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Argan Secrets

Science Says

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Argan oil has been used for centuries to protect the legendary beauty of Berber women, having used it to treat their face, body and hair from the scorching wind, sun and desert sands. On top of having such rare beauty promoting properties, Argan oil has long been used in traditional medicine to treat and heal skin diseases such as acne, chicken pox, chapping, eczema and skin irritations.

More than just a powerful moisturizer and highly nutritive active ingredient, Argan oil has one of the highest antioxidant and anti free radicals content of any oil.

By actively stimulating the cells' oxygenation, Argan oil restores the hydro lipid layer and extracellular matrix, bringing essential nutrients back to the epidermis, and preventing the deficiences that cause the appearance of wrinkles.

Acting as a barrier against evaporation, it helps preserve skin's hydration which stands as a key asset to keep the skin's vitality and delays the ageing process. As a matter of fact, our exposure to daily stresses such as pollution, emotional stress, wind and sun is among the main factors that make skin lose elasticity and firmness. Daily moisture thus becomes a capital stake to preserve natural beauty.

Argan oil shelters very special components whose virtues are widely recognized and act in synergy to provide the skin with an in depth regeneration. Argan oil ensures a global anti-ageing action as it acts on all the mechanisms that are at the origin of skin disorders. It is said that Argan oil is an "intelligent active ingredient" as it targets and corrects deficiencies to each individuals skin.

Argan oil components are numerous and have not all been revealed yet. Science has a lot more to discover on this natural mystery.

The multiple compounds can be divided into two categories: the Fatty Acids and the unsaponifiable matter.

- The fatty acids : (click for details)

Argan oil's fatty acids account for 80% of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). UFAs are a key to our skins hydration, helping to maintain its water reserves and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Among all oils, Argan oil is one of the very richest given this high UFA content which provides it with a remarkable emollient action.

Within the fatty acids that Argan oil contains, one in particular is of vital importance for the skin cells : Linoleic acids. Linoleic acids cannot be synthesized by the organism and are an incomparable source of vitality and elasticity for the skin.

The revitalizing properties of Linoleic acids have been widely recognized by the scientific community as an authentic youth factor. Fatty acids equilibrate the skins' functions and help preserve skin radiance.

- The Unsaponifiable matter : (click for details)

The unsaponifiable matter contains hydrocarbons and more importantly squalene (carotene and tocopherols), tripernic alcohols, phytosterols and xantophyls that play a crucial part in stopping the alterations that cause skin ageing :

- The tocopherols: The concentration of tocopherols in Argan oil is almost three times higher than in Olive oil. Tocopherols are natural antioxidants and anti free radicals that are essential in preventing the appearance of wrinkles. Their anti-ageing action both in nutritional and topical use has been confirmed by clinical tests.

A recent study has shown that Argan oil has a higher anti oxidant action than vitamin E; above all given its concentration in gamma tocopherols.

- Squalene: This recently identified hydrocarbon deeply revitalizes the epidermis and protects it from free radicals; thus stimulating the cellular activity.

- Phytosterols: They are mostly composed of Delta 7 Stigmasterols. Generally present in vegetal oils, this compound ensures a strong revitalizing action and a reliable protection against free radicals; thus stimulating the cellular activity. Then, the Schottenol and Spinasterols preserve the skins' elasticity and firmness, while ensuring in-depth regeneration. Delta 7 Sterol are 5 alpha reductase enzymes inhibitors. These enzymes convert into Dihydrotestosterone. High DHT levels are often at the origin of disorders such as acne, hyper seborrea, and baldness. The presence of Delta 7 sterols in such proportions help reverse this phenomenon.

The unsaponifiable matter also contains other biomolecules in which one can find high levels of tirucallol (healing), ß-amirine (skin protection), butyrospermol (sun protection virtues), and lupeol (disinfectant properties). A recent study has also shown that lupeol improves the proliferation of keranocytes (hair, nails and skin).

To summarize, the application of Argan oil restores the cutaneous hydro lipid layer and increases the nutrient content of skin cells. It also stimulates intracellular oxygenation, neutralises free radicals, and protects conjunctive tissues (Fabre 1999).Wanting to be part of preserving such a precious and natural inheritance, Katima'A chose to put Argan oil at the forefront by making it the key active ingredient of its entire skincare line. This 100% natural golden fluid, stands as one of the best cosmetic discoveries of the century. An active ingredient, that has long been the secret guardian of women's beauty, is now unveiling its secrets to the world.