Glossary

Acne

is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and sometimes scarring.

Antioxidants

are molecules that protect cells from being damaged by the destructive, reactive molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants slow down the aging process. They combine with free radicals and in effect neutralize them. They have been shown to boost the skin’s radiance, and minimize age spots, sunspots, and fine lines.

Atherosclerosis

is a disease in which plaque builds up on the inside of your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body. Different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected. Coronary artery disease, most commonly known as heart disease and is the leading cause of death in the United States, happens when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries of the heart. When blood flow to your heart is reduced or blocked, it can lead to chest pain and heart attack. Carotid artery disease reduces or blocks blood flow to the brain possibly leading to stroke. Peripheral arterial disease occurs when blood flow is reduced or blocked to the legs, arms, or pelvis. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute the main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle change.

Biosphere Reserve

is an international conservation designation given by UNESCO under its Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the collection of 529 biosphere reserves in 105 countries. Biosphere reserves are created to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere. Through appropriate zoning and management, the conservation of these ecosystems and their biodiversity is sought to be maintained. The design of the reserve must include a legally protected core area, a buffer area where non-conservation activities are prohibited, and a transition zone where approved practices are permitted. This is done with regard for the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of local communities.

Calendula

is an herb utilized in skin care products that elicits an astringent, anti-inflammatory, hydrating, soothing, and softening effect. This botanical aids in the healing of inflammation, bruising, and burns, and can be found in Moroccan Argan Oils™ Organic Lip Conditioner.

Carotenoids

are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found in plants that serve to protect eyes and skin from UV radiation and free radical damage; to help maintain our immune system; to promote healthy skin and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. They have been shown to lower the risk of arthritis. The class of carotenoids detected in Moroccan Argans Oils™ is xanthophylls. They function as an antioxidant and after absorption from food are converted to form vitamin A in the small intestine and stored in the liver. Carotenoids also protect the arteries and heart. Their antioxidant properties help inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the “bad cholesterol”, which can lead to build up of plaque in the arteries.

Collagen

is a natural type of protein found in humans that forms connective tissue. It can be thought of as the glue that holds the body together. Collagen, produced by the skin, gives it strength, support, protection, and resilience. One of its main functions is to resist stretching. As people age, however, collagen degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles.

Cooperative

is a group of individuals voluntarily uniting to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owed and democratically controlled business. Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy and equality. Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Dermatitis

is a term used to describe a number of skin conditions characterized by inflammation.

Dermis

is the middle layer of skin, which is made up of blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, collagen bundles, and fibroblasts.

Elastin

is a fibrous protein in connective that gives skin its resiliency.

Epidermis

is the outermost layer of the skin. It forms the waterproof, protective over the body’s surfce.

Essential Fatty Acids

are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet or skin treatments such as Moroccan Argan Oils™. They are building compounds the body needs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. They are necessary for regulating healthy skin and premature aging. These acids perform an important role in the lipid management of the epidermis, sebum production, and are required for the formation of prostaglandin. They all have water-binding, moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Eczema

is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis. Eczema can affect people of any age although the condition is most common in infants. While any region of the body may be affected, it typically occurs on the face, neck, and insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, it generally occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp and neck. It most commonly causes dry, scaly, reddened skin that itches or burns. In severe cases it may lead to blisters and oozing lesions. If symptoms persist over a long period of time it is referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Fair Trade

is an organized social movement and an alternative way to doing business that promotes sustainable relationships between consumers and producers. The principles of fair trade are paying fair wages in local communities; engaging in environmentally sustainable practices; providing healthy and safe working conditions; and the exclusion of forced labor and exploitive child labor. These partnerships are based on relationships of mutual respect. Fair trade’s strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to one of security and economic self-sufficiency. Its aim is to empower them to become stakeholders in their own organizations and to actively play a wider role in the global arena with the goal of achieving greater equity in international trade.

