AKA Argan Oil – Is It Snake Oil? Part Two
If you haven’t already, read part one!
Last week, I talked about my initial impressions of the Argan Oil craze. I was ensnared when friends admitted to using the argan produts by Josie Maran and that it seemed to be helping with facial scarring and under-eye blahs.
The JCPenney in my local mall opened a Sephora in October – on my first trip there, I bought one of the small bottles of Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, 0.5 fl oz. for $14. I have some pretty stubborn dark circles and had a dermatological procedure coming up that would leave me with a facial scar, so I figured the timing was good.
Packaging
The small, amber-colored bottle is wrapped with a simple mauve label. I am a pretty big fan of simple packaging that is not visually overwhelming. On the side, it reads: “Apply this lightweight Moroccan oil as a daily moisturizer, nighttime treatment, and to heal everything from cuticles to split-ends.” The screw-on cap has a dropper so you can easily suck up and dispense product.
Usage
I started applying one drop (total) to my eye-area at night before bed, not expecting much. I found that it definitely did feel like an oil, it did not feel overly greasy or uncomfortable – it felt mostly-absorbed in 3-5 minutes, so I did not worry about it getting on my pillowcase and being gross. I wasn’t awkwardly shiny, either. After a week or two, I did notice that the general condition of my under-eye area looked to have improved a bit. If had not been an airhead, I would’ve taken progress photos for science.
After the wound from the my procedure had healed over (i.e., was not an open wound), I started applying a tiny drop to the scar and the surrounding area to keep it hydrated because it felt a little taut. The scar is pretty pinkish red – my dermatologist said it can take up to six months for the color to fade so it is closer to my skin tone. I can’t say for sure whether or not the use of the Argan Oil is expediting that process (I am, not a fast healer), but it does seem to be lightening at a reasonable rate, and I think it will be “normal” by April, sans any irritation.
I used it this way exclusively for about a month-and-a-half, on a nightly basis. I was only using two drops, and was going through it very slowly. I was satisfied with it, but not convinced that it is a miracle worker, and I did not think I would bother repurchasing. I didn’t feel like I had wasted my money like I initially thought I was, but it just didn’t impress me enough to stick to it.
Just over a quarter of the way through the bottle (after having spilled a little once), I decided one night just for giggles to use it all over my face instead of my usual moisturizer before bed.
Sold. Done. You got me. I yield.
When I woke up, my skin was still hydrated but not at all greasy, though I did have a bit of a dewy glow. Hey, fine by me – it is winter time. Most of us can use all the help we can get. When I apply a reasonable amount of my normal moisturizer, my skin feels kind of gross in the morning. I have some odd texture low on my cheeks close to my jawline, and this seemed to help even it out overnight. I’ve used it nearly-nightly since, usually 3 drops, 4 if my skin seems really thirsty.
And here’s a better picture of how much is left because I am not a photography prodigy…
I never thought I would actually like this product. It is hilarious to me because I was so convinced it was ridiculous hype but I am now a fan and do plan to repurchase–and this is without using it on my cuticles or hair. Since I am going through a bottle so slowly, I am more comfortable with the price-tag – we are now almost through the second week of February and I am only about a third through the bottle (really, I am not a photography prodigy). Also, on the subject of the price tag – in addition to it lasting way, way longer than I thought it would, there are benefits beyond us to consider. According to Wikipedia, the production of this snake oil (Hey – just because I’m a believer doesn’t mean I will stop poking fun) supports approximately 2.2 million people. Hot damn. Not only does the industry do that, is it enabling women in that region to gain financial independence, provide for their families, and secure their futures. There’s more on this that is pretty cool, but I am not a socio-economic writer.
That said, I don’t know that I am repurchasing Josie Maran right away, or if I am going to see how the Elma&Sana compares, or if I will try Garden of Wisdom’s Argan oil. I do plan to try both of them, I’m just not sure of the order – but there will definite be posts about my experiences with them when I do!
Have you tried any pure or allegedly-pure Argan oil products? What was your experience?