The New Liquid Gold..

Yea now I go into my favourite health shop (Holland and Barret) and as I browse through the shelves, this range of argan oil products get my attention. I go further and read the effects/benefits/uses and its looks too good to be true. However I am not as gullible, so even though I have heard of argan oil in the past, I go do my research online, gathering reviews from different women of colour as well seeking the opinion of some friends who I call 'skin care conscious' people like myself lol! Finally I felt I  had gathered enough information and three days later I go into the shop and I pick up the products, and since there was a managerial offer on, I even pick up more than I bargained and you know what? Its one of the best skin care decisions I have made recently. This oil is miraculous I must say, the eye cream is so lovely and the face oil has an instant effect. I have  been using it for about six days now, and I am so confident to not only speak about it, but recommend it.
And if you ask me a combination of shea butter, argan oil, carrot oil and cocoa butter will have an amazing effect. Its also proven to reduce the effect of pregnancy stretch marks, skin scars/lines etc. Please don't forget your fruit, veg and water as they are so essential for that healthy skin. Below is a summary of the benefit of argan oil as summarised by the argan oil society. Share your views be it contrary or concordant.
  

Argan Oil Benefits For Skin

Extracted from the kernel nuts of Argania Spinosa (Official name of Argan Tree), Argan oil has myriad uses in culinary and cosmetic fields. But it is in the cosmetic arena where it has gained so much popularity that it is now called liquid gold by European women because of its numerous cosmetic uses. It is highly valued by skin specialists and beauty experts. Argan oil has long been used as a beauty agent by Berber women; however it was not until recently when its rejuvenating qualities became known to outside world, thanks to Moroccan government which is now taking keen interest in replenishing the source of this precious oil.

Benefits of Argan Oil for Skin

Argan oil is a complex mixture of chemical compounds like fatty acids (80%), polyphenoles, antioxidants, carotenoids and other acids. Each of these components adds in a particular way to the inventory of uses of Argan oil. Some of the benefits of Argan oil for the health and treatment of the skin can be recognized as;

1. Argan oil protects the skin against wrinkles appeared due to premature aging. It also helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet (wrinkles under the eyes).
2. It is a very good remedy for dry skin. It does freshen and soften the skill more readily than any other skin softness creams or oils do.
3. Protein rich Argan oil is very good for the elasticity of skin. It strengthens the protein bonding structures in the skin which works to tighten the skin and make it look fresh.
4. Argan oil is good for reducing skin irritation. It quickly heals the marks caused by scratching on skin.
5. One of the most amazing facts about Argan oil is that along with dry skin it is equally good for oily skin. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands which keeps the skin wet and protects against dryness, but its excess secretion is bad for the skin. Argan oil regulates the secretion of sebum and keeps it to a manageable level.
6. Argan oil helps to prevent stretch marks on skin made by pregnancy.
7. It gives strength to the weak and easily breakable nails. It also strengthens the delicate skin at the root of nails and makes it smooth.
8. Argan oil is useful in the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases like Acne, Chickenpox and Psoriasis. Red dots or patches appear on the skin in these diseases.
9. In Arthritic and Rheumatic conditions in which joints and tissues of the body are damaged, Argan oil greatly soothes and reduces the pain.

Method of applying Argan oil

On Face: If you have pure raw Argan oil, then a few drops are sufficient to apply on the whole face. It is usually applied at night as a moisturizing agent. It is non-greasy and non-oily and absorbs into the skin very easily and does not leave any oily feel. It can also be used as a base for make-up by women because of its non-oily nature.
On Nails: For nails, a mixture of equal lemon juice and Argan oil would suffice. There is no need of 100 % Argan oil. Just dip the nails and cuticles into this mixture for some 10 minutes. It will increase the softness of cuticles and strengthen the nails.

                                          Source: Argan Oil society