by Did you know that the olive oil sitting in your kitchen pantry could be your skin’s new best friend?
That’s right, this tasty cooking staple isn’t just great for whipping up a delicious pasta dish or salad dressing – it turns out, that olive oil has some pretty amazing benefits for your skin too!
The Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil for Healthier, More Radiant Skin
In this article, we’ll dive into all the details of how olive oil can help moisturize, protect, and rejuvenate your skin.
First Off, What Exactly Is in Olive Oil?
Before we get into how olive oil can benefit your skin, let’s talk about what’s actually in this liquid gold.
Olive oil is packed full of skin-loving nutrients, including:
- Healthy monounsaturated fats
- Antioxidants like vitamins A and E
- Squalene, a lipid that helps keep skin moisturized
All of these components work together to nourish and protect your skin when applied topically. Pretty amazing, right? But it gets even better.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific benefits olive oil can have for your skin.
Top 4 Skin Benefits of Olive Oil:
- Moisturizes dry, flaky skin One of the top benefits of olive oil is its incredible moisturizing properties. If you struggle with dry, flaky, or cracked skin, incorporating olive oil into your skincare routine could be a game-changer. The healthy fats and squalene in olive oil help to lock moisture into your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and hydrated.
- Helps reduce signs of aging We’d all love to find that magical fountain of youth, but until then, using olive oil on your skin may be the next best thing. The antioxidants in olive oil, like vitamins A and E, help to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage that can contribute to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Plus, olive oil may help boost your skin’s collagen production for a more youthful, plump complexion.
- Cleanses skin and removes makeup Believe it or not, olive oil can be used to cleanse your skin and remove stubborn, waterproof makeup! The principle of “like dissolves like” means the oil in olive oil attracts and dissolves excess oil and oily makeup residue on your skin. This leaves your skin clean and refreshed without stripping it of its natural oils.
- Soothes irritation and promotes wound healing If you have sensitive skin that’s easily irritated, olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may be able to help soothe and calm your skin. Olive oil also has antimicrobial properties that can aid in wound healing, making it a great natural remedy for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and even chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.
Potential Side Effects and Cautions:
While olive oil has some amazing skin benefits, it’s important to be aware of a few potential side effects and cautions:
- Applying too much olive oil or not wiping away the excess could clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin
- Some preliminary research suggests olive oil may disrupt the skin barrier, so it’s best to use caution if you have sensitive skin
- Olive oil is not recommended for use on infant skin as it may interfere with the skin’s natural barrier development
As with any new skincare product, it’s always a good idea to do a small patch test first to make sure your skin can tolerate olive oil with no irritation or reaction.
Simple Ways to Use Olive Oil in Your Skincare Routine:
Now that you know about olive oil’s incredible skin benefits, you’re probably wondering how to start using it! Here are a few simple ways to incorporate olive oil into your skincare regimen:
- Use it as a facial/body moisturizer: After cleansing your skin, apply a small amount of olive oil while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Use a clean towel to gently wipe away any excess oil. You can use olive oil as a daily moisturizer or whenever your skin is feeling extra dry.
- Make a DIY makeup remover: Gently massage a small amount of olive oil onto your face for a minute or two, then wipe it away with a soft, damp cloth to remove makeup and cleanse your skin. Follow with your regular cleanser for a deeper clean.
- Use it as a shaving cream: Out of shaving cream? No problem – olive oil works great to lubricate and moisturize your skin before shaving. Just apply a thin layer to the area, shave as usual, then rinse the blade and your skin with warm water. Your legs will feel silky smooth!
- Look for skincare products with olive oil: If DIY isn’t your thing, keep an eye out for facial cleansers, soaps, lotions, and creams that contain olive oil. That way you can enjoy its skin benefits without the mess.
| Usage | Directions |
|---|---|
| Moisturizer | Apply a small amount to damp skin, and wipe off excess |
| Makeup Remover | Massage onto skin, wipe off, follow with cleanser |
| Shaving Cream | Apply a thin layer, shave, rinse with warm water |
| Skincare Products | Look for olive oil in ingredient lists |
Olive Oil for Skin FAQs:
- Can I use regular cooking olive oil on my skin or do I need a special kind?
A: You can use regular extra virgin olive oil for skin care, just make sure it’s high quality without any additives. Avoid using refined or light olive oils.
- How often should I use olive oil on my skin?
A: This depends on your skin type and concerns. For dry skin, you may want to use it daily. For oily or acne-prone skin, start with 1-2 times per week and see how your skin responds. Always wipe away excess oil to avoid clogged pores.
- Can olive oil help fade scars or dark spots?
A: While olive oil is great for moisturizing and reducing signs of aging, there’s not much evidence that it can significantly fade scars or hyperpigmentation. For stubborn marks, it’s best to see a dermatologist for professional treatments.
- Does olive oil provide any sun protection?
A: Olive oil may have minor natural SPF properties, but not enough to adequately protect skin from sun damage. Always use olive oil in conjunction with a separate broad spectrum sunscreen if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
- How long does it take to see results from using olive oil on the skin?
A: This varies from person to person, but most people start to notice softer, more moisturized skin within a few days of using olive oil consistently. Anti-aging benefits may take a few weeks to become noticeable. Be patient and stick with it!
The Bottom Line on Olive Oil for Skin:
And there you have it – who knew that little bottle of EVOO could be such a skincare superhero?
As we’ve learned, olive oil is chock full of nourishing ingredients that can help moisturize dry skin, reduce signs of aging, remove stubborn makeup, and even aid in wound healing and soothing irritation.
While it may not be ideal for every single skin type, most people can reap olive oil’s skin benefits when used correctly and in moderation.
The key is to always wipe away excess oil to prevent clogged pores and breakouts, and use caution if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
At the end of the day, there’s no need to spend a fortune on fancy skin care products that are loaded with chemicals and fragrances.
Sometimes, the most effective and natural solutions are already right there in your own home. So go ahead, raid your pantry, and start nourishing your skin with liquid gold – aka, olive oil! Your beautiful, glowing complexion will thank you.
Sources:
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12520
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/8/3/89
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waill-Elkhateeb-2/publication/364727112_Current_Awareness_and_Knowledge_of_Olive_Oil/links/635a43eed9c86d0eacddd532/Current-Awareness-and-Knowledge-of-Olive-Oil.pdf
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2021/9927976/
- https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40200-015-0167-9
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iwj.13191
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x
- https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/abstract/10.2340/00015555-2279
