Argan oil: Antioxidant in a bottle

My main problem when I am taking a trip is how to minimize on the amount of toiletries  I bring so as to save on my baggage allowance.  On trips, I bring a lot of vitamins (which I now put in segregated zip lock plastics instead of the heavy bottles) and a slew of organic toiletries, nine bottles as of the last count, on my last trip: organic makeup remover, organic toner, organic moisturizer, organic shampoo, organic after shampoo conditioner, organic after blow-dry conditioner, organic sun block, organic body lotion, and organic shower gel.  I try to buy the smallest bottles they come in but just the same, they add weight. 

Recently, a miraculous product came into the market which serves as my face and eye make-up remover, facial moisturizer, hair day conditioner, massage oil and body lotion, all in one bottle.  Because of the multiple purposes of Argan oil, which I discovered during a visit to Rustan’s The Beauty Source, I just have to bring four bottles on trips nowadays. 

Ever heard of the Argan oil? It’s a gold color oil with a naturally nutty aroma and taste.  They call it the “Gold of Morocco.”  It is derived from the fruits of the Argan tree and is harvested from the endangered Argan forest of Southwestern Morocco.  It is used for fine Moroccan cuisine but more than a cooking oil, it is mostly used as a beauty oil.

Argan oil’s active ingredients are exceptional.  It has twice the amount  of vitamin E as in olive oil, oleic acid and linoleic acid, (essential fatty acids), which prevent dry, aging skin while rejuvenating the protective tissue and healthy skin cells, and saponins, which soften skin and promote elasticity.

 The fact that it is natural and chemical- free makes it the perfect solution for problematic skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Pregnant women should apply it on their stomachs as it prevents stretch marks and scarring.   It is also the perfect sun block as it helps protect the skin from UV overexposure and toxins.

Because of the saponins it contains, Argan oil is considered as an antioxidant for the skin.  It acts as a great barrier between your skin and pollutants from the environment and harsh weather.  It helps to reduce inflammation, skin sensitivity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and decreases blemishes. Because of its versatility, women use it not only for their face but also for their nails, scalp, and hair. One is advised to massage it into wet hair to intensify conditioning and repair chemical or styling damage.

Here is the enigma of Argan oil.  While it has been proven as a good moisturizer, it also works as an oil control solution.   It contains just the right balance of oils and acids. So while it nourishes the skin with moisture, it likewise controls its greasiness.

I have been using Argan oil for two months now. And this is my observation: My abnormally dry skin has now normalized and is more dewy than dry. Because of the vitamin E it contains, my skin also feels tighter and I don’t think I am just imagining it. I use it as a daily conditioner to minimize the damage of blow drying and chemicals (lacquer hairspray, gels and mouse, hair dye) that I use and I noticed that my hair does not look dry anymore.   I also massage it on my scalp prior to shampoo to strengthen the hair roots and I notice considerably less hair fall.

And what I like about Argan oil is the absence of a medicinal odor which most hair tonics have. And most importantly, the price is right!  For less than P400,  you get so many benefits from one bottle that can last you for two-three months.

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Argan oil is distributed in the Philippines by Rochar Laboratory Inc., 3rd floor, Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St. corner 2nd Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.