From the seeds of the Argania spinosa plant, that grows in the south of Morocco, the argan oil is extracted. This oil is mainly used in beauty preparations for external applications but, in the countries of origin such as Morocco or Algeria, it can also be used in cooking. Argan oil for cooking use has a different preparation than that used for the skin care, in fact if used for cooking the fruit is roasted otherwise it is cold pressed, making it clearer. In this article we focus on argan oil for cosmetic use, this oil is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins such as A and E, all anti-aging substances that can fight skin aging processes and counteract the formation of free radicals. In addition to this, argan oil hydrates the skin deeply without greasing it and stimulates the production of collagen. Emollient, regenerating and elasticizing properties make argan oil very useful in order to prevent wrinkles and stretch marks but also sagging skin and to restore tone, softness and vigor to stressed skin, irritated by shaving or waxing or burned after exposure to the sun. Let’s see the main uses.
Wrinkles, irritations after shaving, waxing or diaper, burns, stretch marks also during pregnancy
You can massage 2 or 3 drops of argan oil in the evening on the area to be treated, do not rinse and leave it on all night long. Argan oil can also be used on children to prevent and fight the irritations left by the diaper because this oil hydrates without leaving traces of grease.
Fingernails
Even the nails can benefit from this oil, try in the evening, before going to sleep, to mix a tablespoon of argan oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice, apply it on your nails, cover your hands with cotton gloves and leave on all night, this treatment helps to fortify your nails. Alternatively, for a faster treatment, just apply a drop of argan oil on each nail, cover with a plastic wrap and leave it on for half an hour, then, after taking off the plastic wrap, you can massage the oil around the nails to soften any hangnail.
Massages, muscle tension
Ideal for massages, it helps to remove the tensions, to relax the muscles and to make the skin more elastic and soft.
Hair
Argan oil also helps to preserve hair health against dry, damaged and brittle hair, split ends. Apply the oil on your hair and scalp, massage it, cover your head with a plastic wrap and leave it for about an hour, however, if you have oily skin, a quarter of an hour is enough, then rinse with the shampoo as you usually do.
Body and face scrubs
You can create a body scrub in a few steps by mixing 2 tablespoons of argan oil and 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, apply it on the body under the shower with circular movements starting from the ankles and going up along the body, salt will help to remove dead cells and oil of argan can penetrate the skin by leaving it soft. To make a face scrub replace salt with sugar, you can also massage it on the lips to remove dry skin and cracking.
Lips
Finally, argan oil can also be used on the lips instead of cocoa butter because it leaves the lips soft, hydrates them and protects them from the atmospheric agents.
