A while back, I bought myself a bottle of a trendy argan oil that was extremely thick, somewhat perfumed and… not that impressive. I forced myself to use all of it out of principle (I bought a big bottle and it was very expensive) and was off the argan train for a while. Then, after my hiatus, I decided to give some pure argan oil a try. If you’re into deeply performing and simple, multi-purpose natural beauty, this may just be one of your favorite new beauty treats, too!
Argan oil is derived from an argan tree that only grows in Southwestern Morocco. The kernels or nuts of the fruit produced by the argan tree are extracted, cracked, roasted, cooled and then ground and pressed. This is all very labor intensive and is done by hand, hence the hefty price tag that can come with quality aragan oil. The great news, though, is that a drop or two is usually all that you need!
Argan oil is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E and fatty acids. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps skin produce more collagen. Collagen helps to both reduce and prevent wrinkles, helping you look younger in a true sense because your skin is literally rejuvenating from deep within. It’s also rich in Omega 6 fatty acids that are super-moisturizing and has loads of anti-inflammatory properties, too.
Add to my travel list: must see the goats who climb argan trees in Morrocco!!!
How do I use argan oil & what can you do with it?
It’s eliminated hair serums, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, hand cream, and heavy, thick moisturizers that were once piled on in my life. It’s added a huge glow, healed my chapped lips and helps my nails to grow. It may help you to simplify your own beauty routine… and… it’s totally natural so that’s amazing!
Skin irritation healer. Argan oil is a strong and effective moisturizer which helps treat eczema, reduces inflammation of the skin and rashes. So, if you have skin irritation, try a drop or two every day. It’s proven miraculous for extreme dry patches, unexplained irritation and even razor burn.
Face oil right out of the shower. Argan oil is known to be a gentle, yet effective moisturizer that does not leave an oily residue on your skin and gets absorbed into your skin cells quickly.
As an “eye cream” or beneath your eye cream, argan oil is safe and effective.
You can try the Dr. Axe method: “Apply one drop to your face, using a tapping motion, from the bridge of your nose to your temple, and back again. Then apply a drop beneath your eyes with the same gentle tapping. The vitamin A and vitamin E can help to reduce fine wrinkles and keep this delicate area moisturized.”
Some use it to cure acne.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology took 20 subjects that were asked to use aragan oil based cream on their face for 4 weeks during January and February. They tested participants levels of sebum (the oils that which lubricates the skin and hair) both before and after the study.
“95% of volunteers experienced a visible reduction in excess sebum on the skin, and the area covered with oily spots decreased by 42% leading researchers to report that the argan oil cream can both reduce greasiness and improve the appearance of the skin.
Argan oil’s high linoleic acid content can also help to reduce the inflammation associated with acne while healing damaged skin.”
That’s a very simple and amazing treatment!
Flaking scalp & dandruff: Since argan oil is high in vitamin E and antioxidants, it helps bring nutrients to your scalp.
You can massage a few drops of argan oil to your scalp, slowly adding drops to cover your whole scalp. Less is best, massaged in well for a few minutes with the pads of your fingers. Let it rest for a few hours (or overnight with a towel on your pillow) Then, shampoo and rinse thoroughly. This can nourish and revitalize your scalp several times a week.
As a leave-in conditioner, serum, shining finish, I rub two to three drops in my palms and smooth down my hair (mine is long so adjust accordingly, less is best), concentrating on the ends.
Lip soother. Argan oil heals dry, cracked lips. I like to scrub my lips first with a soft toothbrush then apply a drop like lip gloss. It’s amazing how fast it is absorbed by thirsty skin!
Manicure power. For hang nails and dead cuticles just add a drop of argan oil to the nail and rub it around your nail beds.
Foundation glowtion. If you want to add glow to your foundation, pump out what you plan to apply on a clean surface (or the back of your hand, if you’re me) and then mix in a tiny drop of argan oil. This has been sheer magic for me. You may need a bit of extra finishing powder, but it’s so worth it for the glow!
It’s a simple way to both level up and pare down gorgeously… and that’s the joy of minimalism!
& thank you to Actually Organic for my latest bottle of pure Argan Oil. I love it!!!
xoxo Dana
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