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The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
The ‘liquid gold' hair product that is threatening forests
Argan oil, often described as "liquid gold" for its hydrating, luscious, and restorative qualities, is a global cosmetic marvel. Yet, in Morocco, it's more: a vital lifeline for rural women, but also a product whose growing demand is slowly buckling the very forests it comes from. To produce it, women crouch over stone mills, grinding kernels. One kilogram – roughly two days of work – earns them around $3, enough for a modest foothold in an economy where opportunities are scarce. This practice links them to generations past. Cooperative worker Fatma Mnir said: "We were born and raised here. These traditions come from nature, what our parents and grandparents have taught us and what we've inherited." Long a staple in local markets, argan oil today is found in luxury hair and skin care products lining drugstore aisles worldwide. However, its runaway popularity is now threatening the very argan forests it comes from. Overharvesting, piled on top of persistent drought, is severely straining trees once seen as resilient in the harshest of conditions. Hafida El Hantati, owner of one of the cooperatives that harvests the fruit and presses it for oil, said the stakes go beyond the trees, threatening cherished traditions. 'We must take care of this tree and protect it because if we lose it, we will lose everything that defines us and what we have now,' she said at the Ajddigue cooperative outside the coastal town of Essaouira. A forest out of time For centuries, argan trees have supported life in the arid hills between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlas Mountains, feeding people and animals, holding soil in place and helping keep the desert from spreading. The spiny trees can survive in areas with less than an inch of annual rain and heat up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). They endure drought with roots that stretch as far as 115 feet (35 meters) underground. Goats climb trees, chomp their fruit, and eventually disperse seeds as part of the forest's regeneration cycle. Moroccans stir the oil into nut butters and drizzle it over tagines. Rich in vitamin E, it's lathered onto dry hair and skin to plump, moisturize and stave off damage. Some use it to calm eczema or heal chicken pox. But the forest has thinned. Trees bear fewer fruit, their branches gnarled from thirst. In many places, cultivated land has replaced them as fields of citrus and tomatoes, many grown for export, have expanded. Communities once managed forests collectively, setting rules for grazing and harvesting. Now the system is fraying, with theft routinely reported. What's wrong with the forest But a forest that covered about 5,405 square miles (14,000 square kilometers) at the turn of the century has shrunk by 40 per cent. Scientists warn that argan trees are not invincible. 'Because argan trees acted as a green curtain protecting a large part of southern Morocco against the encroaching Sahara, their slow disappearance has become considered as an ecological disaster,' said Zoubida Charrouf, a chemist who researches argan at Université Mohammed V in Rabat. Shifting climate is a part of the problem. Fruit and flowers sprout earlier each year as rising temperatures push the seasons out of sync. Goats that help spread seeds can be destructive, too, especially if they feed on seedlings before they mature. Overgrazing has become worse as herders and fruit collectors fleeing drier regions encroach on plots long allocated to specific families. The forests also face threats from camels bred and raised by the region's wealthy. Camels stretch their necks into trees and chomp entire branches, leaving lasting damage, Charrouf said. Liquid gold, dry pockets Today, women peel, crack and press argan for oil at hundreds of cooperatives. Much makes its way through middlemen to be sold in products by companies and subsidiaries of L'Oréal, Unilever, and Estée Lauder. But workers say they earn little while watching profits flow elsewhere. Cooperatives say much of the pressure stems from climbing prices. A 1-liter bottle sells for 600 Moroccan dirhams ($60), up from 25 dirhams ($2.50) three decades ago. Products infused with argan sell for even more abroad. Cosmetics companies call argan the most expensive vegetal oil on the market. The coronavirus pandemic upended global demand and prices and many cooperatives closed. Cooperative leaders say new competitors have flooded the market just as drought has diminished how much oil can be squeezed from each fruit. Cooperatives were set up to provide women a base pay and share profits each month. But Union of Women's Argan Cooperatives President Jamila Id Bourrous said few make more than Morocco 's minimum monthly wage. 'The people who sell the final product are the ones making the money," she said. Some businesses say large multinational companies use their size to set prices and shut others out. Khadija Saye, a co-owner of Ageourde Cooperative, said there were real fears about monopoly. 'Don't compete with the poor for the one thing they live from," she said. "When you take their model and do it better because you have money, it's not competition, it's displacement." One company, Olvea, controls 70 per cent of the export market, according to data from local cooperatives. Cooperatives say few competitors can match its capacity to fill big orders for global brands. Representatives for the company did not respond to requests for comment. Mounting challenges, limited solutions On a hill overlooking the Atlantic, a government water truck weaves between rows of trees, pausing to hose saplings that have just started to sprout. The trees are a project that Morocco began in 2018, planting 39 square miles (100 square kilometers) on private lands abutting the forests. To conserve water and improve soil fertility, argan trees alternate rows with capers, a technique known as intercropping. The idea is to expand forest cover and show that argan, if properly managed, can be a viable source of income. Officials hope it will ease pressure on the overharvested commons and convince others to reinvest in the land. The trees were expected to begin producing this year but haven't during a drought. Another issue is the supply chain. 'Between the woman in the village and the final buyer, there are four intermediaries. Each takes a cut. The cooperatives can't afford to store, so they sell cheap to someone who pays upfront,' Id Bourrous, the union president, said. The government has attempted to build storage centers to help producers hold onto their goods longer and negotiate better deals. So far, cooperatives say it hasn't worked, but a new version is expected in 2026 with fewer barriers to access. Despite problems, there's money to be made. During harvest season, women walk into the forest with sacks, scanning the ground for fallen fruit. To El Hantati, the forest, once thick and humming with life, feels quieter now. Only the winds and creaking trees are audible as goats climb branches in search of remaining fruits and leaves. 'When I was young, we'd head into the forest at dawn with our food and spend the whole day gathering. The trees were green all year long,' she said. She paused, worried about the future as younger generations pursue education and opportunities in larger cities. 'I'm the last generation that lived our traditions — weddings, births, even the way we made oil. It's all fading.'

