The precious Argan oil has been known and treasured for its amazing properties since the ancient times – a few drops of this liquid gold can help to bring glow to the skin, make your nails stronger, your hair shinier and this is not to mention its other various health benefits. In the old days people would travel all the way to Northern Africa to get some Argan oil – as it comes from nuts of the Argan Tree (Argania Spinosa), a tree which only grows in the South Western part of Morocco. Nowadays though we are lucky enough to have it easily available within a hand’s reach - just stop by the House of Argan , which boasts the largest selection of Argan oil products in the UK.
Products from The House of Argan are natural and organic, made of 70% to 100% of pure Argan oil. This oil, famous amongst the locals for centuries, is now taking the new markets by storm. It is not only a unique moisturiser containing in its pure form a large amount of Natural Tocopherols, Vitamin E (73mg/100g), and Essential fatty Acids (45%), which means that it nourishes, regenerates and improves skin elasticity. Argan oil also has a large amount of natural sterol (140mg/100g), which lowers your cholesterol. Indeed, it has been scientifically proven that you only need to take one tablespoon of the oil in the morning for three weeks to keep your cholesterol level in balance. Oils generally seem to improve skin quality more than creams do, and research shows that oil-based moisturisers seem more effective than water-based creams, as they create a protective barrier which locks the moisture in. Facial oils also penetrate the skin deeper than creams, so it is ideal for added hydration.
I interviewed Nacera Gomes, the founder of the House of Argan, and asked her to tell us about her first experience with Argan oil. Nacera has discovered this wonderful oil during her trip to Morocco, when her friend suggested it as a replacement for her usual moisturiser. After just a week, she was very impressed with the results as her ‘skin texture felt silky & smooth’ and ‘was glowing – there were no more blemishes and red patches’. She took a few bottles back to Geneva and started to use it on a daily basis – not only on her face but also, occasionally, as a hair mask.
Nacera told me that: ‘After few months the results were just amazing, from that moment I was converted and I never looked back…Today when I tell people I don’t have any foundation on my face they find it hard to believe!’ Her best-selling product – Argan Serum with Neroli (£32.25) is a powerful cell regenerator. This concentrated and 100% organic serum contains Neroli and can be used on the face and body. It is soothing, soft and velvety in texture and not only does it help to prevent appearing of fine lines, but also help reducing the existing ones. This product is also highly recommended for stretch marks, scares and sun-damaged skin, as it promotes skin rejuvenation.
A best-seller in the hair care range is Argan Hair Restorer with Jojoba (£23), to hydrate, nourish and protect your hair. Used once a week can bring your hair back to life, giving it a much needed shine and silkiness. Moroccan women are renowned for having beautiful locks and it is known that Argan oil forms part of their hair care regime. This effective blend is rich in vitamins E and F, as well as having astringent and antiseptic properties – important for maintaining a healthy scalp.
A product from the inner health range is the Argan Seasoning Oil (250ml for £28.75). This is a 100% cold pressed oil which has no preservatives. It has a nutty flavor and is perfect for salads and seasoning meat and fish. It helps to improve heart condition and blood circulation, thanks to high levels of Linoleic which is an essential fatty acid.
House of Argan offers a range of superb products from skin care to inner health products. Their products contain no GMO, parabens or synthetic oils, are directly imported from Morocco and certified at source. Argan oil is a remarkably versatile oil and one which offers many incredible benefits. Often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ it has a big (and ever-growing) crowd of fans and converts – which now also includes myself.
Free postage in the UK.
By Angelika Wirleitner
