Where does argan oil actually come from?

Argan oil: liquid gold for skin and hair

No sooner have the benefits of a cosmetic ingredient become known than beauty fans are delighted with new trends for body care. In view of this fast pace, beauty secrets with a long vita seem decidedly appealing. One of these classics is argan oil, which has truly earned its designation as liquid gold. The essence is hard to beat in terms of its preciousness and effectiveness.

Natural remedy with a long tradition

At present, argan oil appears just as frequently in beauty magazine guidebooks as in the formulations of cosmetic products. In view of its sudden ubiquity, the thought suggests itself that this is merely a temporary cosmetic trend. However, this perception counts past reality. Rather, it is surprising that Western nations have taken so long to discover the benefits of natural essence for themselves.

Geological findings indicate that the argan tree has been native to the blue planet for at least 25 million years. Therefore, even ancient people were aware that a valuable essence could be extracted from the seeds of the argan fruit. Probably for thousands of years, the natural product has been used as a remedy for various diseases and as an elixir for beauty care. The preciousness does not only result from the remarkable range of application. Equally characteristic, in addition to its richness in nutrients, is its extremely complex production.

Kilos of fruit for a liter of argan oil

Anyone taking a round trip through Morocco will discover goats here and there in the uppermost treetops. The acrobatic interlude of the horned domestic animals is a clear indication that these are argan trees. Only in the southwest of the African country does this type of plant occur, the fruits of which the sporty bitches love to polish off. The berries, whose shape resembles a nut, are equally coveted by the inhabitants of Morocco. They are laboriously harvested and the pulp is removed with great patience in order to press the argan oil from the kernels.

The yield of the raw material varies, so that between thirty and ninety kilos of the fruit are needed for one liter of the healing essence. This corresponds to the entire yield of several fully grown trees, which, by the way, only produce argan fruit every second year. To this day, many steps are done by hand to produce a first-class product. In addition, a lot of experience is necessary to press an argan oil of high quality. Thus, it is easy to understand that it is a high-priced natural product.

Natural all-rounder with pleasant fragrance

It is common for Moroccan families to always have a vial of the liquid gold in the house. Variants made from roasted seeds are intended as an equally aromatic and healthy ingredient for salads or dips. On the other hand, cold-pressed argan oil has been popular for external use since time immemorial. Both medicinal and cosmetic goals can be pursued. Argan oil is remarkably rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which include linoleic acid from the so-called omega-6 group. This ingredient is interesting, for example, in the treatment of inflammation and neurodermatitis. It also helps the cell's own moisture balance. When this is in a healthy balance, the skin gains elasticity and hair retains its vitality.

Free radicals are fragments that impair the function of important molecules in the cells and in the quintessence cause signs of aging. The body has its own substances ready for this purpose, which trap free radicals and thus avoid their unfavorable effect. However, supplies of these "secret weapons" are not always sufficient due to harmful environmental influences.

Free radical scavengers include antioxidants such as vitamin E, which are abundant in argan oil. Therefore, the Moroccan essence counteracts skin aging and is used dermatologically in the regeneration of scars or burns. In addition, argan oil brings many other active substances such as polyphenol, carotenoid and phytosterol. These substances prove themselves in the production of healthy skin cells, protection against UV light and treatment of rashes or other skin irritations. All around, a high-quality product for face, skin and hair.

A question of quality: effectiveness of argan oil cosmetics

Of course, such active ingredients can also be found in other natural essences such as olive oil. However, the concentration of valuable ingredients in argan oil is extraordinarily high. In order for the liquid gold to unfold its protective and regenerating properties, it must be expertly and gently produced. Even if first-class argan oil is used for the formulation of cosmetics, logically the amount used changes the effect of body care or hair care. Finally, it is possible to force the regenerating effects of argan oil cosmetics by clever combination with other ingredients. Therefore, there are significant differences in the many products on the market when it comes to provable effectiveness.