Argan oil: liquid gold

Berber woman crush nuts to produce treasured argan oil

Previously a well-kept secret among the Berber women of Morocco, argan oil has become the liquid gold of the beauty industry.

Packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, it is made by crushing the nuts of the argan tree - a plant native to south-west Morocco that is found almost nowhere else in the world.

Argan oil is handmade, with up to 50kg of nuts required to produce just half a litre of the finished oil. There are two types - cosmetic, and cooking, so don't be tempted to drink the stuff that's meant for your hair, or vice versa.

With health benefits for hair, skin and diet, it’s no wonder that we have all gone mad for argan oil, and here’s why...

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Has your skin lost radiance and glow?

Use: Pure Argan Oil Cosmetic Face Care, £13.49, by Argan Oil UK

Benefits: It contains a high amount of vitamin E which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by restoring the surface layer of the skin. Antioxidants work together with Omega acids 3 and 9 to cleanse your skin from impurities, allowing nutrients in and waste products out so leaving your skin soft and supple.

How to use: Massage a few drops of the oil onto cleansed skin once every day.

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Do you want to give your diet a nutritional boost?

Use: Extra-Virgin Organic Argan Oil 250ml, £23.99, by Argan Oil UK

Benefits: It contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil making it increasingly popular for cooking. Vitamin E can help to improve your immune system and the antioxidants provide you with vital cleansing properties for a detox. Fatty acids omega 3 and 9 help to improve to appearance of your skin and may reduce the appearance of cellulite.

How to use: Drizzle over salad, couscous and tagines for a rich, nutty flavour.

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Do you want smooth and silky hair?

Use: Soy Renewal Beach Spray, £14.99, by Sexy Hair

Benefits: The vitamin E in argan oil protects your hair from heat damage while boosting its natural health. With scalp-stimulating properties and antioxidants, argan oil also wakes up hair follicles, encouraging growth. Fatty acids omega 3 and 9 strengthen the protein structure of your hair and repair split ends leaving you with gorgeous silky locks.

How to use:  Apply a small amount to damp hair and blow-dry as normal.

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Try also: Dr Organic Liquid Gold Pure Argan Oil, RRP £8.99 from Holland & Barrett.