“The weight of olive oil is heavy, making it a breeding ground for acne,” says Dr. Gohara. In terms of its comedogenic rating (i.e. how likely an ingredient is to break you out), olive oil has a moderate risk of clogging pores—less so than coconut oil, but still more than other common skincare ingredients.
Olive Oil is a heavy oil, so it doesn't absorb easily into the skin, and it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause clogged pores and acne. It's moderately comedogenic, meaning that it is likely to clog your pores and lead to irritation or acne.
It moisturizes and fights bacteria
If you're prone to acne, using a soap made with olive oil may help decrease your acne by killing off the bacteria that causes the acne. Olive oil is also known to moisturize and hydrate your skin.
Unfortunately, research has found that olive oil may not be the best skin care option due to its high levels of oleic acid. Olive oil may break down the skin barrier, irritating sensitive skin, causing dryness, and increasing acne-causing bacteria.
Argan oil. Rich in vitamin E, carotenes, squalene, and antioxidants, argan oil is a popular choice for hydrating and nourishing skin and hair. It doesn't appear to clog pores, so it seems to be a good choice for acne-prone skin.
Myth #2: Facial oils clog pores.
Let's cut to the chase right away – facial oils will not clog your pores. Oil (or sebum) occurs naturally in your skin and your sebaceous glands are constantly working to pump it out. Acne is a result of hair follicles that become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
If you're set on trying olive oil on your skin, know that it is moderately comedogenic (i.e., has the potential to clog pores). “Olive oil is a naturally heavy oil, making it a breeding ground for bacteria that can clog pores and cause acne,” says Dr. Gohara.
Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that protect the skin from sun damage, dust, and pollutants. Applying and leaving olive oil overnight for skin treatment gives the skin ample rest and healing time. Since it makes the skin elastic and firm, it prevents early signs of aging and wrinkles.
We say yes! Extra-virgin olive oil and olive oil can be applied to your skin to moisturize and cleanse regardless of skin type. It contains vitamin E, anti-oxidants, and compounds such as squalene and oleocanthal which may prevent aging and repair skin damage. Olive oil is non-toxic, anti-microbial, and hypoallergenic.
The vitamins and minerals in olive oil help skin cells regenerate. To help scars lighten and fade, massage olive oil into the scar for about five minutes, and leave it on for about 10 minutes before gently wiping it off.
No, applying olive oil instead of creams does not darken the skin. Contrary to the statement, olive oil has proven benefits in lightening the skin complexion, blemishes, and other skin discoloration.
Small amounts of extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or solid shortening may be applied to your vulva and vagina as often as needed to protect and moisturize the skin. It also helps to decrease skin irritation during your period, and when you urinate.
"It has a local or topical anti-inflammatory action on the skin." As an anti-inflammatory agent, olive oil can be absorbed through the skin and into the body, which is not a bad thing. "When you go for a massage, for example, you are probably absorbing some of that oil through your system," said Brammer.
The monounsaturated fats in olive oil offer several health benefits. However, excess consumption of olive oil may cause several side effects. It may cause acne, allergies, skin rashes, blackheads, and saturated- and trans-fat-related diseases. It may also cause diarrhea and inflammation in some people.
"While olive oil generally has high safety and low comedogenic ratings, for people with very sensitive, dry or eczema-prone skin, olive oil can incur further damage to the skin barrier," she says. Trying to treat dryness in sensitive skin with olive oil is a flat-out no-go, according to Zhao.
Olive oil may also help your skin look younger. Animal and lab studies suggest it has strong anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and may protect it from sun damage (5). Additionally, nearly 73% of olive oil consists of monounsaturated fat, which is associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness (6).
Olive oil is also not recommended for those who have very oily skin or eczema, as it may cause further damage to the skin according to studies [3]. That is because it is a heavy oil and may lead to clogged pores and acne [4].
Comedogenic oils and products made with them may clog your pores, causing the eruption of comedones. Noncomedogenic oils don't have this effect. Some noncomedogenic oils have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also contain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, such as lineolic acid.
Products that clog pores are known as comedogenic; and, you guessed it, facial oils fit the description. "Many [topical] oils have the potential to clog pores and cause breakouts," says Dr. Love. "So, using oils on acne-prone skin is akin to adding gas to a fire."
Several oils are high in “oleic” fatty acids, which are believed to cause more clogged pores than those high in “linoleic” fatty acids. Since oily skin is believed to be low in linoleic fatty acids, oils with more of these typically work well, while those with more “oleic” acid may cause more issues.
The reason they can clear up on their own—if they do at all—is because of your skin's natural renewal cycle. Given your body is constantly creating and sloughing off skin cells, it makes sense that some of that debris will expel on its own.
Olive oil is the most trusted and safe oil for our skin as its properties are the closest to our skin's natural oil. Olive oil not only provides glow to our skin, but also nourishes the skin and helps fight multiple skin issues like blackheads, scars, dryness, and itching, etc.