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Most of the beauty products we come across in daily life are the outcomes of rigorous process governed and evolved through modern techniques involving a mixture of various ingredients. Sometimes, the range of products which has arisen due to acute competition among manufacturers lowers our faith on the manmade cosmetics. Oftentimes, many of us have also stumbled upon a thought of going against the nature by using beauty products to improve upon our natural looks.

But what if I say to you that Mother Nature herself wants you to look beautiful and has produced phenomenal natural products which works directly on improving your overall beauty and charisma. One such proof is the existence of Argan Oil, which has been in usage in Morocco from the past three thousand years. If you are a beauty enthusiast, then you might have heard of it. But if you haven't, then it's time to come out of your closet and give it a try.

There is no nonsense in the prevalent aphorism in the Moroccan community that it is called liquid gold, some kind of beauty elixir. The fact that it is used as a pure product enhances our trust that nature is no gamer when our health is concerned and has been hiding herbs in plain sight from millennia, it is only that we have lost much of ancient rich knowledge concerning medicinal herbs. Although, In the absence of much historical knowledge I appreciate the usage of manmade cosmetics which has come into being after a thorough research and working proof and I too use many such products.

But if you come upon a natural gift having trusted upon by people from millennia, then you should not ignore its potential if you are concerned being about your beauty and wellbeing. Having lots of therapeutic and skin quality enhancing properties in a single herb, it is rightful to say that this oil is one of the treasure Mother Nature made for us. In order to avoid any risk of taking it as exaggeration, Here is all you need to know about the magical beautifying properties of Moroccan Argan Oil.

Origin and Early Acclamation

The Argan tree has been believed to have originated in a village called Argana, which lies in the north east of the Moroccan city of Agadir. The Argan tree grows in abundance in the south-western region of Morocco, where these trees laden with fleshy fruits are the favourite target of native goats. The goats eat the fruit, leaving behind a hard nut from which kernels are extracted which are the source of the beauty serum Argan Oil.

Moroccan people have been using Argan oil as a skin moisturizer and hair conditioner since ancient times. Phoenicians in as early as 1550 B.C. have recorded the use of Argan Oil by locals for healing and beautifying their bodies. In 1510 AD, African explorer named Leo Africanus came across Argan Oil while traveling across Morocco. From there, the oil entered Europe where only the rich and privileged class had access to the rare, expensive and exotic oil.

Today, even after 3,500 years, Berber women of Southern Morocco are glorious for their exotic beauty. And their secret is applying this precious golden hued oil regularly to their faces, hair, nails and body.

Manufacturing Process

The nutcrackers: From olden times, Berber community’s women have been pelting stones together to crack the Argan nut’s outer shell which is considered to be 16 times harder than a hazelnut.

The process begins by extracting Argan nut from Argan tree and mostly it is done by a traditional method with the help of goats. Goats are let free to climb over the tree on which goats would scamper up branches to eat the Argan fruit and expelling the nuts. After the nuts are retrieved, shell-cracking began with a technique which is mastered over time and passed down to subsequent generations. In order to produce oil, laborious process of grinding and pressing the nuts is required. 1 liter of oil is extracted from only 4 kilograms of the kernel which is found in approximately 120 kilograms of fruit.

As argan oil got famous internationally, methods of production has changed. Big manufacturers are preferring to directly pick the fruit from the tree and subsequent process of grinding and pressing is done through the machines.

Argan oil is one of the rarest and expensive oils in the world. The price is high because of difficult and time consuming manufacturing process. In the market, Argan Oil is prone to be faked real and dilution which is sold at a cheaper rate to lure consumers. So, one should take caution and check its authenticity before purchasing.

Benefits of Argan Oil to give you all the reasons to use it

Argan oil is very rich with lots of vitamin A, vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid which gives it natural therapeutic properties. It is no less than a panacea for hair and skin.

