Argan oil – properties and application in care

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Argan oil is called liquid gold from Morocco, because only this country grows argan trees from which this precious oil is produced. It is most often used in cosmetics, but it can also be used in the kitchen to diversify the taste of dishes. Unfortunately, due to the limited availability and manual sourcing of ferric argon seeds, it is quite expensive. So is it worth investing in argan oil?

Argan oil – characteristics

Argan oil is described as a true elixir of youth. It has many valuable pro-health and care properties. Its advantages have also been used in cooking, medicine and cosmetics. Argan oil from Morocco does not contain artificial additives, so it has no negative impact on human health.

Argan oil is a highly valued and at the same time the most difficult to access oil in the world. For cosmetic purposes, it is made from the raw nuts of the iron argan tree, which is also called iron tree, iron oil, argan tree, fatty iron, and also the tree of life.

The first fruits appear on the tree after 50 years, but the oil produced from them is worth the wait. Argan nuts are harvested about a year after flowering. Then the fruits are ripe and can be harvested. In each argan fruit, you can find two to three seeds from which argan oil is made.

Immediately after its preparation, argan oil has a rather specific scent, which is why it is deodorized. The process involves capturing the odor molecules through the use of steam. Thanks to this, the oil does not lose its valuable properties. It is also worth remembering that argan oil, which has a very strong and unpleasant smell, is spoiled and should be discarded.

Worth knowing

The high price of argan oil is influenced by the labor-intensive process of its production. It should be remembered that it is produced by hand. There are two types of argan oil on the market, namely food and cosmetic.

You can find argan oil, for example, in Propolia BeeYes BIO hair conditioner with honey, which you can buy at an attractive price at Medonet Market.

Argan oil – production

The production of argan oil is not an easy process. It requires a lot of time and effort. 1 liter of argan oil is produced from as much as 35 kg of argan fruits. The next stages of production are:

  1. picking argan fruits – argan fruits are harvested in the warmest months, i.e. June – August. When fully ripe, the fruit is picked from the ground by hand, rather than being picked from the tree. They should not be plucked or shaken as they are then more susceptible to spoilage. Both women and men collect the fruit. Importantly, the fruits are transported to the villages by hand, because the so-called argan forests are often in places inaccessible to cars;
  2. long drying in the sun – this process may take up to several weeks. The nuts are dried in the village until their color changes to a dark brown. Seeds are extracted from such nuts;
  3. obtaining seeds from fruits – the seeds are then extracted from the split nuts. Stones are used for this. Unfortunately, no attempts to automate this process have been successful. This is the most effective method due to the rather hard shells, irregular shape of nuts and delicate seed kernels;
  4. splitting the seeds to extract the seed nucleus;
  5. roasting the seed nuclei to produce argan oil for use in the kitchen;
  6. oil extraction – argan oil extraction it is done in three ways: manual, semi-automatic and chemical.

Argan oil – methods of extraction

Traditionally, argan oil was extracted from the seeds by hand. The seeds were ground by hand with stone tools and the oil was squeezed out of the resulting brown pulp. First, the mass was collected in large bowls, softened with water and kneaded by hand. In this way, argan oil was isolated.

This work is done only by women and passed down from generation to generation. It is worth noting, however, that argan oil obtained in this way is not a product of the highest quality. A visit to the argan oil production site is an interesting tourist attraction, but the product itself has a short shelf life and is perishable.

Semi-automatic cold pressing allows to obtain argan oil of the highest quality. The seeds are ground in special steel machines and then the oil is pressed out of them. It is a very hygienic and efficient method of production. Cold pressing is also completely safe for the precious nutrients of argan oil.

Note:

It is worth noting that some producers do not care about cleanliness in their plants, and additionally heat the mass, which makes the oil of lower quality. Therefore, it is very important to buy argan oil from proven sources.

Chemical extraction consists in adding various chemical solvents to mechanically ground seeds, which accelerate and facilitate the pressing of the oil. The residues of these substances are then removed from the oil.