Vogue
10-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
14 Beta-Carotene-Rich Foods for Glowing Skin and Eyes
When temperatures rise, all we want to eat are light, fresh foods. Luckily, many of those foods—like raw fruits and veggies—are hydrating, detoxifying, and delicious. The best of them contain beta-carotene, which has the added bonus of benefiting the skin. Carrot salad, anyone? 'Numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and specific minerals can prevent premature aging of the skin, improve its luminosity and texture, and reduce the appearance of inflammatory diseases,' explains nutritionist Carmen Mera. 'Amongst the most relevant nutrients is beta-carotene.' What is beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is the naturally-occurring, orange-yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables. As the name suggests, it is a type of carotenoid, which is a type of antioxidant. Beta-carotene is responsible for the intense warm hues of many fruits and vegetables. Think: carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and red bell peppers. According to Mera, the nutrient stands out for 'acting as a precursor of vitamin A.' When consumed, your body converts beta-carotene into retinol, essential for eye health, the immune system, mucous membranes, and cell reproduction and development. And, as we all know, retinol is incredibly beneficial to the skin. This is because beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells that cause inflammation. Beta-carotene prevents oxidative cell damage and supports the skin's photoprotective properties to slow aging. 'The regular consumption of beta-carotene contributes to preventing sunburn, dryness, and the formation of wrinkles,' adds Mera. Foods high in beta-carotene It's easy to spot fruits and veggies that contain beta-carotene: They often have orange or red flesh or skin. But don't let color limit your options; leafy green vegetables also contain large amounts of beta-carotene. The usual tell-tale orange pigment is just camouflaged by the dark green color of chlorophyll. Carrot Sweet potato Pumpkin Mango Apricot Tomato Papaya Cantaloupe Persimmon Spinach Swiss chard Broccoli Kale Oranges How to improve the absorption of beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is fat-soluble and is thus better absorbed when fat is present, so to make the most of the beta-carotene you consume, eat it with healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and eggs. This is important: If there is no fat in the diet, your body cannot absorb carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

News.com.au
28-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
11 Best Day Creams For Softer Skin Throughout The Day
Scroll on for our favourite hydrating day creams, including one that's said to be eerily similar to a $700 pick. These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more As we age, our collagen stores deplete, so keeping up with a good skincare routine is essential. You want something that's going to support ageing skin, helping to keep it smooth, hydrated and soft. But where to start? You don't have to keep your moisturisers separate, but having a day cream and a night cream may just be the right choice for you. Night creams usually come with active ingredients like retinol, something that's not recommended to use during the day time. On the other hand, most day creams on the market are packed with super hydrating and brightening actives to leave your skin looking fresh and plump for the day ahead. They also make a great base to apply the rest of your makeup routine over the top. Our top pick? Cult beauty brand Olay have launched the 'best ever red jar', the Super Collagen Peptides Soft Moisturiser. Said to feel eerily similar to a popular $700 luxury cream, the formula is designed to totally hydrate with some users calling it a 'facelift in a jar'. If you're after a more lightweight, gel texture, the Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream is my personal favourite – it's packed with Australian river mint and it makes my skin look 'healthy, hydrated and bouncy.' Olay Super Collagen Peptides Cream Why we love it: The texture is super nourishing and melts into the skin with ease. What to consider: Slight fragrance. Tried and Tested by Cindy Du, eCommerce Producer I'm picky about what I put on my face so when I got my hands on the Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide Face Cream Moisturiser, I was a bit sceptical as it looked a bit thick, had a slight scent and came in a jar. Stuff I usually avoid! But once I tried it, I was genuinely surprised. The texture is creamy, but it melts into your skin without leaving any thick or greasy feeling. I didn't feel the need to reapply at any point in the day, and after a month of consistent use, my skin feels moisturised, plumper and fuller in a good way. This cream is infused with collagen peptides and niacinamide, key ingredients that are known for supporting skin elasticity and improving texture over prolonged and consistent use. The scent is super light, but it's not an added fragrance, so a big win for sensitive skin types. Overall, as someone who tends to be skincare sceptical, this one has earned a place on my bathroom shelf. I usually don't like jars, but I think I can compromise just this once. Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream $150 at Myer Why we love it: It's racked up over 1000 five-star ratings on the Myer website, with consistently great reviews. What to consider: High price tag. Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor My mum first introduced me to Clarins skincare when I was a teenager, and I remember slapping on as much of her creams as I could – when she'd let me. Once it came time to buy it for myself, I quickly realised how pricey it was! I haven't used Clarins in years but now I'm back and I am reminded exactly why Clarins skincare is worth the hype. They've just released a new cream – the Extra-Firming Day Cream – and I'm obsessed. It's a daily anti-ageing moisturiser that helps smooths fine lines while firming and plumping the skin. The texture is beautifully luxurious – rich but not heavy – and it glides on so well. This cream melts into the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and perfectly prepped for makeup. All essential factors I look for in a great day cream. There is a light scent but it's not at all overpowering. I have sensitive skin and usually avoid fragranced skincare but this didn't irritate me at all. I've been using this Clarins moisturiser every morning this past month and I've noticed a real difference. My skin feels smooth and hydrated, it looks firmer and radiant, and it has helped hide signs of tiredness and softened the appearance of fine lines. Even in the harsh winter wind, there has been no flakiness or dryness throughout the day. Yes, it's on the pricier side but it truly feels like luxury in a jar. Why we love it: It's a lightweight, gel-like texture that sinks effortlessly into the skin. What to consider: High price tag. Formula: Gel | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Collagen peptides Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer As a beauty writer, I've tested a lot of creams and moisturisers in my time. And when I'm looking for the right fit, I want it to not only hydrate and nourish my skin, but also make it look plump, bouncy and juicy. This new formula from Paula's Choice has been my new favourite for exactly that reason. And it's especially great in the wintertime to combat my dry, flaky skin, because it is so insanely nourishing. The gel-like texture is super lightweight, plus it doesn't pill under makeup. I also love that the formula is pink, which is always fun. My favourite thing however is just how much of a visible difference this gives to my skin. You need to try this! Why we love it: It offers a unique texture that feels super cooling and hydrating on the skin. What to consider: High price tag. Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Senior Shopping Writer I've never tried a moisturiser like this one before – and it's a real treat to apply each and every morning. As the name suggests, the High Tider Water Cream from Alpha-H is a luxe water-based formula that instantly hydrates the skin. It's formulated with Australian river mint which is super high in antioxidants. Plus the bouncy texture absorbs super quickly into the skin, leaving an almost cooling sensation that feels super lovely in those early mornings. I also love the addition of squalene, as this really helps to nourish and support your skin barrier, leaving you totally protected. I'm obsessed with this moisturiser! CeraVe Moisturising Cream Why we love it: Super budget-friendly. What to consider: Oily skin types may find this formula a little too thick. Formula: Cream | Size: 340g | Key ingredient: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid What You Need To Know If you're doing skincare on a budget, CeraVe is one of those brands you need to know about. And when it comes day creams, the brand's cult-favourite Moisturising Cream is one of our top budget-friendly picks. You're getting a whopping 340g of products for under $25 – bargain! The formula is thick, rich and ultra nourishing, so it's particularly great for those with dry and sensitive skin types. The Moisturising Cream offers 24 hours of hydrating and skin-loving ceramides to really help nourish your complexion. Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this pick their 'holy grail'. Lancôme Génifique Day Cream $184 at Myer Why we love it: This top-rated day cream is loved by hundreds. What to consider: High price tag. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml What You Need To Know Looking to add a touch of luxury to your morning skincare routine? While it's not the most affordable, the top-rated Génifique Day Cream from Lancome is a top seller for a reason. It's hydrating, nourishing and helps to soothe redness and improve dullness in your overall complexion. The luxurious day cream has racked up an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website. Five-star rating shoppers have called this an 'absolutely amazing product', offering a 'light texture' that leaves your skin 'moisturised all day long'. $137 at Adore Beauty Why we love it: The advanced formula works to improve signs of ageing, while keeping the skin smooth and protected. What to consider: High price tag. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Procyanidin and resveratrol What You Need To Know The Beauté Pacifique Crème Paradoxe Anti-Age Day Cream offers an incredibly advanced formula, rich in two active ingredients, that's perfect for all skin types. Procyanidin is an intensive antioxidant to help improve signs of ageing, while resveratrol helps to boost radiance. The Danish beauty brand have also added squalene, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin stays hydrated, from morning to night. Five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have named this a 'seriously amazing' day cream, noting they can see a 'big difference' in their skin. Why we love it: The lush creamy and hydrating texture is perfect for dry skin types. What to consider: May not be suitable for oily skin types. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Blue hyaluronic acid What You Need To Know One of Laneige's bestsellers is the Water Bank Cream and fans love it for its ability to 'add so much moisture' to the skin. 