Olive oil is commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products. The benefits of olive oil for the skin can be attributed to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties – and its anti-inflammatory properties help manage skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
You can attain its natural skincare benefits with both topical application and ingestion. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of olive oil for skin.
Benefits Of Olive Oil For The Skin And Face
Has Moisturizing Properties: Vegetable oils contain essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are of great use in the production of cosmetics. They are used as active incipients or raw materials to synthesize novel compounds. EFAs are easily integrated into the skin’s hydro-lipid film. These healthy fats nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Olive oil is a traditional treatment for wounds, sores, and infections. Various studies back the effectiveness of its topical use and the absence of side effects. Olive has long been used to accelerate wound healing. It may treat diabetic foot ulcers, atopic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, episiotomy wounds, and nipple ulcers. It improves skin and mucous tissue damage and accelerates wound healing.
Is Rich In Nutrients: Olive oil comes from the fruits of Olea europaea trees. It consists mainly of oleic acid, with smaller quantities of other fatty acids, such as linoleic and palmitic (3). Olive oil contains more than 200 chemical compounds – including sterols, carotenoids, triterpenic alcohols, and phenolic compounds.
Has Antioxidant Properties: Olive oil contains abundant hydrophilic phenols with higher antioxidant properties than vitamin E. These antioxidants exhibit anti-inflammatory properties if olive oil is included in the diet.
Has Anti-Aging Properties: Olive oil may regulate skin aging with its antioxidant and stabilizing action on the cellular membranes. According to a study, extra virgin olive oil applied to the skin delayed the onset of skin cancer when exposed to UVB radiation.
May Soothe Skin Conditions: Olive oil may help manage a few skin conditions (2). Olives may treat inflammation caused by diapers in children. The squalene in olive oil has antioxidant and moisturizing properties and can treat seborrheic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. However, the treatment is in conjunction with other treatment modalities and is not standalone. Thus, olive oil may be less effective in soothing inflammation.
Has Antimicrobial Properties: The hydroxytyrosol in olive oil is an excellent antimicrobial agent for treating human infections. Studies also support the antifungal properties of the oil.
May Improve Skin Health: Olive oil is good for overall skin health. It moisturizes the skin and prevents early aging. It protects the skin from UV light. The anti-aging oil also contains oleuropein, a potent scavenger of oxygen-free radicals (5). This way, it may help nourish skin and boost overall skin health.
May Treat Burns: In a randomized controlled trial, a mixture of olive oil, sesame oil, and honey was demonstrated to be a valuable treatment for burns. The combination prevented infections, accelerated tissue repair, and facilitated debridement.
How To Use Olive Oil For The Skin
- You can apply olive oil to your skin directly as a moisturizer. Massage the olive oil over the skin in small, gentle circular motions.
- You can add olive oil to your skincare products, homemade face packs, and masks.
- You can also mix olive oil with other natural ingredients like orange juice, lemon juice, green tea, pink salt, etc.
- You can use olive oil as the base with other essential oils.
How To Make An Olive Oil Face Mask
What You Need
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- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One teaspoon of honey
- 1/2 a teaspoon of orange zest (fresh)
- One egg yolk (for dry skin)
- Vitamin E capsule
Procedure
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- Mix the olive oil and honey with some freshly grated orange zest.
- Add in the vitamin E from the capsule.
- Beat the egg yolk into the mixture.
- Whisk the mixture until it is blended.
- Apply the mixture to your face and neck. You can use your fingers or a brush.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes, and wash off with warm water.
- Rinse off with cold water.
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Risks And Side Effects
- Treatment with olive oil has no potential side effects. Olive oil does not burn or traumatize the skin (1). But perform a patch test to be on the safe side. Apply olive oil to your skin and wait a few minutes. Check for adverse effects like redness, irritation, swelling, burning, or inflammation.