As we already know, pure Argan oil is a true powerhouse. Rich in fatty acids, tocopherols, phenols, and carotenes, Argan oil has even made it to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.

Its richness is offering many health benefits and beauty benefits as is, the best documented effects of Argan oil are:
- antioxidant and nourishing properties,
- moisturising and softening properties,
- brightening properties (according to this 2013 study),
- sebum-balancing properties, and
- cicatrising properties – the ability to promote healing as well as to gently soften scars.
Obviously, all skin types can benefit from Argan oil.

ARGAN OIL BEAUTY: HOW TO BUY IT

Many cosmetics companies include Argan oil in their skincare and hair care formulas, and some even create product lines around Argan oil.
Here’s one thing you need to be wary of however: if a product is marketed as based on Argan oil and, most importantly, priced accordingly, always check the ingredients first. Why?

In Europe, skincare labelling is regulated by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients or INCI system. It demands that manufacturers list ingredients in the decreasing order, so while it’s possible to somewhat estimate the amount, it’s not possible to tell the exact dosage of the ingredients. Basically, a product marketed as based on a specific ingredient should have the same ingredient listed among the first few ingredients on the list, not on the end of the list.

ARGAN OIL BEAUTY: HOW TO DIY IT

A word of advice before we get started: as with any DIY recipe, always consider individual reactions and intolerances before making and applying. We have chosen some of the gentlest ingredients possible for our Argan Oil DIY ideas (for example, we don’t use any essential oils), but when in doubt, consult your doctor.

We’ll also refer to gentle skin massages – they let the precious oils work their magic even better – but it should go without saying that you should never massage skin with open wounds, damaged skin, skin with a severe inflammation / post-surgery skin that’s still healing.

And now, have fun discovering our fragrance-free Argan Oil DIY ideas!

Argan Oil DIY Ideas: Softening Face and Hand Peeling

Save salt and sugar for your body peelings: we want nothing but gentle exfoliation for our face and hand!

For the softening Face and Hand Peeling with Argan oil you will need:

• 2 tablespoons ground oatmeal
• teaspoon pure Argan oil to create a mask-like consistency
• 4 drops organic Camellia seed oil (soothing even for most delicate skin)
• 4 drops organic Evening Primrose seed oil (anti-inflammatory, softening)

Blend, then massage very gently and slowly onto clean, dry face and hands. Take off with a cool damp mousseline cloth. This Softening Face and Hand Peeling will leave your face glowing, your skin evened out and supple, and your hands as well as the cuticles very soft.

Argan Oil DIY Ideas: Strengthening Hair Treatment

Surprise factor: no coconut oil!

For the Strengthening Hair Treatment you will need just these two ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon organic Castor oil
• 2 teaspoons organic virgin Argan oil
  (alternatively, 1 teaspoon Argan, 1 teaspoon Broccoli seed oil)

Blend well, and you’re good to go.

Prior to washing your hair with your favourite, gentle shampoo, apply the mix to your scalp, part by part, using a dropper or a clean syringe (pharmacy). Massage your scalp very gently for 5 or better yet 10 minutes, until you can feel a pleasant sensation of overall warmth. This treatment promotes blood flow, and nourishes the scalp.

Because Castor oil is heavier and thicker than Argan oil, it is not as easy to remove from your scalp and hair. Rinse well and finish off with a simple acidic rinse.

Argan Oil DIY Ideas: Post-Acne / Stretch Marks Serum

Argan oil can help even out the complexion. Even though existing stretch marks will sadly not “fade”, and severely scarred skin might need a more, shall we say, medicinal treatment, the healing benefits of Argan oil will leave your skin more supple and soft as well as gently brightened, thus reducing the visibility of the undesired texture and enhancing the overall healthy glow.

Here’s what you’ll need for your Post-Acne or Stretch Marks Serum:

• Organic Sweet Almond oil, 1 tablespoon
• Organic Argan oil, 1 tablespoon
• and Organic Tamanu oil, 1 tablespoon

All three ingredients have potent healing, softening, brightening effects on scars and damaged skin and are amazing for a healthy complexion.

Blend the oils well, pour your serum into a dark glass bottle (pharmacy) with a dropper and store in a cool and dark place.

You will need one to maximum three drops of the serum to hydrate your face in the morning. Treat yourself to a gentle massage and allow the serum to set. This DIY Post-Acne or Stretch Marks Serum performs best under silicone-free, mineral make-up.

© All photos via pixabay.com