Natural beauty tips: The benefits of argan oil.

In the last year or so the word Argan oil (or Moroccan oil) seems to have appeared on almost every product you can think of from skin care to hair care and even Rimmel have dedicated a mascara too the famous oil. 

So I thought i'd do a little investigation into this oil and see what benefits we can get from it. 

People often refer to this oil as 'liquid gold' and below are the reasons why and its uses:

Argan oil is found in the Argan tree in Morocco. It is so rich in nutrients such a fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is just amazing for our bodies because its can help our skin heal. We loose vitamin as we get older so its important we supplement that loss.

1.Hair Care:

Argan oil is a brilliant conditioner for you hair and your scalp. It has been proven that argan oil has the nutrients to make your hair softer, shinier and silkier. This makes argan oil the prefect kind of conditioner for dry or frizzy hair which needs too be smoothed out or tamed. Its a great treatment for split ends. The vitamin E found in the oil promotes hair growth because it contains antioxidants. These antioxidants help boost hair cells and encourages the cells to produce healthy hair. There for argan oil can be used as a regrowth method for hair. For the scalp argan oil helps to fight dandruff or dryness. It helps to reverse the damage done by chemicals we have used on our hair such as hair dyes etc.. 

Pure argan oil leave in hair conditioner:

Although there are plenty of hair care products on the market which are very beneficial for the hair. The natural chemical free way, which for some may find it the most beneficial to treat the hair is to use pure argan oil. All you need is a two small drops of the oil in your hands rub your palms together thoroughly. Then run your hands through your damp hair. Massage it into the scalp to the tips for people who would suffer from dry hair or scalp. For people with normal to oily hair but sill want to care for the ends just rub it through the ends.Then style your hair as normal.

You could always mix a few drops into your regular conditioner and leave it in over night and then wash it out in the morning.

Products I've tried: 

Available from Boots or McCabes. Priced Around €8 each.

very popular and only €1.50 each in McCabes Pharmacy.

2.Skin Care.

Moisturizer: Its a very commonly used as a moisturizer. It hydrates and softens the skin because its so highly in vitamin E and fatty acids. It gives the skin a natural boost and youthful glow. It absorbs into the skin with ease and doesn't leave it feeling greasy. It can be used on the face and body just smooth a few drops over the skin just like any moisturizer. Again you can get many skin care products which contain the oil rather then the 100% pure oil.

Dry skin: For people suffering which dry skin conditions such a eczema, which leaves the skin flaky and itchy and sometimes even raw. Argan oil can be a huge benefit to you. Again the vitamin E and fatty acids will help repair the skin helping prevent dryness or irritation. Messaging the oil directly into your skin daily will provide you with amazing results.

Anti-aging: It is known to reduce wrinkle visibility and give the skin a glow. The anti-oxidants are proven to restore the skins elasticity leaving the skin feelings younger and plumper. 

The best way to use it as an anti-aging product is to message a few drops into the face and neck before going to bed. acting almost like a anti-aging night cream/serum.

Acne: Although many oils can irritate suffers of acne, argan oil is supposed to sooth the skin and the vitamin E within it promotes the skin to heal. Acne can be a result of oil skin, argan oil is not greasy! it just helps to balance the skins natural moisture. It is also known it reduced inflammation. 

Having cleansed the skin, pat the skin dry. Then apply a few drops to the skin. This process is supposed to be done twice daily. 

2. Lip care:

Especially in winter, we need to take extra care of our lips they can easily become dry and cracked. Argan oil is supposed to help keep lips plump, supple and soft. Rub a drop of the oil onto your lips as a lip balm.

3. Pregnancy: So, for a lot of woman stretch marks can be a huge issue/concern. Argan oil is a great prevent against stretch marks and sagging skin because its increases the elasticity in the skin. 

Rub the oil onto any area of concern, such as your thighs,breast, bum,hips and stomach can reduce the possibility of developing stretch marks. 

4. Hands, feet and nails.

For cracked heels or brittle nails, Message a few drops of the oil onto your cuticles, into your hands and your feet at night time.

One little bottle can work wonders and last for ages why not get a bottle and try out some of the tips above, as always let me know how you got on! hope I could help.

You can buy pure 100% argan oil in most health food stores and selected chemists.  Holland and Barrett have a bottle on special at the moment €16.58.