Although it is the most efficient way of production, the oil has very little nourishing properties. However, production is cheap and very efficient, which is why such argan oil is often used in the cosmetics industry to produce shampoos, creams and lotions.

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Argan oil – properties

Argan oil has a wide range of health and beauty properties, but they are not fully understood. Research using argan oil still going on. Today we know many possibilities of its use.

The positive properties of argan oil are used in cooking, as well as in cosmetics and medicine. Argan oil is a source of vitamin E, sterols and unsaturated fatty acids, which are so important for humans, i.e. omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9. It is also worth remembering that the product is ideal for allergy sufferers because it does not cause allergies.

The properties of argan oil include:

  1. stopping the development of atherosclerosis;
  2. lowering the risk of cancer development;
  3. eliminating the influence of free radicals;
  4. supporting the treatment of male infertility;
  5. prevention of anemia;
  6. improving the quality of muscles;
  7. relief of joint pain;
  8. anti-inflammatory properties;
  9. prophylactic action in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease;
  10. lowering the level of bad cholesterol;
  11. improving blood circulation;
  12. improving the work of the immune system;
  13. prevention of heart disease;
  14. improving the functioning of the nervous system;
  15. prophylaxis of fungal and bacterial infections.

Properties of argan oil used in cosmetics are:

  1. prevention of skin aging;
  2. reducing the visibility of wrinkles;
  3. better skin elasticity and improvement of its tension;
  4. soothing skin irritations, burns, abrasions or allergic reactions;
  5. relieving inflammation on the skin;
  6. deep hydration and nourishment of the skin;
  7. help in the treatment of skin psoriasis and even chicken pox;
  8. supporting the fight against cellulite;
  9. reduction of discoloration and uniform skin tone;
  10. scar reduction;
  11. protection against UV radiation;
  12. hair regeneration after hairdressing treatments;
  13. nourishing and strengthening the hair;
  14. preventing hair loss;
  15. nourishing the scalp;
  16. moisturizing the hair;
  17. protection against drying and cracking of the skin and nails;
  18. strengthening and nourishing nails;
  19. faster wound healing.

Argan oil is one of the main ingredients of Indeed Clearify oil – a preparation that alleviates the symptoms of acne. Thanks to its content, the cosmetic moisturizes the skin and soothes irritations, and at the same time does not clog pores.

Argan oil – application

The range of beneficial properties of argan oil makes it widely used. The oil can be successfully treated simply as a cosmetic, but also as a medicine or food additive.

Argan oil is a great product for everyday skin and hair care. Argan oil with cosmetic properties is pressed from unroasted grains, which gives it a bright color and sour smell. It is recommended especially to women who struggle with the problem of dry facial skin and damaged hair with hairdressing treatments. It will also be an excellent cosmetic for people with skin problems such as allergies, irritations, scars, acne, discoloration or cellulite.

If you want to reduce discoloration, you can try Orientana care cream for problem skin. Perfect for the highly moisturizing natural Orientana essence for demanding skin. You can find both cosmetics at Medonet Market.

Argan oil is a natural alternative to anti-wrinkle creams. It can be successfully used by women with mature skin, but also by younger women who want to act prophylactically and firm their skin.

Argan oil can be used in its pure form or you can choose an appropriate ready-made cosmetic with the oil content. An interesting solution is also adding the oil to the cosmetics used every day.

The action of argan oil from the inside can be safely used during massage, thanks to which we can soothe joint pain and inflammation. In addition, consuming the oil in reasonable amounts can help people suffering from atherosclerosis, heart disease and blood pressure disorders. It is also believed that organ oil may also be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Argan oil can also be used in the kitchen. It can be an ingredient of sauces, salads, pickles, which will gain an oriental, nutty aroma. Argan oil should also be added to meat and fish dishes. However, remember to add it directly to your dishes so that it does not lose its miraculous properties. Therefore, it should not be used for frying.