1) Nurture's Good Skin: It is a great moisturiser for skin. It helps to keep the oil production in check by balancing your sebum levels. It can hydrate even the driest of skins and has skin softening properties. It's also suitable on people with sensitive skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. The presence of trocopherol contained in vitamin E boosts cell production inducing healthy skin and hair. This oil is a much sought natural cure for various skin disorders, such as chicken pox and eczema.

2) Benefits Of Argan Moroccan Oil For Hair: - No more split ends: Split ends are an annoyance for people with long hair. Applying argan oil regularly on your hair cuts down the occurrences of split ends to a great extent. It penetrates into each shaft of hair, strengthening it from within. It ensures that the hair strands is healthier and grows longer and thicker. You can use it as hair massage. If you want greater benefits, then you can use argan oil shampoo and conditioner as additive. - Controls frizzy Hair:

This oil provides the perfect solution for untameable frizzy hair. It moisturises frizzy hair in a non-greasy way and smoothers it down. Rub a few drops to your palm and smooth out the frizz. - Imparts shine to your tresses: Hair subjected to lots of tangles and stretching oftentimes lose its original shine softness. Argan oil helps getting it back. You can do so by doing a weekly treatment for 60 minutes massage and then washing off. You would certainly be impressed. - Hair Damage Repair:

If you have been using chemical products on your hair, then it is sure to blow away the hair health depleting its strength. Argan oil can actually help in strengthening the hair back from the follicle till the way to the tip. The damages get repaired, leaving hair strong and hydrated once again, rejuvenating its lost smoothness and elasticity. - Nature’s Anti-Dandruff Remedy:

Dandruff can be thwarted off by massaging this oil into scalp which often gets the dandruff because of dryness. Use hot water and towel massage to ensure that the scalp gets hydrated. Repeat multiple times a week for dandruff-free hair. - Natural hair style setter:

You should prefer the non-greasy and lightweight Moroccan argan oil in place of chemical styling agents. Applying few drops of argon oil before styling the hair through blow dryer or straightening ensures that hair is safe from the heat damages. It also establishes smooth finishing that lasts longer. - Deep Hair Conditioner: Apply few drops of argan oil and leave it for some period for deep conditioning. You can wash the excess oil with a mild shampoo for soft, radiant tresses. - Overnight hair therapy: Before going to sleep, massage generous amount of argan oil into your hair and scalp. Wrap up your hair and leave it for the night while you sleep. In the morning, wash your hair and you’ll have luminous, soft locks.

3) Prevents Premature Ageing: Due to alarming rise in pollution, sun’s rays cause harsher effect on our skin cells. As a result, the skin is flooded with free radicals. These free radicals degrade the moisture levels, leaving the skin to dry. This may set the stage for premature ageing. Vitamin E present in Moroccan oil diminish free radical damages and the saponins present in it enhance the moisture level, ensuring that the skin doesn’t lose its elasticity, firmness and radiance.

4) Keeps your lips beautiful: Keeping your lips smooth and luscious is now easy. Use a mixture of 3-4 tsps of argan oil with brown sugar and vanilla to exfoliate the dead skin cells off the lips revealing the tempting shine.

5) Protection from Acne: Argan oil is a perfect anti-inflammatory agent because of richness of vitamin E and various anti-oxidants. It effectively cures acne and razor bumps, eventually leaving no scars behind.

6) Scars Healing ability: It has innate scars healing properties. Massaging a little Moroccan oil regularly on the affected areas can bring about a lot of difference. The triterpenoids present in it are known to heal the tissue scars, also protecting the skin from developing infections.

7) Helps Maintaining good Fingernails: Shiny and pinky nails are indicators of good health. Argan oil helps to keep your nails lustrous and radiant. Using just as little as 1 tsp of oil on nails regularly keeps their health in check. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities also help in fighting off nail and skin infections. Argan oil’s softening properties are ideal for brittle nails and also for cracked, hard skin on feet.

8) Use as shaving Cream: This oil is a natural shaving cream. Just use a few drops of argan oil on skin in order to clean hair smoothly and hassle-free. It can also be used as an aftershave keeping your skin hydrated and soft.

