil which due to heavy commercialisation is threatening to destroy the local environment. While environmental concerns are an important consideration, on the contrary, the industry has benefited Moroccan women through the formation of co-operatives which have provided a steady income and increased social status.
While I have only used the Lariese Purely Organic brand, there are many others on the market and these are just a few that we found:
Potion Products Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
John Masters Organics 100% Argan Oil
Zween Body Care Pure Organic Argan Oil
Image care of Lariese.
