Olive Oil for Skin – Uses & Benefits

In this article, we will discuss about the uses of Olive oil for skin. For many centuries, olive oil has been an important part of the Mediterranean food. Olive trees are mostly found in the Mediterranean area. But due to the popularity of olive oil’s health benefits, it is soaring all around the world. Olive oil is a rich source of many polyphenols such as simple phenols, flavones, terpenes, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins, flavonoid glycosides, hydroxybenzoic acids and lignans. These polyphenols acts as both anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants in the body.

Olive oil is unique in terms of its fat composition. This oil is mainly consist of oleic acid which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat. Olive oil also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E and Vitamin K as well. Also, olive oil is naturally cholesterol and gluten free. The benefits and uses of olive oil for health and beauty are plenty. Plus, you can use this excellent oil, both internally and externally. Here are some of the benefits and uses of olive oil for skin.

Benefits and Uses of Olive Oil for Skin

Contents

1.) Olive Oil Helps Moisturize Skin Naturally

As said above, olive oil is known to have a fine amount of Vitamin E. Vitamin E in olive oil works as an antioxidant which helps protect the skin from different external factors. It has also been noticed that olive oil can be used as a daily moisturizer, especially if you have a dry skin.

What You Need To Do

  • After you have taken a shower, pat and leave your skin a little damp.
  • Take an adequate amount of olive oil and massage it onto your face.
  • Wait for about 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water thoroughly.
  • For dry skin, apply this oil daily on your face before going to sleep.
  • Leave it on overnight.
  • Next morning, wash it off with lukewarm water.
  • Continue this process daily for a few weeks.

2.) Olive Oil Improve Skin Health

As you know olive oil contains Vitamin E, this nutrient enhance skin health by reducing inflammation, acne, and also protecting the skin from serious skin ailments such as psoriasis and skin cancer. When applied with honey and yogurt mixture, it becomes more effective. As honey works as a fine humectant and yogurt as a mild exfoliant, thus improving skin health.

What You Need To Do

  • Take 1/3 cup of yogurt, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tsp of olive oil.
  • Mix them all thoroughly to make a thick paste.
  • Apply this thick solution on your face evenly.
  • Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, clean it off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat this remedy once a week for several weeks.

3.) Olive Oil for Skin as a Make Up Remover

Olive oil can also be used as make up remover. It has cleansing properties which makes it suitable to remove make up from your skin safely and effectively.

What You Need To Do

  • Take 2 tbsp of olive oil in a small bowl.
  • Soak a couple of cotton balls in the olive oil filled bowl.
  • Rub a soaked cotton ball over your face to remove makeup. Be gentle.
  • Also, you can even moisten a cotton pad with olive oil and use it to get rid of makeup on your eyes.
  • Plus, the oil softens the skin around your eyes.

4.) Olive Oil for Skin has Anti Aging Properties

Olive oil for skin is an excellent remedy when its about moisturization of skin. This can help to improve skin health and acts as a great anti-aging ingredient. It has fine rejuvenating qualities which helps restore the damaged skin and energizes the skin.

What You Need To Do

  • Mix 2 tbsp of olive oil with 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt in it.
  • Firstly, massage your face with a small amount of olive oil.
  • Then, rub the prepared mixture on the affected area.
  • Wait for a few minutes before washing It off.
  • Lemon juice helps give a refreshing feeling.

5.) Olive Oil for a Bath

Olive oil can also be used for bathing. It is an excellent way for getting the added benefits of olive oil along with  your bath.

What You Need To Do

  • Take 5 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and add it into your bathtub.
  • Soak yourself in this solution for 15-20 minutes.
  • This bath will make your skin soft and very smooth.
  • Alternatively, apply some extra virgin olive oil on your body and face and massage it well.
  • After massaging for a few minutes soak yourself into the bathtub.
  • After the bath, dry your skin and wipe away the remaining oil.
  • It will make your skin amazingly soft and smooth, just like a baby skin.

6.) Olive Oil for Skin as a Body Lotion

Olive oil can also be an ideal body lotion to use. Simply apply olive oil all over your body right after you have taken a bath. After applying olive oil as a normal body lotion, your skin will feel extremely soft and smooth to touch. This simple beauty secret is a quick and simple way to make your skin look and feel  healthy and feel soft to touch.

7.) Olive Oil for Skin as Homemade Face Masks

Another excellent use of olive oil is to make a self made face masks. It is quite easy to make and is also safe, inexpensive and effective way for a healthy skin.

What You Need To Do

  • Take 1 egg yolk and mix with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Apply this mixture on your washed face.
  • Wait for 5 -10 minutes before rinsing it off.
  • First rinse it with warm water and then with cold water to tighten pores.
  • You can use this olive oil homemade face mask for normal or dry skin types.
  • It will help nourish and soften the skin, giving a wonderful glow.
  • Plus, You can even add 1 tsp of lemon juice to the mixture.
  • Adding lemon to it will help whiten and brighten your skin. This is due to the bleaching properties. It is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.

8.) Olive Oil in Food

Olive oil not only provide benefits externally, but it is also beneficial internally. So, include olive oil in your daily salads. Olive oil helps enhance your skin, hair and nails, and also help nourish body from within. Remember that beauty starts from within.

9.) Olive Oil as an Eye Cream

Yes, olive oil also works as an excellent eye cream. This oil helps nourish the soft and delicate skin around your eyes and treat fine lines.

What You Need To Do

  • Take a cotton ball and soak it in olive oil.
  • Dab with the soaked cotton ball under your eyes before going to sleep. You can also use it in the morning.
  • Enjoy this refreshing, Vitamin filled beauty treatment.

10.) Things to Consider Before Using Olive Oil for Skin

  • To get the various health benefits of olive oil, always use extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Consume olive oil in moderation.
  • Keep the oil in an airtight container. Keep it away from light and heat.
  • Use it within 2 months after opening.

Some Important Tips For Using Olive Oil

There are several things you need to keep in mind when using olive oil. It includes:

  • Avoid too much consumption of it.
  • Do not apply the oil to cuts or wounds without prior consultation.
  • Keep the oil in a dry and cool place, and away from air, heat and sunlight.
  • Limit the dosage of oil while using for pregnant or lactating women.
  • Avoid heating the olive oil for too long (not over 20 to 30 seconds), as this oil burns easily, making it lose many of its beneficial properties.

How To Select and Store Olive Oil

Selection

Below are the things you need to keep in mind when selecting the right type of olive oil.

  • Always verify if it is extra virgin olive oil or not. Look for the term ‘extra virgin’ on the bottle.
  • See where the oil is from. If you find a lot many countries mentioned on the backside label of the bottle, it means the oil has traveled a long way before reaching the store. It means there is a high possibility that the oil is degraded.
  • Check for the harvest date. It is necessary to note that olive oil is not like wine. It won’t get better with age. The oil can be best for about 2 years if stored in favorable conditions (inside a dark storeroom at room temperature). If you don’t find a harvest date listed anywhere, it’s better not to buy it.
  • Make sure you smell it and taste the oil. Of course, you won’t be able to do that at the store. But remember to smell the oil and taste a little of it once you have brought it home. If you find any off-odors – that of old peanut butter, sweaty socks, or wax – return the oil to the store saying it is stale.
  • Prefer domestic oil. Although, high-quality olive oil is manufactured all over the world. But according to studies, olive oils made in the domestic country is far better than the export one.

Storage

  • Prefer a dark and cool place to store the oil.
  • Make sure the oil is away from air, heat, and light.
  • Keep the oil in a dark or opaque glass bottle, or a stainless steel bottle.
  • Make sure the lid of the bottle is closed tightly after use.