Olive oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and has been linked to improved skin moisturization, anti-aging effects ,and relief from sun damage. 1 Olive oil can be used on the skin on its own or as part of skincare products such as facial cleansers or lotions.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Olive oil is safe to use on the skin daily. WORKS WELL WITH: Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids. DON'T USE WITH: Generally, olive oil is safe to use with most ingredients.
"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 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.
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.
For that reason, olive oil can be used as a skin cleanser. To oil cleanse with olive oil, place a hot, damp washcloth on your face for 20 seconds to open your pores. Then, massage olive oil into your skin and let it sit for 30 seconds. Use a hot washcloth to wipe the oil away.
Olive oil is an ancient natural beauty secret that is becoming an essential component of everyday skin care, including your lips. Use extra virgin olive oil alone to condition and protect lips from drying out or becoming chapped. Just dab it on your lips whenever they feel dry; use at night for extra conditioning.
“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.
Over-consumption of olive oil can cause a massive fall in the blood pressure and may lead to problems like dizziness, lightheadedness, stroke, and even kidney failure.
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.
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. Plant-based diets have a bunch of benefits for your body.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has only very slight skin-lightening effects. It doesn't reduce melanin or increase skin cell exfoliation. However, it may help block damage and pigmentation from the sun. It may also help reduce skin redness and wrinkles.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Towel dry. Take some oil on your clean fingertips and start massaging the extra virgin olive oil all over your face for 5 – 10 minutes. Dip a cloth in warm water, squeeze it and spread it over your face.
Unlike regular moisturizers, olive oil does not clog the pores and reduces the chances of pimple and acne breakouts. You can take a few drops of the expired olive oil on your palms and massage it onto your skin directly before taking a bath.
In a study published in the journal Dermatitis, researchers found coconut oil was better than olive oil at moisturizing skin when used in a carrier. Remember to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.
Hydrates under-eye area
Since it is packed with antioxidants, olive oil can be used on the under-eye area for extra hydration. The skin on the under eyes are quite soft and need to be tended with more moisture.
Olive oil is most beneficial for dry, thick hair. Advocates say it can keep hair moist and strong. Olive oil tends to weigh down thinner hair. Oily hair and scalps simply don't need the conditioning.
Olive oil does contain proteins, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents that might contribute to healthy hair. Over time, treating your hair with olive oil may work to strengthen your hair follicle, increasing the life span of each hair and making it seem like your hair is growing more quickly.
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.
Coconut oil is a fat extracted from raw coconuts or dried coconut flakes. Therefore, its emollient properties may make it beneficial for certain skin types, such as dry or normal-to-dry skin, when used as an overnight moisturizer. Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect 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.
Scar oil. The vitamins and other antioxidants in olive oil may fade scars by helping skin cells to regenerate. Simply massage the undiluted oil into scars or mix it with a squeeze of lemon juice to treat areas of hyperpigmentation, where the skin has darkened due to scarring.
Applying olive oil to the skin won't heal acne scars, won't fade dark marks, and won't prevent acne scarring.