Are you tired of using chemical-laden bug sprays that leave your skin feeling sticky and uncomfortable?
What if we told you that there’s a natural alternative that not only repels mosquitoes but also nourishes your skin?
Enter Argan oil, a rare and precious oil extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree in southwestern Morocco. Locals have been using it for centuries for its numerous health and beauty benefits, including as an insect repellent.
But does it really work? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind Argan oil’s insect-repelling properties and share some DIY recipes to help you make your own all-natural bug spray.
Say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes and hello to healthy, glowing skin with Argan oil!
Does Argan Oil Repel Mosquitoes?
Studies have found that the leaves, nuts, and pulp of the spinosa family of fruits, commonly found in tropical locations, contain natural chemicals that repel insects. Argania spinosa, also known as Argan oil, is one such fruit that has been used by locals in southwestern Morocco as an insect repellent for centuries.
Argan oil is rich in natural plant sterols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce skin redness and dryness. It also helps to renew skin cells and soften the skin, making it an excellent moisturizer. But what makes Argan oil an effective mosquito repellent?
When mixed with certain essential oils like grapefruit, ginger, and lavender oil, Argan oil can create a skin-conditioning and soothing bug repellent. The other essential oils in the mixture can keep ticks and mosquitoes at bay while moisturizing and soothing your skin.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to chemical-laden bug sprays, Argan oil might be the solution you’ve been searching for. It’s a rare and precious oil that not only repels mosquitoes but also nourishes your skin.
What Is Argan Oil And How Is It Extracted?
Argan oil is a rare and precious oil extracted from the fruit of the Argan tree, scientifically known as Argania spinosa. The tree is native to southwestern Morocco and is one of the rarest trees found on earth. The oil is extracted from the little nut found inside the fruit.
The extraction process is a time-consuming one, as it involves hand-extracting the kernels from the fruit. The kernels are then roasted and ground into a paste before being pressed to extract the oil. This process results in a golden-colored oil that is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Argan oil has been used for centuries by locals in southwestern Morocco as a multipurpose resource in a variety of ways. Besides its traditional medicinal use, it has been used on the culinary plane to refine the local cuisine. On the cosmetic plane, local women have used it as the main ingredient in their traditional beauty recipes to nourish and protect their hair, skin, and nails.
Argan oil is still the only pure and natural multipurpose oil available on the market today that finds uses in heart-healthy gourmet cuisine, health care, and cosmetics. Its numerous benefits have made it gain increasing popularity mostly in the cosmetic field as the most precious and most beneficial cosmetic oil available on the market to date.
The History Of Argan Oil As An Insect Repellent
The history of Argan oil as an insect repellent dates back to ancient times. The oil has been used by the Berber people of Morocco for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including insect bites and stings.
One of the earliest uses of Argan oil was as fuel for oil lamps by the Phoenicians due to its high luminosity. Later, the Berber people discovered its cosmetic and nutritional benefits and began incorporating it into their daily lives. They found that applying Argan oil to their skin helped to repel insects and soothe bug bites.
Today, Argan oil is commonly used in natural anti-insect sprays and scents due to its insect-repelling properties. The oil is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is native to southwestern Morocco. The tree is rare and takes up to 50 years to mature, making Argan oil a precious commodity.
The Science Behind Argan Oil’s Insect-repelling Properties
Argan oil has been found to contain high amounts of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation caused by insect bites. Additionally, the oil is rich in natural antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These properties make it an effective treatment for acne and eczema, but they also make it an ideal insect repellent.
When applied to the skin, the linoleic acid in Argan oil creates a barrier that repels mosquitoes and other insects. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe any irritation caused by insect bites, reducing the urge to scratch and further aggravate the skin.
Furthermore, Argan oil is a natural moisturizer that can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy, making it less attractive to insects. This is because insects are attracted to the lactic acid and other compounds found in sweat, which is more likely to occur on dry, dehydrated skin.
DIY Argan Oil Bug Spray Recipes
Making your own DIY Argan oil bug spray is easy and affordable. Here are two recipes to try at home:
Other Benefits Of Using Argan Oil As A Natural Insect Repellent
Apart from its insect-repelling properties, Argan oil also has several other benefits when used as a natural insect repellent.
Firstly, Argan oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. It contains naturally occurring linoleic acid that reduces inflammation and helps balance the skin’s natural pH levels. Studies have shown that Argan oil helps reduce sebum levels in individuals with oily skin, helping to balance the acid mantle and improve skin health and appearance.
Secondly, Argan oil is an excellent moisturizer. It is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin, making it an ideal ingredient in skincare products. When used as an insect repellent, it not only keeps bugs away but also moisturizes and softens the skin.
Lastly, Argan oil is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to chemical-laden bug sprays. It is non-toxic and safe for use on children and pets. Unlike chemical sprays that can harm the environment, Argan oil is sustainable and does not harm the planet.
Conclusion: Is Argan Oil An Effective Mosquito Repellent?
In conclusion, studies have shown that Argan oil has natural insect-repelling properties that can help keep mosquitoes at bay. The oil contains natural plant sterols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce skin redness and dryness. When mixed with certain essential oils, it can create a skin-conditioning and soothing bug repellent that is effective against ticks and mosquitoes.
Argan oil is also a great moisturizer that helps to renew skin cells and soften the skin, making it an excellent choice for those who want a natural alternative to chemical-laden bug sprays. While more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of Argan oil as a mosquito repellent, it is a rare and precious oil that has many benefits for the skin and can be a great addition to any natural bug repellent regimen.
