Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). The nut inside the fruit contains one (occasionally two or three) small, oil-rich seeds. The oil is pressed from these seeds. We prefer refined argan oil, because what our skin needs are the essential fatty acids in the oil, not whatever else may be left from the seed after oil extraction. Argan oil is good for our skin because it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Humans are not good at making these fatty acids that are essential for our cells. This is why we have to obtain them from our food or, in this case, from skin care products we apply topically. Argan seeds are not unique in containing these great fatty acids, we also use rosehip seed oil, pomegranate seed oil and several more. At Skin Actives we use argan oil as a carrier for antioxidants like astaxanthin, tocotrienols and vitamin E. Argan is also included in our Every Lipid Serum (ELS), one of our most useful products. The lipids we supply to our skin are used to make ceramides, and these ceramides are very important to prevent water loss. Important: Think of everything that goes wrong when the skin barrier fails to prevent water loss. When it malfunctions you get eczema, irritation, even pain. The skin not only “feels” bad but also looks bad. Providing our skin with necessary lipids will keep the skin functioning healthy and doing its job. Try one today!