Argan Oil: The Liquid Gold of Skincare

Argan oil, often referred to as 'liquid gold,' has become a highly sought-after ingredient in the beauty industry. Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree native to Morocco, this precious oil is packed with a multitude of benefits for your skin, hair, and nails. In this post, we'll explore what argan oil is and why it has gained its status as a powerhouse ingredient in the world of beauty and Colorado skincare.

 

Argan Oil is Rich in Essential Nutrients

Argan oil is known as 'liquid gold' for good reason. This miracle oil is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote overall skin health. It's especially known for its hydrating and nourishing properties, which can help to soften and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is precisely why we choose to use Organic Argan Oil in our Mountain Glow Face Cream.

The high levels of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6 and omega-9, help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and support overall skin health. These fatty acids also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin and reduce redness. Additionally, studies show that argan oil is a fantastic aid in retaining moisture, making argan oil an excellent choice for combating dry, flaky skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (Tichota et al., 2014).

Vitamin E, another key component of argan oil, acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, vitamin E helps to prevent premature aging, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve skin's elasticity. Furthermore, it supports the skin's natural healing process, making it effective in reducing scars and stretch marks.

The antioxidants present in argan oil not only protect the skin but also offer benefits for hair health; another reason we chose it for our antioxidant facial cream. They protect hair from damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and heat styling, resulting in smoother, shinier locks. Additionally, argan oil's nourishing properties help to repair split ends, promote hair growth, and improve overall hair health.

In summary, argan oil's rich nutrient profile makes it a versatile and highly effective beauty product, providing numerous benefits for both skin and hair. Its unique combination of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants work together to maintain and improve skin and hair health, making it a valuable addition to any beauty routine.

Argan oil is from the kernels of the argan tree's (Argania spinosa) fruit. They're often referred to as argan nuts.

 

Argan Oil is a Powerful Moisturizer

Argan oil's remarkable moisturizing properties can be attributed to its high fatty acid content, which includes oleic and linoleic acids (Simões et al., 2021). These fatty acids are essential components of the skin's natural moisture barrier and play a crucial role in maintaining hydration levels. When applied to the skin or hair, argan oil absorbs rapidly and effectively, delivering instant nourishment and hydration without leaving any greasy residue behind.

One of the reasons argan oil is an exceptional moisturizer is its ability to lock in moisture, making it an ideal choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin and hair. By forming a protective layer on the surface, argan oil helps to prevent moisture loss, thus ensuring that the skin and hair remain hydrated, soft, and supple. This is particularly beneficial for those living in harsh climates or experiencing seasonal dryness, as it can help to combat the negative effects of these environmental factors.

In addition to its moisturizing properties, argan oil also has a natural affinity for the skin and hair, meaning it is easily absorbed and well-tolerated by most skin types. This makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin, as well as on delicate areas like the face and neck. For hair, argan oil's lightweight texture and non-greasy finish make it an excellent choice for all hair types, including fine or oily hair, as it nourishes without weighing hair down.

In conclusion, argan oil's high fatty acid content makes it a powerful moisturizer for both skin and hair, providing deep hydration and effectively locking in moisture. Its rapid absorption and non-greasy finish make it an ideal choice for various skin and hair types, helping to restore and maintain softness and suppleness. Argan oil was an obvious choice for our Mountain Glow Face Cream

 

Argan Oil is High in Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The abundant antioxidants in argan oil, including vitamin E and polyphenols, play a vital role in safeguarding your skin and hair from environmental stressors, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to premature aging and other skin and hair issues.

Vitamin E, in particular, is a potent antioxidant that provides multiple benefits for the skin and hair. It helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss and improving hydration levels. Additionally, it promotes skin cell regeneration and supports the production of collagen, a key structural protein that helps to maintain skin's elasticity and firmness.

Polyphenols, another group of antioxidants found in argan oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated or inflamed skin. They work by reducing redness, calming irritation, and promoting a more balanced and even complexion. This makes argan oil an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis.

Argan oil's antioxidant properties also extend to hair care, helping to shield hair from environmental aggressors like UV radiation, pollution, and heat styling. By protecting the hair's natural structure and reducing oxidative stress, argan oil can help to minimize breakage, maintain hair's strength, and promote a healthier, shinier appearance.

In summary, the antioxidants present in argan oil, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, provide essential protection for your skin and hair against environmental damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These properties contribute to reducing premature aging signs, soothing irritated skin, and promoting a balanced, healthy complexion and hair.

Argan Oil Boosts Skin Elasticity and Firmness

In a study focused on the effects of argan oil on skin elasticity in postmenopausal women, researchers found that daily consumption and/or topical application of argan oil had an anti-aging effect on the skin (Boucetta et al., 2015). Sixty participants were divided into two groups: one group received dietary argan oil, while the other received olive oil. Both groups applied cosmetic argan oil to their left volar forearm for 60 days.

The study measured skin elasticity parameters and found significant improvements in gross-elasticity (R2), net elasticity (R5), and biological elasticity (R7), as well as a decrease in resonance running time (RRT) for the group consuming and applying argan oil. These results suggest that incorporating argan oil into your daily routine, either through diet or topical application, can help improve skin elasticity and combat signs of aging.

Conclusion

Argan oil has earned its reputation as a powerhouse ingredient in the beauty industry due to its nutrient-rich composition, moisturizing capabilities, and incredible versatility. This 'liquid gold' can be used on its own or mixed with other products to create customized solutions for your unique skin and hair care needs. From nourishing facial oils and potent serums to restorative hair masks and soothing cuticle treatments, argan oil has the potential to transform your beauty routine. Embrace the power of argan oil and discover the difference it can make for your skin, hair, and overall appearance. Incorporating this nutrient-rich oil into your daily routine can lead to improved skin and hair health, and its ease of use makes it a convenient choice for those looking to simplify their self-care rituals.

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Sources:

Tichota, D. M., Silva, A. C., Sousa Lobo, J. M., & Amaral, M. H. (2014, August 11). Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration. International journal of nanomedicine. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137996/

Simões, T., Ferreira, J., Lemos, M. F. L., Augusto, A., Félix, R., Silva, S. F. J., Ferreira-Dias, S., & Tecelão, C. (2021, October 20). Argan oil as a rich source of linoleic fatty acid for dietetic structured lipids production. Life (Basel, Switzerland). Retrieved April 18, 2023, from  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8621445/

Boucetta, K. Q., Charrouf, Z., Aguenaou, H., Derouiche, A., & Bensouda, Y. (2015, January 30). The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clinical interventions in aging. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321565/