New At Suds N' Scents - Argan Oil

Argan Oil Benefits Your Skin

Argan oil is a beauty secret that has been around for hundreds of years. It comes from the nuts that are produced by the Argan trees of Morocco.

The argan tree is an ancient tree that is only endemic to Morocco, meaning that it is only confined to regions in Morocco and is not usually found anywhere else in the world. Argan oil is obtained by pressing the tiny seeds of the argan fruit (a nut). This is either done manually by hand by the locals or by large machinery if it is for industrial use. After extraction, the oil is either roasted or sent directly for processing.

Argan oil contains an unusually high concentration of Vitamin E and carotenes (a form of Vitamin A), both are vital components that make up a healthy skin.

Most cosmetic companies prefer to add argan oil into their products because of its rapid absorption rate into the skin and its vitamin-rich content which can produce instantly noticeable effects when topically applied onto the skin.

Other facts about Argan Oil:

• Argan is mostly found in high-end cosmetic products like moisturizers, shampoos and sunscreens.

• There are many uses of argan oil in the cosmetic industry such as anti-wrinkle products, anti-aging products, and make up products.

• Argan oil is a wonderful moisturizer as it is rich in fatty acids and helps tp regulate and keep the pH balance of the skin normal.

• Argan oil is said to help in reducing wrinkles and while softening the skin. It has also shown to increase the elasticity and tightening of the skin.

• Argan oil has a sebum regulating action on oily skin that helps to reduce oiliness.

• Argan oil benefits for the skin also include reduction of skin irritation and inflammation. If you are suffering from scars, application of argan oil has been known to help in their reduction.
  
  

• Pregnant women can apply argan oil to prevent the onset of stretch marks. Argan oil is also known to hydrate the skin, neutralize free radicals, treat acne, eczema and psoriasis. 

• Try argan oil for brittle nails it may help to make them stronger.

• Mineral make up tends to dry skin. This can be avoided by the application of argan oil before applying the mineral make-up. 

Argan for Hair

• Moisturizes the hair by locking in moisture and is non-greasy.
• Penetrates the hair shaft improving the elasticity and preventing breakage.
• Contains vitamin E which is great for a healthy scalp and repairing damaged hair.

All in all, Argan oil is another weapon we can use in our quest for healthy beautiful skin and hair.

Loofahs

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The loofah is a climbing plant with beautiful yellow flowers. The luffa plant is a cucurbit, a group of plants including gourds, pumpkins, and cucumbers. Its fruits are cylindrical and during ripening the interior is transformed into a dense network of fibres somewhat like a mesh.

It is the only known plant that can be grown and used as a sponge.

Loofahs can last for months and are excellent exfoliators. They gently remove dead cells (exfoliate) and make skin soft, smooth and healthy looking. It is also said that the fibres stimulate blood circulation, making it useful in the fight against cellulite.

If you are trying to be more environmentally friendly, try cutting the loofah in rounds and use it as a pot scrubber, use it whole as your car wash sponge or kitchen sponge... even to scrub your veggies. Loofahs contain no chemicals and are completely biodegradable.

Get crafty and make your own loofah soap!

TIPS for using the loofah:

-The best way to use he loofah on your body is to get it wet and soft first, then apply your soap of body wash.

-Keep your loofah clean and fresh by letting it dry between uses. Do not leave it in a wet soap dish between uses.

-To clean your loofa, soak it in hot water with a little baking soda and vinegar, rinse and let it dry completely.

Relax with a Seaweed Face Mask - Recipe

Seaweed is a rich source of organic proteins, minerals, and vitamins including B12 (not found in land plants), vitamin E, amino acids, and other nutrients.

A seaweed treatment can act as a powerful detoxifier that draws out toxins and impurities while adding beneficial nutrients to the skin.

Seaweed may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stimulate the body's circulation, infusing the skin with moisture. Used as a body wrap, it may help to minimize cellulite.

Seaweed Mask RECIPE:

2 tsp - Seaweed Powder

1 tsp - White Clay

1 tsp - Liquid Honey (unpasteurized)

2 tsp(aprox) - Aloe Vera (liquid or gel) 

4 drops - Relax or Skin Therapy Essential Oil (optional)

METHOD: Mix the seaweed together with the clay. Add the honey and enough aloe vera to make a spreadable paste that will not drip. Add in the essential oil drops of your choosing.

Method for using the Seaweed Face Mask:

1. Cleanse face well
2. Prepare the mask as above
3. Cover the face and neck area of a layer of seaweed paste
4. Leave for 20-30 minutes until dry
5. Dampen to rehydrate mask and rub face and neck area to exfoliate
6. Rinse off with warm water, finish with a moisturizer

TIPS: Be careful to not get the mask too close to the eyes. It is always important that whatever you do to your face, you do to your neck area as well, including moisturizing.