It’s no secret that facial skin care is expensive. Among the daily tasks: cleanse, nourish, moisturize, protect, preserve the youthfulness of the skin. All this requires an impressive list of cosmetics. However, nature has given us a generous gift – argan oil. Its versatility and effectiveness impresses both scientific minds and ordinary consumers.
Argan oil is one of the most expensive products in cosmetology, because it is mined only in Morocco. It is obtained by cold pressing from the “iron tree” nut – argan. The process of extracting oil is very laborious: the walnut is harvested by hand, in July, once every two years. The production volumes of argan oil are very modest, but its demand and popularity, on the contrary, are growing. As a result, the cost of “Moroccan exotic” is solid. So what is its value? Let’s figure it out.
Composition and properties of argan oil
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are not produced by the body itself. They contribute to the healthy functioning of cells, retain the moisture they need, and slow down the aging process.
- Carotenoids – protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and free radicals, prevent the development of cancer cells.
- Polyphenols – have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic properties, promote rejuvenation.
- Sterols – fight skin aging processes, maintain the water balance of cells, and have antitumor properties.
- Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that lowers cholesterol and glucose levels. It is often used in the formulations of expensive anti-aging cosmetics.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, retains moisture in the upper layers of the skin, promotes nutrition, prevents skin aging, and has a wound healing effect.
Effects on the skin
The first thing I would like to note is that there is no skin type that argan oil does not suit. Therein lies its versatility. Argan oil has its own approach to every skin type.
- Problem skin. Due to its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, argan oil relieves inflammation and restores the skin. It prevents the appearance of acne, pimples. Effectively treats psoriasis, eczema, rehabilitates the skin after injuries and burns.
- Dry and normal skin. The oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin at the same time. Detains the optimal level of moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis. Prevents dryness, tightness, peeling, protects against chapping, which is especially important in winter.
- Oily skin. Sometimes, women find that with this type of skin, they don’t need to worry too much about nourishing and moisturizing it. It is here that argan oil becomes a universal care assistant: it corrects the production of sebaceous glands, and, with systematic use, brings their work back to normal. At the same time nourishes and moisturizes the skin, protects against bad ecology.
- Withering skin. It’s no secret that argan oil is often included in expensive anti-aging cosmetics. And not in vain! Firstly, it restores damaged cells, smoothes wrinkles, removes small cracks and other defects. Secondly, it has a tremendous lifting effect, the result of use is immediately noticeable. The oil gives the face a fresh, healthy, well-groomed look. Lovers of argan oil are especially pleased with the depth of work. You can be sure that the oil will not only restore and maintain a healthy appearance of the skin, it will also take care of it from the inside.
By the way, oil is also used in the care of lips and skin around the eyes, and this is another “minus” 3-4 tubes from your shelves and from your budget.
How to apply
Options for using the “miracle oil” are different. You can use it as an independent cosmetic product, that is, apply it to a cleansed face 1-2 times a day. After 20 minutes after application, the excess should be removed with a napkin. According to the Moroccans, the skin “eats” exactly as much oil as it needs, the rest can be safely removed. It is advisable to apply the oil warm, so it penetrates deeper into the layers of the skin.
If there are especially favorite jars of creams, then argan oil can be added to them. During application, mix a couple of drops with the desired cream.
And, of course, homemade masks and creams. There are a lot of recipes for their preparation with argan oil. The only question is to determine your needs – and then select the right recipe.
For oily and youthful skin our oil will help in combination with tea tree essential oil. It will correct the secretion of sebum, relieve inflammation, relieve acne. It is necessary to mix 4 drops of tea tree with a dessert spoon of argan oil. Received to apply to problem areas of the skin. After 30 minutes, the excess can be removed.
Lifting mask. In order for the effect of rejuvenation to be on the face, a mask with yogurt is suitable. Of course, we are talking about a natural fermented milk product. Mix two dessert spoons of yogurt with one lemon juice and add a couple of drops of our miracle oil. Apply the result on a clean face and leave for 20 minutes. Remove the rest.
Skin around the eyes will be very grateful to you for a mask of three oils: argan, olive and almond. All three components are mixed in equal proportions and heated for a couple. Remember, we said that heated oil is more effective. A warm mask is applied to the eyelids, according to the same principle as creams. After 20 minutes, the excess off.
Oh yes! Argan oil can be a good ally of decorative cosmetics. When applying makeup foundation on the face, a couple of drops of argan can be mixed with foundation. The result is perfect skin plus all-day protection and care.
How to choose argan oil
So useful and versatile – argan oil is a welcome purchase for many women. However, even here there are unscrupulous entrepreneurs who want to hit the jackpot on their pseudo bottles.
Here are some tips for choosing oils:
- Argan oil can only be stored in glass jars and bottles.
- Pay attention to the composition, if there are any impurities that the seller forgot to mention.
- A good oil should have a light nutty flavor.
- Impurities and sediments are bad.
- Specify how the product was pressed – you need a cold one.
- The cost of the product is high, so it cannot be fabulously cheap.
You can talk about argan oil for a long time, if not endlessly. One thing is clear – it can become an indispensable assistant in the daily care of your health and beauty.
