Need a Soap Substitute for Your Face? Try Argan Oil Face Wash
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, Argania spinosa, found only in the southwest of Morocco.
If you're using argan oil for skin care, you've chosen a great oil to protect and nourish your skin, hair and nails.
The women of Morocco's native Berber people have produced and used argan oil for skin care for centuries. It has amazing therapeutic properties.
Argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is native to Morocco, has been appreciated for its numerous health and beauty benefits for centuries. There are indeed two main grades of argan oil - culinary and cosmetic, each with their unique characteristics and uses.
Culinary Argan Oil: Toasting the kernels before oil extraction gives culinary argan oil its deep, nutty aroma and dark color. This grade is primarily used for cooking and dietary purposes. However, the heat involved in the toasting process may potentially alter some of the oil's chemical properties, possibly diminishing its anti-aging and healing benefits typically found in raw, cosmetic argan oil. Further research is required to establish this conclusively.
Cosmetic Argan Oil: This grade is extracted from raw, untreated kernels and results in a light golden oil with a subtle nutty scent and mild flavor. Extracting this oil is labor-intensive, as I observed during my trip to Morocco.
According to Aromatics International, raw argan oil boasts an array of skincare benefits. These include:
Softening and moisturizing the skin
Maintaining skin elasticity
Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Soothing irritated or damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties
Providing a rich source of Vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids
Nourishing dry hair and brittle nails when applied topically
Alleviating skin conditions like acne and psoriasis
Given these benefits, I'd love to share a recommended recipe.
Argan oil face wash
Ingredients:
3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Argan oil (Argania spinosa L) (For a hint of the toasted aroma, you could mix 0.5 oz/15 ml raw argan and 0.25 oz/7.5 ml culinary argan)
0.25 oz (7.5 ml) Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis)
1 drop Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)
This blend has the nourishing power of argan oil, coupled with the soothing properties of aloe vera and essential oils, leaving your skin refreshed, moisturized, and rejuvenated. To see a detailed tutorial on how to prepare and use this face wash, please watch this video I created. Enjoy!