'I will never use another moisturiser again', said another five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper. The formula is packed with blue hyaluronic acid, an ingredient exclusive to Laneige, as well as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These all work harmoniously together to not only hydrate, but actually support your skin's barrier and make it look and feel so incredibly soft and bouncy. Why we love it: Super budget-friendly pick that's great for all skin types. What to consider: Not a great pick if you're looking for something more creamy and nourishing. Formula: Gel | Size: 50g | Key ingredient: Hyaluronic acid What You Need To Know Turns out you don't have to break the bank to get an incredibly hydrating day cream – you can almost always find this one from Neutrogena on sale. And it just so happens to be perfect for all skin types, especially those with oily skin. The lightweight, gel-like water formula soaks into the skin with ease, and the incredibly hydrating formula is great for daytime use. Hyaluronic acid, amino acids and electrolytes all work together to give your skin a big ol' drink of water. Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream $125 at Sephora Why we love it: This brightening day cream will save you time in the morning rush. What to consider: High price tag. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Vitamin C What You Need To Know What's better than a hydrating day cream? One with added brightening effects. Murad's Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream is great for those looking to skip a skincare step in the morning – the potent and stable vitamin C works hard to boost radiance and make your complexion look more even and clear. The formula is also packed with ceramides to really help nourish your skin barrier. Why we love it: The luxurious texture melts into the skin, leaving your skin look glowy and bouncy. What to consider: High price tag. Formula: Cream | Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Peptides What You Need To Know Ole Henriksen's Strength Trainer Moisturiser is a great daily pick for all skin types. The formula is packed with peptides, amino acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide to really help support your skin barrier. All of these skin-loving ingredients contribute to a soft, smoother and more hydrated complexion. Rave reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers have said this moisturiser helps give them 'glass skin'. And it's also my personal favourite moisturiser – you need to try this! WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A DAY CREAM When choosing day creams to include in our list, we evaluated several factors: Age: 'As skin ages, it may require more hydration and nutrients,' David said. 'Consider moisturisers with anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or retinol to address concerns like fine lines and loss of elasticity.' Price: We've included picks in a variety of price ranges, so you don't have to break the bank to find a hardworking day cream. Skin type: Depending on whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or a combination of the two, you might want to find a day cream that's more suited towards your skin type. David explains 'oily skin benefits from lightweight, oil-free formulas, while dry skin requires richer, more emollient creams.' Formula: Do you prefer a thick, creamy texture? Or maybe something more lightweight and gel-like? You may also want to consider the scent, texture and absorption rate of the day cream. I ngredients: This really depends on what you want to get out of your day cream. According to David, 'hyaluronic acid is excellent for hydration, while ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and peptides are great for those who are seeing signs of collagen depletion such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS With hundreds of creams and moisturisers available, it's impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best day cream, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best day cream for your skin type. We also spoke to David Khoo, Head Scientist at Olay, to understand the importance of incorporating a day cream into your skincare routine. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING A DAY CREAM? David explains, 'Moisturiser should be applied after cleansing your face and any toners or serums you choose to incorporate into your routine.' 'It's important to follow the principle of layering your products from thinnest to thickest. By applying moisturiser as the final step, you create a barrier that locks in hydration and nourishment from the preceding products, ensuring your skin stays healthy and radiant.' HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE APPLYING DAY CREAM? For best results, you want to stay consistent with your day cream and use it every morning. If you're using one of our top picks, the Olay Super Collagen Peptides Moisturiser, David recommends applying it both morning and night. 'Consistent use over 28 days will help you achieve the desired effects, allowing your skin to fully benefit from its nourishing properties. In general, regular moisturisation is essential for maintaining skin hydration and overall health, regardless of the specific product you choose.' Sign up to our weekly shopping newsletter to get the best deals, shopping tips and guides delivered to your inbox. Marina Tatas Senior Shopping writer Marina has been helping Aussie shoppers spend their hard-earned cash wisely for almost seven years. She's the checkout team's expert in sales and deals, covering major sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day for the past six years. Marina is also passionate about all things beauty and there's nothing she loves more than trialling and testing new beauty products - moisturisers, serums, creams, you name it. She has previously worked at comparison site Finder and has written for popular titles including Marie Claire and The Carousel.