With winter continuing to sap our bodies of moisture from the inside out, now more than ever do we need to add more hydrating ingredients to our beauty arsenal. If you haven’t been introduced to Moroccan argan oil, you need to know about it right now. Argan oil is he newest wonder kid on the block that has completely transformed my skin and hair into baby soft perfection.
Argan oil is good for your whole body; check out 8 ways it can transform you from head to toe in the slideshow below:
More Beauty Oils to Try:
7 Ways To Incorporate Argan Oil (AKA "Liquid Gold") into Your Beauty Routine
Nourish Your Skin
Derived from the Moroccan argan tree, argan oil is a potent moisturizer enriched with nourishing and protective vitamin E, as well as free-radical-busting antioxidants and essential fatty acids. As a moisturizing agent, it’s available in many forms: pure oils, balms, creams, and lotions. Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Body Lotion ($9.99) delivers moisture on contact to even the most dehydrated skin.
Treat Your Feet
Though pedicure season is behind us, that’s no excuse to neglect your feet. After all, spring will be here before you know it---and I promise you’ll wish you’d treated your much-beleaguered feet a little better during fall and winter. Massage in non-greasy Profoot Heel Rescue Foot Cream ($17.88 for 3) nightly for intense moisture that makes an impressive difference---fast.
Pamper Your Nails
Just a touch of Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops ($15) goes a long way. This indulgent treatment softens ragged, dry cuticles with a powerful blend of jojoba and argan oils. Bonus points for the deceptively lightweight consistency and the wonderful scent.
Hydrate Your Hair
Known as something of a miracle worker for dry hair, argan oil is included in everything from shampoos and conditioners to shine serums and hairsprays. I’ve tried a handful, but the One ’n Only Argan Oil Hydrating Mask ($11.99 ) turned my hair into a veritable waterfall of enviable, swingy commercial hair. Given my hair’s penchant for dryness and frizziness, this was no small feat.
Treat Your Stretch Marks
Stretch marks rank right up there with wrinkles and cellulite on the list of frustrating skin woes that seem almost impossible to topple. And though everyone’s experience is different, it’s possible that pure argan oil may have a reversing effect on stretch marks. At best, though, they may help inhibit their formation. Massage a product like Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil ($50) onto hips, thighs, and buttocks in an attempt to ward off those pesky stretch marks.
Nix Your Acne
Is it possible that an oil could cure acne? It sounds doubtful, but argan oil may actually do the trick. With regular use, the lightweight oil diminishes flakiness in dry areas caused by powerful acne medications. More importantly, it promotes the regulation of your skin’s sebum production. Since excessive sebum is the root cause of acne, this may be just what your blemish-prone skin needs to experience a reversal of fortune. Remember that a little bit goes a long way, so just a dab of oil, like Aura Cacia Rejuvenating Argan ($14.99), will do.
Brighten Your Complexion
In getting to know argan oil, it’s nearly impossible to avoid Josie Maran, whose organic line contains a wide selection of argan-based products. One you need right now? Her Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil ($18). Available in several shades, the light tint applies as a soft cream before transforming into a delicate oil that leaves behind a flush of color. Perfect for those harried mornings, it gives you a little color in a pinch!
Moisturize Your Lips
Dry lips are an unfortunate side effect of harsh winter weather. Arm yourself with a pot of The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Solid Oil for Lips ($8). It differs vastly from the occasionally tacky, sticky consistency associated with traditional balms---and it smells great, too.