Argania spinosa or Argan tree is a member of the Sapotaceae family, which also includes the shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii), and it is particularly resistant to dry and arid conditions, growing in South Marocco. The tree reaches heights of 8-10 metres and its shape is similar to an olive tree.The Argan forest is one of the most important natural treasures of Marocco and it acts as a natural defense against the encroaching desert and helps maintain ecological equilibrium and preserving biodiversity in Northern Africa.
The Argan tree is mainly known for its oil, the Argan oil, which is used by Berber women for skin, hair and nail care.
Argan oil is obtained cold-pressed from the fruits using tradicional methods, and women who prepare the oil are also responsible for harvesting the fruits.
Argan oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries on the treatment of heart disease, infertility, chicken pox, acne and other types of skin conditions.
It has an exceptional concentration of Vitamine E (Tocopherols), that is at least two times greater than in olive oil, being highly antioxidant and preserving cellular integrity. According to clinical studies, Argan oil could prevent heart disease and even diabetes.
Active Ingredients of Argan Oil
- Fatty acids: 99%, of which over 80% is unsaturated fatty acids
- Insaponifiables: 1%
- Tocopherols: 60-90 mg/100 g
- Sterols: 130-230 mg/100 g
Due to its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-9 and omega-6, argan oil helps restore the skin´s hydro-lipid film, being able to penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy or shiny trace.
Additional skin-care properties of argan oil include:
- excellent anti-free radical effect providing excellent anti-ageing effect
- highly beneficial action on dry skin with a tendency to eczema, helping to restore the cutaneous barrier
- excellent sebum regulation action for oily skins
- provides a regenerating and healing effect on stretch marks
I was very impressed with the properties of argan oil when I used it for the first time on my skin. I must confess that argan oil is my favorite vegetable oil used on skin care. It combines perfectly with essential oils and the results are just amazing.
I have my own blend made up of argan oil and rose essential oil, and I use it on my face every night before going to bed. While the argan oil cares for the skin fighting against free radicals, rose essential oil will heal scars, repair tissue, hydrate the skin and regulate sebum. I always notice visible changes in the tone and color of the skin when I wake up and fine wrinkles just fade away!
What about you? Do you have any experience to share using argan oil? If yes, I will be happy to hear from you. Just send an email to aroma_lounge24@yahoo.de.
References:
- SÖFW-Journal 131 - 10 - 2005, Argania spinosa - How ecological farming, fair trade and sustainability can drive the research for new cosmetic active ingredients