Ferulic Acid

is the most abundant phenolic compound found in Moroccan Argan Oils™. This antioxidant helps prevent damage caused by ultraviolet light. Exposure to ultraviolet light actually increases the antioxidant potency of ferulic acid. It is often added as an ingredient of anti-aging supplements. Studies have shown that ferulic acid can decrease blood glucose levels and can be of help to diabetes patients. It seems to protect against many types of caner, bone degeneration and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. Like many other antioxidants, ferulic acid reduces the level of cholesterol and triglyceride, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Free Radicals

are unstable molecules formed when cells burn oxygen. These molecules have an unpaired electron in their outer shell. This unpaired electron causes the molecule to be volatile. Their reactions with cells cause cell membrane, cellular protein and DNA damage. This leads to premature aging, wrinkling, and disease. For most biological structures free radical damage is associated with oxidation damage.

Immune system

is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Inflammation

is redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical injury, infection, or allergic reaction. Any inflammatory response will involve free radical formation.

Lipid

barrier is a protective layer of oil on the skin’s surface which functions as a protectorate against environmental impurities and helps regulate moisture loss and water retention.

Polyphenols

or polyphenolic compounds are natural components of a wide variety of plants and are also known as secondary plant metabolites. These active compounds are known for their antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, and anti-aging properties. They enhance immune response, enhance cell-to-cell communication, repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures, and assist the body to detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the body’s immune system.

Prostaglandin

is a lipid compound derived enzymatically from essential fatty acids within the cell. It serves as catalysts for a large number of processes. It helps to regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, smooth muscle contraction, circulation, and immune function. Prostaglandin is a natural anti-inflammatory and acts as a controlling factor in overall cell growth and development.

Psoriasis

is a chronic skin disease in which the outer layer of skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin’s surface and die they pile up leaving raised red patches covered with white scales known as plaque. These patches may itch, burn, and become easily inflamed. The skin at joints may crack causing pain, bleeding, and restricted movement. It most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. About 10% of people with psoriasis have joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

Sebum

is skin’s own natural oil. Its main purpose is to waterproof and protect the skin from drying out.

Singlet

oxygen is a free radical that becomes more damaging when exposed to UV light. The absorption of UV light elevates the energy level of the molecule causing it to become excited and more destructive.

Squalene

is a nutrient-rich oil. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant with the unique ability to anchor itself to the body’s cell membrane. It can deactivate the free radical known as a singlet oxygen, the free radical that is generated by exposure to the sun’s UV radiation, and can also absorb and bind fat-soluble toxins, helping to excrete them from the body. Squalene is involved in the process of cell growth. It is able to penetrate deeper and more readily than most other oils. Its compatibility with skin lipids can be attributed to the fact that human sebum, the skin’s own moisturizer, is comprised of 25% squalene. It is proven to have a positive effect on mature and rosacea skin. It is a natural bactericide and healer, and has been shown to have effects in the management of dermatitis and skin cancer.

Sterols (Phytosterols)

are a class of lipid-like compounds that helps to prevent skin aging by improving skin metabolism and reducing inflammation. They promote excellent moisture retention and penetrate quickly. They are vital to the structural integrity of the cell membrane. They work in harmony with human skin because the chemical structure of plant sterols and human sterols is very similar. In the skin, human sterols are the main component of its outermost layer and play a fundamental role in aiding and maintaining optimal skin barrier function. Two of the families of sterols found in Moroccan Argan oil, schottenol and spinasterol, are known for their anticancer properties and are rarely found in vegetable oils. Additionally, sterols are known to block cholesterol absorption sites in the human intestine thus helping to reduce the overall amount absorbed in the body.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is a powerful antioxidant and excellent free-radical scavenger. Vitamin E protects essential fatty acids and vitamin A levels in the body. It accumulates in the epidermis and forms a barrier against moisture evaporation from the skin. Vitamin E prevents cellular aging due to oxidation, aids in bringing nourishment to cells, and decreases inflammation and strengthens capillary walls. It has been shown to significantly help in the reduction of scarring from wounds and the appearance of stretch marks. Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the so called “bad cholesterol”. This may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Research has suggested a link between vitamin E and the prevention of certain cancers and degenerative diseases.

You can buy it here