THE 10 MOST POPULAR USES OF ARGAN OIL

The 10 Most Popular Uses of Argan Oil

Argan oil has been touted as Hollywood’s secret beauty elixir. Considered the crème de la crème of cosmetic oils, Argan oil is exclusively produced in Southern Morocco. This luxurious oil is known to heal many skin conditions. It works as an antioxidant, with high levels of skin-nourishing vitamin E (tocopherol), squalane, carotene and fatty acids.

Sourcing the very rare Argan oil has been a daunting challenge. We wanted to source direct from Morocco. We wanted not just pure Argan oil, but one with organic certification. After a series of sampling from several suppliers, we found a good source with ECOCERT certificate. It took a long while to get the shipment to the Philippines. We have to contend with extended production lead time. We have to adjust to the new Argan oil export regulations of Morocco.

Argan trees grow in the desserts of Morocco.

Finally, we are ready to offer you pure Argan indulgence from head to toe.  We call it Pure Bliss LIQUID GOLD, which is the moniker of the oil in Hollywood.

Below are 10 most popular uses of pure Argan oil:

1. Facial moisturizer - Argan oil can be used as an intensive moisturizer, especially when applied during evenings. As an antioxidant, it helps reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles and prevents new wrinkles from forming.

2. Make-up base  – Use Argan oil as your make-up base. It is non-comedogenic and is easily absorbed by the skin, while providing moisture.

3. After-sun nourishment - Hours under the harsh sun can make your skin dry. Argan oil soothes and moisturizes your skin.

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4. Body moisturizer - After your bath, add a few drops directly to your body, or to your body lotion. It helps moisturize skin, improve skin elasticity, and prevent stretchmark during pregnancy.

5. Sensitive skin relief - Argan oil works wonders on sensitive skin as it helps relieve eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and other skin conditions.

6. Hair conditioner - Avoid bad hair days by applying Argan oil on towel dried hair. A few drops will help reduce frizz, make hair strong and shiny, and lock in moisture for softer hair from roots to tips.

7. Overnight Hair Treatment - Massage a generous amount of Argan oil into your hair, ends and scalp. Wrap your hair and leave it on while you sleep. In the morning, wash your hair and you’ll have luminous soft locks. Visit Hairguard (https://skinstation.ph/the-10-most-popular-uses-of-argan-oil/) for more information on Argan oil for healthy hair. 

8. Hair Styling Shine – Use as a styling product while your hair is dry. Add a few drops onto your palms, rub your hands together, and run your fingers through your hair to create shine and tame frizz.

9. Lip moisturizer - Cold or hot weather can make your lips dry. A few dabs of Argan oil on the lips can soften and heal dry, chapped lips.

10. Cuticle and heel softener - Massage a few drops of Argan oil into your cuticles to soften, moisturize and encourage healthy nail growth. Use as an overnight treatment to moisturize dry, cracked heels. Cover with socks and wake up to supple feet.

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This article was published in the Lifestyle Section of Manila Bulletin on September 24, 2013. The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph. 

HOW TO GET RID OF MILIA

How To Get Rid Of Milia 

Milia are superficial white bumps that form when skin cells become entrapped beneath the outer layer of the skin. Milia most often arise on the face and are particularly prominent on the undereye, eyelids, forehead, and around the lips,  but they may occur elsewhere.

The most common cause of milia is the use of heavy skin care or hair care products. Comedogenic creams and lotions prevent the sloughing of dead epidermal skin cells. Other problem products include hair spray, hair mousse and gel, oily sunscreens and heavy moisturizers.

The eyelids are very thin and are more likely to experience problems with milia due to cosmetics. Check your eye make-up and eyelid make-up remover. Certain lipsticks, lip balms and products meant to help with chapped lips may be the cause of milia around the lips. Again, if you see these forming, take a good look at the ingredients on the label.

The formation of milia can also be due to genetics, as well as aging. As we age, the turn over of skin cells slows down, forming a thicker epidermis. Thicker skin makes the natural exfoliation process more difficult.

Exfoliation is the first step in dealing with milia prone skin. By keeping the epidermis thin and smooth, you can minimize the tendency to form milia. One way is to use a gentle exfoliating product such as DERMAX Retinol C serum. Another way is to undergo a periodic treatment of diamond peel or glycolic peel at the clinic. TCA chemical peel is deeper than glycolic peel, used primarily to minimize fine lines and skin discolorations, which can simultaneously address the elimination of milia.

Sometimes milia can be very persistent in spite of your best efforts. Then you will need to visit the clinic for milia extraction. After cleansing with antiseptic, the skin overlying the milia is gently opened with a sterile needle. Then pressure is applied with a comedone extractor. Milia are often easily removed by extraction, except on the upper eyelid. There simply isn’t a good way to press on the upper eyelid area and avoid the eyeball, so the lid has to be pulled either upwards or to the side, which is somewhat challenging.

What else can you do to prevent milia?

1) Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, and make it a habit to apply every morning the non-greasy DERMAX UV MILK SPF50 PA+++ instead of comedogenic sunscreens. 

2) Use exfoliating cleanser such as DERMAX AcneX transparent soap with nano-encapsulated salicylic acid not only to keep pores unclogged but also to help remove unwanted surface skin debris.

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This article was published in the Lifestyle Section of Manila Bulletin on September 10, 2013. The author is the CEO of SkinStation. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. Skin Smart aims to clarify facts and myths on skin care. Send your questions and comments to info@skinstation.ph.