Truth about Argan Oil

Argan oil has gained an international reputation as nature’s anti-aging skin care product. It is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, and contains remarkably high levels of vitamin E. Argan Oil provides your skin and body with the nutrients it needs to maintain its healthy radiance. Argan oil is the nut oil of the Argan tree, which grows in south west Morocco and is currently endangered and under UNESCO protection. The Egyptian botanist and physicist Ibn Al Baytar first documented its health properties in the 13th century and nowadays it is widely used by the local population for cooking and to soothe dry skin, acne, chicken pox and to prevent stretch marks.
Argan oil is traditionally used for skin, hair and nail care, cooking, massage, the prevention of stretch marks, and the natural healing of dermatological disorders. Extensive research has revealed that Argan oil: restores the skin’s water-lipid layer and increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen in the skin cell, neutralizes free radicals, and protects connective tissue. It contains saponins, which soften the skin and ease acne and eczema and it restores the skin’s water lipid layer, helping to minimize wrinkles. The combination of traditional values and scientific expertise has yielded an inventory of several amazing active ingredients from the Argan plant. Not only are these components beneficial to the skin’s overall structure and elasticity, but are beneficial to the environment as well; they are produced sustainably and traded fairly.
Argan Oil is 80% unsaturated essential fatty acids. The most abundant of which are Omega 9 (Oleic acid) and Omega 6 (Linoleic acid). Omega 6 is the most sought after of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids protect cellular integrity and affect cell fluidity, helping to prevent loss of moisture from the skin. They play a vital role in the formation of prostaglandin, a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces pain, swelling and inflammation, while stimulating blood circulation. This vital component makes Argan Oil ideal for massaging stiff arthritic joints and aching muscles. Argan Oil is exceptionally rich in natural Tocopherols (vitamin E) as well as high molecular weight proteins. Vitamin E contributes to the steady development of all bodily systems, protects fat soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, attracts and maintains hydration, and is a powerful anti-oxidant. The abundance of high molecular weight proteins found in our product construct a network of molecules that creates an instant and visible tightening effect. In fact, Argan Oil has twice as much vitamin E as olive oil.
After that brief introduction, we hope you enjoy our selection.

How is It Made? The oil comes from the nuts of the tree, which are cracked by hand and the seed extracted and ground into a paste/oil. It is traditionally made by local Berber women who work in cooperatives and it can take 10 -12 hours to produce one liter of oil.

Getting the Benefits:

Eat it– Argan oil, crushed almonds and honey is a traditional south Moroccan breakfast recipe known as Amlou. It tastes a bit like peanut butter and is delicious with toast or as a dip for bread. The oil itself tastes great with vegetables, salad, fish and meat dishes, couscous and porridge.

On your skin– locals use it to help maintain younger looking skin and softer hair. We also offer Argan oil fused with essential oils such as lavender or rose for a sensually sensory experience.

Zakia's Morocco currently offers cosmetic Argan Oil. As such, it is for external use only. If you are allergic to nut oils we recommend you consult a physician for medical advice.