9) Face moisturizer: If you own argan oil, you are recommended to massage a few drops of pure argan oil directly onto your face and neck. This oil is not greasy and is considered dry, thus skin quickly absorbs it giving your face ravishing and freshness. You can also use it as a serum, just apply your night cream after the oil absorbs into the skin.

10) Body and bath oil: You can add some oil to your daily bath for long term benefits and by adding it to body lotion.

11) Environmental Damage Protection: Argan oil is an effective sunscreen lotion as it helps protecting the skin from harmful UV radiations because of high content of anti-oxidants.

12) Pregnancy: Stretch marks, sagging and puckered skin is a notable issue for pregnant women. Rubbing argan oil into breasts, stomach and thighs will reduce the possibility of getting unwanted stretch marks during pregnancy. It works by increasing elasticity of skin because of high content of Vitamin E. It’s safe to use on a baby and to help reduce stretch marks on a pregnant belly too.

13) Health Benefits of edible Moroccan Argan Oil:

- Control Cholesterol Level: Argan oil is rich in plant sterols like schottenol and spinasterol, which are non-existent in other vegetable oil. These plant sterols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol by the intestine, thus reducing cholesterol and inflammation. It also enhances the body’s immunity. They also have phytosterols which are unsaturated fatty acids, and helps increase the level of LDL (good cholesterol) in the body.

- Healthy Digestion: If you often suffer from indigestion, try using this oil. It promotes the concentration of enzyme pepsin in the gastric juice facilitating healthy digestion. It contains flavonoids, an anti-oxidant which reduces inflammation both internally and externally.

Alas! All This, In One Bottle. Moroccan Argan oil is undoubtedly rich treasure trove of various anti-microbial elements, antioxidants, and powerful nutrients. It is indeed a valuable gift of Mother Nature. Huge benefits obviously imply the reason behind it as one of the most sought after expensive oil because of its rare availability. Make sure you do not waste it if you have one in hand.

How To Choose The Right Argan Oil?

1) Check for Ingredients: Inclusion of additives could negatively affect Argan oil benefits. So, you must ensure that oil you purchased has zero additives and inclusions, even the preservatives.

2) Packaging: of Oil Bottle: It should be poured in dark glass bottles in its pure form, as exposure to light can hamper its inherent goodness. Also make sure that it should not be packed in plastic as it interacts negatively with plastic. As an added comfort, you can also look for the bottles that come with pipette droppers making it convenient to use.

3) Don’t compromise at The Cost: Manufacturing pure Argan oil is a difficult, labor intensive work, which means it does come at a high price. Beware of the advertisements where this oil is priced at a temptingly lower price. You might become the victim of adulteration and fraudulence.

4) The Aroma: This oil gives away a distinct nutty scent, which vanishes fast while coming into contact with hair or skin. You also need not buy odour-free oil as it may deprive you of various nutrients present. Do not purchase any artificially-fragranced oils.

5) The Texture: Although it is slightly thick but it is non-greasy and smooth. It is light in weight and gets easily absorbed by the skin.

6) Check if Oil is Cold Pressed: Cold pressed Argan oils should be the first preference while making a purchase because its nutritional value gets depleted at high temperatures.

7) Colour: Moroccan oil which is used for cosmetic purposes possesses a pale golden hue, while the one used for culinary purposes is deep golden in colour.

8) The Credentials: Check that the oil has necessary certifications and comes with a 100% pure or preferably ‘Made in Morocco’ tag.

9) Based on your Usage: Argan oil comes in two variants - cosmetic and culinary. The cosmetic one is processed from raw nuts to retain the benefits. While culinary one is made using roasted nuts. Do not interchange the type while buying or using.

How To Store Moroccan Argan Oil?

- To use it for a longer time, proper storage should be carefully done. - Store in a dark, cool place, completely away from heat and light. - Use a glass bottle or container for storing the oil as metal or plastic containers have the danger of negatively interact with the oil.