• Botanical name: Argania spinosa
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Part used: fruits
• Cultivation: Organic
• Origin:

One of the main reasons argan oil is so therapeutic is because it's rich in vitamins A and E. However, Moroccan argan oil is also packed with antioxidants, omega-6 fatty acids, and linoleic acid. Research shows that when applied to the skin, argan oil's benefits include relieving inflammation while moisturizing the skin.

When applied externally, vitamin E tropherol helps increase cell production while promoting healthy skin and hair. This is why cosmetic companies are including it in their high-quality anti-aging, hair care, and skin care products.

The good news is that you don't need to buy fancy hair and skin care products to reap the benefits of argan oil; you can simply buy the oil, making it a versatile addition to your beauty routine.

Tigontaf argan oil comes from Morocco, is organically grown, and first cold-pressed. It is exclusively used for cosmetic purposes. For culinary purposes, it must be toasted beforehand. Its properties are countless. It contains abundant vitamin E and 80% essential fatty acids (45% oleic and 35% linoleic). It is free of paraffin, the most common ingredient in its adulteration.

Its main properties are:

• Cell regenerator. (reduces stretch marks, eczema, irritation)
• Relieves sunburn
• Effective against psoriasis, acne, minor wounds.
• Strengthens nails and nourishes, revitalizes, and gives shine to hair. Regenerates the scalp.
• Rich in vitamin E (up to three times more than virgin olive oil)
• Moisturizing and stimulating blood circulation.
• Analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Ways you can incorporate this all-natural oil into your daily beauty plan.

Night Moisturizing Cream.

Argan oil absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue. After cleansing your skin with an all-natural cleanser, pour a few drops into the palm of your hand to warm it. Apply in circular motions to your face and neck.

This oil is gentle and safe to use around the eyes.

Apply a few drops to your face, using a tapping motion, from the bridge of your nose to your temples and back again. Then, apply a drop under your eyes with the same gentle tapping motion. Vitamin A and vitamin E can help reduce fine lines and keep this delicate area hydrated. Additionally, a 2015 study shows that argan oil's benefits also include anti-aging effects.

Skin tonic.

Skin toning is an important step in your skincare routine. For an all-over glow, add 2 to 4 drops to your natural cream.

Exfoliant.

Homemade scrubs are not difficult to make and are significantly cheaper than store-bought ones.

To experience the benefits of argan oil while exfoliating, simply mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar with a couple of drops of argan oil in your hand. Rub your face in circular motions for two to four minutes, paying special attention to acne-prone and dry areas. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while giving you a younger, fresher complexion. With the help of brown sugar, the nutrients in argan oil are more easily absorbed into the skin.

Use this scrub for more than just your face. If you have dry elbows or heels (or during an at-home pedicure), mix in a little more to massage away dry, dead skin.

Remedy for acne.

Great news if you're suffering from acne: argan oil has been proven to reduce sebum levels in people with oily skin. Women who have never had acne before are finding that this annoying condition is becoming more prevalent in their 30s and 40s, and it's often difficult to treat.

Chemical creams can be expensive and, in the long run, actually do more harm than good. Argan oil's high linoleic acid content helps reduce inflammation caused by acne (not to mention rashes, infections, and insect bites) while helping to soothe damaged skin cells.

If you're using argan oil as a moisturizer but are still struggling with acne, consider adding argan oil to your list of home remedies for acne. Place a drop in the palm of your hand and dab a little more onto problem areas.

Tea tree oil complements the benefits of argan oil with its rich antioxidant content and inherent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Together, they can help combat stubborn acne while reducing inflammation and scarring.

Remedy for stretch marks.

Argan oil can help prevent stretch marks by improving skin elasticity. Warm 2-3 drops of pure argan oil in your palms and gently rub them on your stomach, hips, thighs, or any other potential problem areas. The vitamin A and vitamin E will help rejuvenate your skin while moisturizing it, making stretch marks less likely to form. If you already have stretch marks, start by massaging argan oil and brown sugar into the affected areas before your next bath. Rinse well and apply the oil to the affected areas before getting dressed.

Treatment of razor bumps and burns.

Razor bumps and burns are uncomfortable and unsightly. Argan oil is an effective post-shave treatment for soothing skin, both for men after shaving their beards and for women after shaving their legs. Warm one or two drops of oil in your hands and gently massage the affected area.

Full body moisturizer.

You can also use argan oil as an all-over body moisturizer. Hopefully, you're already using an all-natural moisturizer (like coconut oil) on your body and avoiding the hidden chemicals found in most lotions and moisturizers. Add just a few drops of argan oil to your food-grade base oil of choice (coconut, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or sesame) to immediately see the full benefits of this therapeutic natural oil. If you have dry patches on your heels, elbows, or other areas, massage an extra drop into those areas for relief.

Leave-in conditioner.

Argan oil is not only beneficial for your skin, but also for your hair. This non-greasy oil is the perfect conditioner that makes your hair easier to style while repairing those pesky split ends. Argan oil helps tame frizz and flyaways and protects against the heat of hair dryers, curlers, and flat irons, while promoting body and a healthy shine.

There's some research indicating that argan oil may even promote hair growth, so be sure to rub it into your scalp as well. Depending on the thickness, texture, condition, and length of your hair, you may need between 1 and 3 drops.

Getting the right amount takes some time. Start with two drops (or one drop for short hair) and warm it in your palms before rubbing it into your scalp and hair with your fingers, paying special attention to the ends.

Overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment.

If you have dry, brittle hair, do an overnight deep conditioning treatment with argan oil once a week. Warm about 10 drops in your hands before massaging into your scalp. Continue applying to the ends, twist, and place a shower cap on top. The natural body heat retained in the shower cap will help the oil penetrate, while keeping your pillowcase oil-free. In the morning, wash your hair, rinsing until all residue is gone. If you have dandruff or a dry scalp, do an overnight treatment twice a week until the dandruff clears. Continue with weekly treatments or as needed.

Lip conditioner.

Argan oil benefits more than just your skin and hair; it's a great lip treatment or lip balm substitute. Rub 1-2 drops onto your lips and wipe off any excess. This will not only soothe chapped lips but also keep them soft, smooth, and conditioned. Keep argan oil on hand during the winter to prevent chapped lips.

Nail and cuticle treatment.

Now, let's talk about how this can help your nails. The non-greasy moisture of argan oil is an ideal treatment for cuticles and nails. Remove all nail polish from your fingernails and toenails and rinse well. Place a fraction of a drop directly onto each nail, one at a time, and rub it into the nail bed and cuticle. Leave on until all nails have been treated. Wash and rinse well, then apply polish as desired. The oil will not only help condition your nails but also help keep them moisturized so you don't develop painful false nails.

Foot treatment.

If you have dry, cracked skin on your feet or heels, rub 2 drops onto your feet, paying special attention to problem areas. Depending on how dry your skin is, you may need to apply a couple more drops to fully moisturize the area. Cover with a pair of warm socks so the oil can absorb. Leave the socks on for at least 20 minutes and preferably overnight. Use a warm washcloth to remove any residual oil from the soles of your feet.

The Amal (Hope) cooperative, made up of single, divorced women, produces this precious oil as a means of subsistence and independence, but they are also committed to the fight to prevent the uncontrolled felling of this tree, which is also a slow-growing tree.