The argan oil, also called Moroccan oil is an extract taken from the nuts of the plant Argania spinosa , which is only found in Morocco. For centuries, Moroccans have used this oil for hair treatment , a use that was recently discovered by the rest of the world. Since this plant is not found elsewhere, this oil is extremely rare.
This oil is produced manually : first they remove the fruits of the plant and let them dry in the sun, then they use stones to open the nuts and remove the seeds; They are then roasted and finally the valuable oil is extracted.
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Argan Oil Benefits
Argan oil is very suitable for hair , but it has recently been found to be effective in treating the skin. Take a look at its benefits:
Moroccan Oil Hair Benefits
Argan oil helps control frizz ( frizz ) and unruly hair. This is because hair usually has a negative electrical charge thanks to keratin and is the main cause of frizz. However, the vegetable oils soak the hair, causing the negative charge to slide the tip, reducing drag and allowing them to have a healthy and flexible appearance.
In addition, it is a natural treatment: its antioxidants and vitamins improve the elasticity of the hair , give a luminous shine and help to renew hair damaged by heat, wind, rust, excessive drying and chemical processes. Due to its action against the elements that cause tension in the hair, it is very suitable in shampoos for African or dry hair.
Among the nutrients in argan oil are tocopherol, phenolic acid, carotenes and essential fatty acids . According to a publication made by the Mohammed V Agdal University of Morocco in the Journal of Alternative Medicine Review, argan oil contains 80% unsaturated fats and three times more vitamin E than any other vegetable oil , which helps to better nourish hair, minimize dryness and breakage, reduce split ends and protect from thermal damage.
It is also beneficial for colored hair because it helps to maintain color for longer and, according to a recent study, it is able to protect hair against damage caused by dyes and improve shine and softness.
Although it is moisturizing, it is also suitable for oily hair , because it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue, as long as it is not used in large quantities, because it could clog the hair bulb.
Argan Oil: Benefits for the Skin
Argan oil, despite being famous for its use on hair, has also become known for skin care. Its hydrating action allows the skin to better absorb nutrients and delay aging , it is also anti-inflammatory and healing , so it can be used in the treatment of wrinkles that form in the breasts during breastfeeding, as well as a cream moisturizing.
It has a nutrient called squalene, which is an emollient and moisturizing agent in cosmetic formulations. In its use, squalene is stored in the epithelial tissue, which ensures a high rate of protection of the skin against free radicals, an antioxidant effect that helps prevent skin aging. It can also have a protective effect against skin cancer.
Uses of argan oil
Argan oil usage recommendations vary according to its purpose. See below how to use it on hair and skin.
Argan Oil Applications on Hair
Argan oil can be used in a number of ways: neat on the ends of hair or as a component in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in oils, and masks. It is often associated with hair dyes in salons, to protect hairs. It is applied before staining, using approximately 10 to 15 milliliters, massaged into the hair.
As for its pure use, it is best that you apply it only on the ends, either as a repair or leaving it to act for about 15 minutes. If you prefer to choose products that contain it in their formulation, the ideal is that you buy those that have at least a 10% concentration of argan oil.
Its use is not always recommended, because in excess it can leave the hair looking oily and the ideal is to apply it every two or three weeks , or after activities that can damage the hair such as swimming in a pool.
The amount to apply will depend on the length of your hair, but if you use it pure, remember that a few drops will be enough.
Uses of Moroccan Oil on the skin
Argan oil can also be used directly on the skin, although just a few drops, three to five, are enough to rehydrate.
It is also used in anti-aging or beauty creams, because it acts as a facilitator for the properties of these products to penetrate the skin. The absorption is often very fast and can be applied anywhere on the body . But unlike hair products, in skin cosmetics their concentration should vary between 2% and 10% to choose according to your skin type.
Ideally, you should use pure argan oil only every two or three days , while creams that contain it as one of its components are safe for daily use.
Precautions when buying argan oil
Being a very rare oil, you must be careful not to buy fraudulent products. The oil must be certified , which will ensure that there is no risk that it has been diluted with other oils or that it has gone through a process of refinement and not maturation, to ensure that all the phytonutrients in the oil are present in it.
We leave you the most recommended by our readers and ourselves:
- BIO Virgin Argan – 100% Pure Cold Pressed Carrier Oil – ECOCERT Certified Organic – 100ml
- Simon & Tom Pure Organic Argan Oil from Morocco cold pressed certified by Ecocert 100ml
- 1 Liter – 100% Pure BIO Argan Oil with Ecological Certificate Ecocert first Cold Pressure for Hair & Skin – The Original from Morocco
- BIO Virgin Argan – 100% Pure Cold Pressed Carrier Oil – Certified Organic – 50ml
- Simon & Tom Lips Booster 4ml lip gloss and moisturizer. Instant volume effect. Refreshing shine. NEW FORMULA with menthol and pure organic Argan oil to hydrate and enhance lips.
Argan Oil: Care after use
In general, you should avoid excessive exposure of the hair to the sun and humidity and not to use products that eliminate shine, such as foams and sprays, because after the argan oil treatment, the hair is left with a silky and shiny appearance.
If you have used pure oil, the ideal is not to use an iron or hairdryer , as this can “fry” the hair and damage it. Just use it to protect hair mixed with some cream. You can apply it right after the iron or dryer, to repair the damage.
Argan oil is not harmful to the skin. It is only important that you continue with daily sun protection and wash your face with a suitable soap to avoid clogging the pores.
Argan Oil Contraindications
Pure oil should be avoided by people with very oily hair , as this can leave it heavy and with less volume. If this is your case, it is recommended that you use a few drops combined with shampoos, conditioners or masks.
If you have very oily skin , you should be careful with the abuse of argan oil. There is a study showing that it has an oil-reducing effect, but you should be careful about using it pure in large amounts on skin prone to oil or acne, as too much can clog pores.
Some people believe that argan oil can make hair blonde or lighten its color. Only heat and coloring products can have this effect on hair. Pure argan oil is colorless. Be careful if you buy a product that has more color.
Results of using Argan Oil
You will be able to see the effects of argan oil on your hair immediately, with the first application . Creams with argan oil improve the styling of wet and dry hair. Applied after drying, it leaves hair more shiny.
On the face and skin, the results are quick too. In the first application you will observe an improvement in the moisture of the skin, which will look more exuberant and beautiful. But the anti-aging effect can take up to 30 days to appear . Everything will depend on the other care you give to your skin.
According to experts, argan oil works best at a 10% concentration or combined with products like conditioner and masks, because it works as a vehicle for its nutrients to protect hair before procedures like coloring or straightening . After these types of procedures, the ideal is to use it pure on dry ends .
Argan Oil Allies
Anti-aging creams
Argan oil, when mixed with these products, contributes to the penetration of its active ingredients into the skin, increasing its result. Ideally, you are looking for an anti-aging cream that contains the oil in a concentration of 2% to 10% or you include it from 100% pure argan oil with organic certificate .
Hair Conditioners and Masks
Argan oil is used with these products to prepare hair for straightening or other chemical procedures . Conditioners or masks act as vehicles for the oil, helping it penetrate the hair.
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.