Food grade oil is made from roasted argan seeds, which gives it a nutty flavor and a dark golden color. The use of argan oil in the kitchen will make our dishes gain numerous beneficial properties as well as an exotic character. Therefore, it is worth replacing other oils added cold to dishes with argan oil. The use of argan oil in dishes is, for example, popular in exclusive restaurants.

The oil obtained from roasted grains is not only tasty and gives the dishes an oriental aroma, but also stimulates the body’s immune system and supports the cardiovascular system. It has anti-inflammatory properties, has a positive effect on blood clotting and lowers cholesterol.

Argan oil – face care

Argan oil is best known for its cosmetic properties. Most often it is used externally. It is one of the oils that penetrate the skin best, so it is well absorbed and does not leave a greasy film, but above all works not only on the surface of the skin, but also in deeper layers.

Argan oil does not show allergenic properties, therefore it is recommended for people with dry, sensitive skin, prone to irritation and skin allergies.

Due to the fact that argan oil rebuilds the skin’s lipid layer, i.e. the natural protective barrier, the skin is strengthened from the outside, which in turn has a positive effect on its elasticity and level of hydration. Argan oil contains tocopherols and polyphenol which are antioxidants and prevent skin aging and wrinkles. That is why it is recommended for mature skin. It also works well for adolescent acne, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember!

Argan oil itself is an excellent face care product, but it is also an ingredient in many face cosmetics and eye creams. This oil is a great way to achieve a moisturized and well-nourished skin.

It is also worth using argan oil for acne. To see the difference in the condition of the skin, it is enough to use argan oil for acne, e.g. at night, instead of serum. In this way, we will not only get rid of unattractive changes in the skin of the face, but also this method of applying argan oil on the face will work well in the case of dry, sensitive and irritated skin. Thanks to such treatments, the complexion will quickly regain radiance and even the very dehydrated skin will start to look healthy.

Argan oil can be added to e.g. face cream or eye cream. The oil can even enhance protection against changing weather conditions.

A popular way of using argan oil is the so-called OCM method, i.e. face cleansing with oils. This method consists in mixing it with other natural oils, keeping the right proportions. In this way, it is possible to remove all impurities from the skin and at the same time provide it with an appropriate level of hydration and nourishment.

Argan oil should be mixed with honey to increase its nutritional effect. In addition, it can also become a component of cosmetics that gently exfoliate the skin. Just add Epsom salt to it. In this way, we can use argan oil for acne again, because such a mixture has anti-acne, anti-seborrheic and antibacterial properties.

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Argan oil – hair

Argan oil on hair has a very wide impact. By using the oil, we will strengthen the bulbs and reduce the amount of hair loss. The hair will be regenerated, shiny and the scalp will be moisturized. It is worth noting that argan oil rebuilds the hair structure, strengthening it and protecting it against the harmful effects of external factors, such as low temperatures.

People with all hair types can benefit from its conditioning properties, but it is especially recommended for people with dry hair and damaged, split ends. If our hair tends to be greasy, combine care with the use of products that reduce the production of sebum. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help, thanks to which we will additionally nourish the hair and take care of the acid-base balance.

Argan oil for hair is best used in the form of a hair mask. Very often, argan oil is used on hair in an oiling treatment to restore its shine and hydration, or on the ends themselves to protect them from rubbing against clothes and breaking or splitting.

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The so-called However, hair oiling is not a procedure for everyone, as not all hair responds well to oils. It is worth doing a trial on a small part of the hair beforehand. Argan oil mask can be prepared in two ways:

  1. argan oil can be rubbed directly into the scalp and hair ends. It is enough to put a few drops of the oil on them. Then put on a bathing cap on your head, wrap a towel around your head and wait 30 minutes. After this time, the head should be washed with shampoo and rinsed thoroughly;
  2. Rub the argan oil into the scalp and ends as before, put on the cap and wrap the head with a towel. However, we keep this mask all night. After waking up, wash your head with shampoo.

