Argan Oil Getting More Popular In Britain

RICH, versatile, nutritious and believed to be one of the rarest oils in the world, argan oil has long been Morocco’s best-kept secret.

Now this highly prized substance made from the nut of the argan tree has made its way on to the British high street in a variety of beauty products, including moisturisers, body lotions and conditioners.

A medium-weight oil loaded with essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil also has a delicious nutty flavour that’s perfect in a salad dressing.

“Argan oil is a phytosterol, meaning it helps mimic the effect oestrogen has on the skin,” says London-based facialist Susie Lung (07957 771 503).

“Oestrogen is the hormone responsible for making women’s skin soft and clear compared to rougher, male skin, which is why this oil works well on more mature skin.”

As well as moisturising skin the oil nourishes hair without weighing it down. “I’ve been a fan of argan oil ever since I discovered it in a Moroccan shop a few years ago,” says celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford (leestafford.com).

“The word ‘oil’ conjures up images of greasy, heavy liquid but what I love about argan oil is its dryness.

“It is easily absorbed by the hair to add moisture and to smooth cuticles, which is why my product range includes more argan oil than any other ingredient.”

However he advises: “It may be too much for someone who has fine hair but it’s perfect for coarse, dry, frizzy or coloured hair. I find the pure oil too heavy for European hair unless your locks are really fried.” 

source: experss.co.uk

Argan Oil Among Top 10 Beauty Secrets

Over the millennia, isolated human populations found various ways to keep their hair, nails, and skin in good shape using simple ingredients from the environments around them. Now, with increasing globalization, we have access to a whole world's worth of accumulated beauty knowledge. Keep reading to check out these 10 cool recipes and secret ingredients from spots around the globe.

1. Morocco: Argan oil This antioxidant-packed oil is great for hair and skin, and it absorbs much more easily than common skin oils like apricot and avocado. Argan oil is exclusively found in Morocco.
2. China: Camellia oil Worried about stretch marks? Camellia oil is one of the most common cooking oils in southern China, but it's also renowned for its ability to prevent stretch marks and discoloration.
3. Mexico: Tepezcohuite The bark of this tree has tons of astringent tannins in it, making it great for preventing infections and keeping scars from forming.
4. The Dominican Republic: Garlic Here's a smart secret from the DR for strong, healthy nails: chop up some garlic, throw it in a bottle of top coat, and then, after letting it soak for about a week, start using it as normal. It makes your nails stronger and also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
5. India: Neem Want glossy, strong hair? A weekly head massage with neem and coconut oil is Indian women's go-to treatment for gorgeous hair and a healthy scalp. Recipes for the combination have a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.
6. Japan: Sake Want an easy skin softener? Try a sake bath. Sake is high in kojic acid and enzymes that soften skin and help reduce hyper-pigmentation.
7. New Zealand: Manuka honey People have been using honey for its antimicrobial properties (and its deliciousness) since prehistoric times. The Kiwi type of honey, however, is even better as an antibacterial and antimicrobial than the regular kind, and it's even used in poultices to protect wounds.
8. Ghana: Black soap This great Ghanian soap is legendary for its gentle cleansing properties and skin-softening abilities. It's made with plantain skins, which have loads of vitamins A and E, and moisturizing shea butter. What you get is a cleanser that removes dirt and oil but doesn't strip skin of any natural moisture.
9. France: Milk Milk is full of gentle lactic acid, which exfoliates and softens without the harshness of stronger acid types. Pour some fresh whole milk or cream into your bath along with honey or lavender to get a gorgeous glow.
10. The Amazon: Passion flower oil Passion flower oil, aka maracuja, has been used in the Amazon for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, but it's also high in fatty acids and vitamin C.

Nivea Going Argan Oil, As Well

Moroccan argan oil is getting more and more popular as big beauty houses are starting to give it a kiss of love due to its extraordinary beauty properties. So, Nivea, the global skin- and body-care brand, is does no exception and  launches a  new line of products based on this fabulous argan oil from the magic Morocco.

These are some products from Nivea:

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion

NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Lotion for normal to dry skin with pure organic Argan Oil contains no parabens, silicones or artificial colorants. Offering lasting effective protection and plenty of moisture, it makes the skin soft and smooth. It surrounds the body with a gentle fragrance.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress. And so reinforces the skin’s own protective barrier.
In one application study, testers found that, after using the products for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

Suitable for: Normal and dry skin

How to apply

Gently massage into the skin after showering or bathing. Argan Oil pampers the skin and makes it soft and supple again. It maintains the skin’s natural balance.

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Milk 

NIVEA Pure & Natural Body Milk for very dry skin containing pure Argan Oil and organic Jojoba Oil contains no parabens, silicones or artificial colorants. Argan Oil makes dry skin wonderfully soft and supple again. Together, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil care for and nourish dry skin. They restore the skin’s natural balance and it remains strokably soft all day long. Pure & Natural Body Milk from NIVEA for very dry skin also has a wonderfully delicate and subtle fragrance, making body care an experience for the senses.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress.
In one application study, testers found that, after using an emulsion with Argan Oil for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

How to apply

Gently massage into the skin after showering or bathing. Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil pamper dry skin and make it soft and supple again. The skin’s natural balance is restored and regular application helps rid it of any unpleasant tautness.

• NIVEA Pure & Natural Hand Cream

NIVEA Pure & Natural Hand Cream for normal and dry hands containing pure organic Argan Oil contains no parabens, silicones pr artificial colorants. The hand cream provides optimum protection for the sensitive skin on the hands. Argan Oil makes it soft and supple again.

How it works

Argan Oil is a natural source of vitamin E and therefore has outstanding antioxidant properties. It’s the ideal protection against free radicals in the skin, which can be caused by environmental influences and stress.
In one application study, testers found that, after using an emulsion with Argan Oil for just three days, their dry, flaky skin had been effectively improved. Oxidative stress in the skin cells was also significantly reduced.

Suitable for: Normal and dry skin on the hands.

How to apply

It is best to use the product after washing your hands. Once a week, exfoliate your hands with sea salt and olive oil. Apply the paste to your hands and massage it in from the palm to the finger tips, then rinse well with plenty of water. This removes dry and dead skin. Then apply a generous amount of Pure & Natural Hand Cream with Argan Oil and massage it well into the skin. After deep cleansing, the Argan Oil can work its magic. The sensitive skin on the hands becomes strokably soft.