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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Morocco's Liquid Gold- Argan Oil

 

January 17, 2011



Argan oil is a natural, restorative oil produced from the kernels of the Argan trees of Morocco. The species Argania spinosa grows wild in the semi-desert soil and is now endagered and under UNESCO protection. The tree can live for hundreds of years and is very adaptable, however it is diminishing quickly due to over forestation. In Morocco the wood of the tree is used for fuel and the fruit is used for culinary and cosmetic uses.



The kernels of the argan tree are picked by hand and left to dry, be cracked and cold pressed by hand. This very labor intensive task has been left to the Berber women of Morocco who have used argan oil for centuries. In 2002, the Moroccan government established women’s cooperatives to produce the rich, coveted oil that allows these women to bring an income into their communities. Prized for its high levels of the essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9 argan oil has been effective as a moisturizer as well as reducing signs of aging and healing acne prone skin. Argan oil is also known for its high levels of tocepherols (Vitamin E) with twice as much as olive oil and rich in polyphenols making it an excellent and natural fighter of free radicals that harm and damage skin. Because of its phenol content argan oil has been shown to reduce the levels of sebum the skin produces and combating acne and redness of inflammed skin. Argan oil is truly miraculous and so lightweight it can be applied to skin, nails and hair. It can also be used on the most delicate skin and women have used this oil on babies with great results.

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