The Liquid Gold From Tree of Life

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) that is endemic to Morocco. It is used for nutritive and cosmetic properties. The argan tree lives to be about 150 to 200 years old and does not start producing the fruit until it is 30 to 50 years old. Because the tree is found only in a limited area, the oil itself is quite rare.

Local Berber women work in fair-trade cooperatives where they hand-crack the argan nuts in between two stones, a technique they’ve used for centuries. Instead of being put through a machine, the raw argan kernels are hand-extracted from the hard shell, hand-ground in a stone grinder, hand-kneaded for hours and first cold-pressed into the oil. It takes one woman three days to make just one liter of oil. This is why argan oil is so valuable.

In 1998, the Argan forest in Morocco was also designated as protected biosphere by UNESCO so that argan oil is sustainable.

If you want to de-clutter your cabinet and simplify your beauty routine, argan oil can become your go-to beauty elixir from head-to-toe. It’s chockfull of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that promote your overall health by moisturizing, softening as well as protecting your face and hair from sun damage – without harmful toxins and parabens.

There are two varieties of argan oil. One is for culinary purposes and the other is for cosmetic use. If the oil is to be used in cuisine the kernels are roasted before grinding which brings out the delicious nutty flavour of the oil. Roasted kernels produce a lot more oil than unroasted kernels.  This is why culinary argan oil is less expensive than cosmetic.

 

Argan oil for cosmetic use is made from raw, unroasted pits. It, too, has a bit of a nutty aroma when first applied but this scent completely disappears within a few minutes.

The oil extracted from the seeds of the fruit from the Argania spinosa shrub is full of fatty acids, phenols and tocopherols (vitamin E). Some of the fatty acids present in Argan oil are alpha-linolenic, linoleic, myristic, oleic, palmitic and stearidonic acids. Argan oil is also one of the richest sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin E is great for skin and hair issues. The presence of this vitamin in Argan oil helps the skin to heal more readily from scars, especially those brought on by chicken pox, acne, eczema, burn abrasions and psoriasis. It contributes to younger looking skin by decreasing evidences of aging skin by making wrinkles and fine lines less pronounced. It helps to retain moisture in the skin while protecting against the dangerous rays of the sun, contributing to overall healthier skin and hair.

Argan oil, when consumed, offers several health and nutritional advantages. It has antioxidant properties, important in warding off cancer. It is an anti-inflammatory and has been shown to help with joint and muscle pains related to arthritis and rheumatism. Argan oil is felt to help enhance digestion and is therefore recommended for some stomach problems. It has been links with improvements in blood circulation, reductions of bad cholesterols and boosting the immune system. It may also boost energy levels.

This ‘liquid gold’ from the ‘tree of life’ is now available as Argancare through QNet. Argancare oil’s cosmetic components are as shown below.

And, the suggested applications are:

For Face and Body

• Use as your daily facial cream for wrinkles, scar tissue, visibly irritated skin and stretch marks. Apply 3 to 4 drops daily to your skin in the morning and at night, massage the oil gently until absorbed.

• Use Argancare as your daily moisturiser after a bath or shower. Rub small amounts in your palms and massage your body using upward strokes.

• Suitable for all types of skin including dry, oily and sensitive skins.

For Hair

• Styling after shampoo and conditioning: Apply 4-5 drops of Argancare and work through damp hair. Style as usual.

• Frizz control and protection: Apply 2-3 drops of Argancare to dry hair from root to tip, as often as needed.

• Enhancing hair colouring: Before colouring, apply 1 teaspoon (5ml) of Argancare directly to hair, gently massage through each strand to enhance overall ability of colour absorption. Add another teaspoon (5ml) of Argancare to the colour mix and continue colouring as usual process (You do not need to rinse hair before applying the colour mix). This process will improve the shine, softness and depth of colour.

• Reviving, hydrating and detangling: Apply a few drops to hair, wigs and hair extensions.

For Children and Infants:

• Apply 3 to 4 drops of Argancare to hair and body and massage gently before and after baths.

• Use Argan Care during weekly massages for infants to soothe and relax the skin.

• Argancare is safe for the whole family and all ages.

• Argancare is safe to use during pregnancy.

• Argancare has a shelf life of 24 months. Results are visible in 3 to 4 weeks.