By applying argan oil to hair in the form of a mask, once or twice a week, you will perfectly moisturize your hair. They will become well-nourished and prevent split ends. However, it is important to keep the hair warmer so that it absorbs the nutrients better. Also try the intensively regenerating Vianek mask for dark and color-treated hair and Sylveco smoothing hair conditioner with argan oil, which you can order at medonetmarket.pl.

Other way application of argan oil to the hair is the serum. It is enough to apply a little oil on freshly washed hair. It should be spread not only on the ends, but also along the entire length of the hair, avoiding the hair at the roots so as not to weigh it down.

As in the case of face and eye care, argan oil can become an ingredient in a hair shampoo. As a result, your hair will be less susceptible to chemicals during washing.

Argan oil – eyelashes and nails

Argan oil is also a great product for eyelash and nail care. This oil strengthens, moisturizes and nourishes lashes, making them stronger and less likely to fall out. In addition, together with castor oil, it will make our eyelashes longer and darker.

We can apply argan oil on eyelashes in two ways:

  1. Apply pure oil or a mixture of oils to the eyelashes with a clean mascara brush just like a regular conditioner. It is best to do this every evening after removing makeup;
  2. argan oil, you can also add a product that is already in our cosmetic bag. It can be, for example, an eye make-up remover. However, cosmetics must be mixed very well with each other.

Argan oil for hands and nails is an excellent way of care. Our hands are most exposed to low temperatures or other external factors that cause irritation and redness. By using argan oil regularly, the nails will become harder and visibly better nourished.

Using argan oil, you can remove tearing cuticles or various discolorations on the nail plate. It is enough to massage the argan oil into the nails every day and wait about 30 minutes for it to be absorbed. Special gloves can be used for this.

Argan oil for hands, used as a mask, will quickly improve the condition of the skin on the hands. It is not only about dry skin on the hands, but also eliminating discoloration caused by the sun or hormonal changes. It is worth spending time for 5-minute baths in warm water with the addition of oil in a 1: 1 ratio.

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Argan oil – opinions

Due to its low susceptibility to allergies, argan oil has very good opinions among all users. It is recommended instead of olive oil for young children, for the care of the skin of the elderly or for therapeutic massages.

Opinions about argan oil can be found on many beauty and care forums and portals. People who use the oil appreciate its versatility and great possibilities of use.

Most often, consumers praise the use of argan oil as an overnight serum. Many people have managed to eliminate, for example, various unsightly skin changes such as acne or discoloration. Thanks to argan oil, many people got rid of scars and sunburn. Perfectly moisturizes the skin, which keeps it nice and young.

Many opinions also indicate that in drugstores you can get a lot of relatively cheap preparations labeled argan oil. Therefore, it is worth keeping this opinion in mind and making sure that we buy the best quality product.

Argan oil – contraindications

As with any product, even of natural origin, side effects may occur when using argan oil. Contraindications to the use of argan oil it is primarily allergic to the oil. Although it is very rare, it is recommended for allergy sufferers, but it is still worth doing an allergy test before introducing it to your diet or skin care process.

Argan oil – storage

Argan oil is a product that is very sensitive to sunlight and temperature, so it is very important to properly protect it from damage. It should be transported and stored in a certain way. It is true that these conditions do not have to be the same as in the case of some drugs, but care should be taken that it is not exposed to sunlight and kept at high temperatures.

In order for argan oil to retain its properties, it should be stored primarily in a dark glass bottle. It can also be kept in a dark place away from sunlight. That is why, for example, the stage of transport in Africa is very important, because the extreme temperatures prevailing there can easily damage the quality of argan oil.

Argan oil – price

Argan oil is undoubtedly one of the most expensive oils available on the market. Today, however, it is an easily available product and you can buy it in almost every drugstore chain in Poland. The price of argan oil is about PLN 20-30 for a 30 ml bottle. The price depends largely on the company producing it, and hence very varied.

Therefore, before deciding to buy, it is worth reading consumer opinions to choose the best product.

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