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Argan oil is one of the many things you have to buy when you’re in Morocco. This oil is extracted from the Argan tree, which only grows in this northwestern African country.
This oil also called “liquid gold” has many benefits for both skin and hair. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, which make it great for your skin.
Argan oil is also an essential ingredient in Moroccan cuisine. It can be enjoyed as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or used in many tagines recipes.
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How’s Argan oil made
The Moroccan argan oil is extracted from the Argan tree’s nut. First, the hard outer shell is removed to get to the soft inner nut.
The next step is to break open the inner nut to get the argan oil-rich kernel. Once the kernels are collected, they’re roasted and then ground into a paste.
Taking the Argan kernel out of its hard shell Grinding the Argan kernel using a Moroccan grinding stone
The final step is to press the paste to extract the Moroccan argan oil. This process is entirely done by hand, which is why Moroccan argan oil is quite expensive.
Squeezing the Argan paste to extract the Argan oil
When visiting Morocco, consider paying a visit to Argan oil cooperatives. These are usually women-run businesses that support the local economy. You can find these cooperatives in many cities in Morocco but especially in Agadir.
The process of making this rich oil is time-consuming and tedious, which is why it’s important to support the local women who do it.
Types of Moroccan Argan oil
There are two main types of Argan oil: cosmetic and culinary.
Cosmetic Argan oil is the purest form of oil and is used for skin and hair care. It’s light in color and has a slightly nutty scent. This type is produced by cold-pressing the Argan tree’s kernels.
Culinary Argan oil is darker in color and has a more intense flavor. It’s mostly used as a finishing oil in Moroccan cuisine. This type is produced by roasting the Argan tree’s kernels before pressing them.
Argan oil vs Moroccan oil
For the unversed, it’s easy to think that Argan oil and Moroccan oil are the same thing. But they’re actually quite different. I explained in detail the difference between the two and which one is best for you in this post.
Moroccan Argan oil benefits
Argan oil has numerous benefits for our hair skin and health in general.
Argan oil benefits for skin
Argan oil is great for your skin. It can help to hydrate and nourish your skin, while also helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Argan oil is also non-greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin. This makes it a great choice for those with oily skin.
Argan oil can also be used to help treat acne and other skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of Argan oil can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
Argan oil benefits for hair
Your hair will thank you for using Argan oil. This oil can help to hydrate and nourish your hair, while also helping to protect it from damage.
Argan oil can also help to tame frizzy hair and make it easier to style. If you have dry or damaged hair, Argan oil can help to repair and protect your hair.
Argan oil is also a great choice for those with curly hair. The moisture-rich oil can help to define and tame your curls.
Argan oil benefits for health
Argan oil is not just good for your skin and hair. This oil can also have some benefits for your health.
If you consume it, Argan oil is a good source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. These nutrients can help to improve your health in many ways.
Argan oil can also help to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease. The antioxidants in Argan oil can also help to boost your immune system.
How to use Moroccan Argan oil
Now that you know all about the benefits of Moroccan Argan oil, you’re probably wondering how to use it.
This versatile oil can be used in many different ways. Here are some of the most popular ways to use Argan oil:
How to use Argan oil for your skin
Argan oil can be used for PM treatment for your skin. Apply it to your face and neck as a moisturizer or face serum.
If you have dry skin, Argan oil can be used as a body oil. Apply it to your skin after bathing for extra hydration.
How to use Argan oil for your hair
The best way to use Moroccan argan oil for your hair is to apply a few drops to your hair when it’s damp. You can use it as a leave-in conditioner. This method is great if you have frizzy hair.
Argan oil can be used on dry hair as well. Have a bottle ready on hand to apply to your hair when it starts to look or feel dry. It’s can be used also after styling your hair for a smooth and sleek finish.
To mitigate split ends and hair breakage, apply Argan a generous amount of Argan oil on dry hair and leave overnight before washing it in the morning.
How to use Argan oil for your nails
Argan oil can help to improve the appearance of your nails. Apply a small amount of oil to your nails and cuticles and massage it in. This method can help to hydrate and nourish your nails.
How to use the culinary Argan oil
Culinary Argan oil can be used in many different ways. It’s often used as a finishing oil. You can drizzle it over salads, vegetables, or soup.
Culinary Argan oil can also replace other oils in your cooking. Use it when you would normally use olive oil or vegetable oil.
Argan oil can be mixed with almonds to make a paste called Amlou. This paste is often eaten with bread as a spread. You can buy Amlou but if you have culinary Argan oil, you can easily make it at home.
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