Being Italian, Olive Oil is a part of my daily diet. I use it all the time to cook and it makes every food so delicious! But olive oil is also great for your health. Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, this oil can help to prevent diseases like cancer and heart diseases when eaten. Because of its benefits, recently skincare companies have started to add this ingredient into their products to moisturize skin, make it glow and provide antioxidant properties. But is Olive Oil really as good as touted?
Olive Oil is a good moisturizer
Olive Oil is a good moisturizer because it contains fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids which are very beneficial for dry skin: it hydrates skin, making it soft and smooth. You can use olive oil on its own, or mix a few drops with your favourite night cream to enhance its benefits. In addition, olive oil can also be used to moisturize and soften hair.
Olive Oil has antioxidant properties
In addition to being a good moisturizing agent, olive oil also has antioxidant properties. The oil is rich in rich in polyphenols, a group of substances that fights free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process.
Olive Oil cleanses skin
Olive Oil can also be used as an eye and face makeup remover. Just pour a few drops on a cotton wool and wipe away all traces of makeup. In addition, Olive Oil is one of most used types of oil for the OCM (oil cleansing method) because not only it removes makeup but thanks to its moisturizing properties, leaves skin soft without causing breakouts.
UVB protection and anti-inflammatory properties
A few animal tests show that topical application of Olive Oil can protect skin from UVB damage. However, Olive Oil protects only from some, not all, UVB rays and so should never be used as a replacement for sunscreen. In addition, Olive Oil, both when ingested and applied topically, has anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive oil side effects
Olive Oil is generally considered to be a very mild irritant. However, it was reported that it can cause contact dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin, in some people.
Is Olive Oil the best moisturizer and antioxidant ingredient?
Although Olive Oil is a powerful antioxidant and has good moisturizing properties, it is not the best ingredient out there. There are lots of other antioxidants and skin conditioning agents that works as well. Olive Oil is just one of the many, and effective, choices that are available to you.
Keep in mind though, that not all types of Olive Oil are equal. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is by far the best type of Olive Oil because it contains the highest concentration of antioxidants. Unfortunately though there is no way of knowing what type of olive oil is used in skincare products.
That’s why, as far as my skincare routine is concerned, I prefer to use the EVOO I cook with to cleanse or moisturize my skin rather than rely on a cream that includes who knows what type of this oil in small concentrations. In addition, include Olive Oil in your diet and often cook with it. It’s good for your overall health and indirectly will benefit your skin too.
Do you use Olive Oil in your skincare routine?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Just came across your blog and love it! I am obsessed with olive oil, I keep it in the shower :]
Erica, thanks, I’m glad you like my blog.
lol, you must really love olive oil. I do too, it’s healthy and moisturizing
Olive oil also has anti-fungal property. I use it to condition my scalp and deep moisturize my hair. It makes my hair soft and look luscious.
.-= Dao´s last blog ..Belly at Large: Made in China? =-.
I use it daily for everything!
Dao, thanks for sharing it has anti-fungal properties too. Isn’t this oil great? I use it on my hair too and it makes it so soft, I agree.
Danielle, that’s good. It has so many uses and benefits, hasn’t it?
Unfortunately, olive oil is hella expensive where I live.
I use a shampoo with olive oil in it that I *love*! It makes my hair so shiny ^_^
I’m kind of afraid to use it just straight up though. I mean, I feel like it will just make me more oily! After seeing all these positive comments, though, I might just try to mix in a little with my moisturizer and see what happens…
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..My Beauty Staples: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer =-.
I use olive oil every day as a makeup remover and my night moisturizer! It’s inexpensive and works like a charm.
My hubby loves cooking with olive oil.
And when we were holidaying in Greece, I applied olive oil all over my body and face before ‘sunbathing’….well, I didn’t really go under the sun, just lying on the beach under the shade;) But after showering, my skin was so soft and smooth, and had more radiance!
But on a day-to-day basis, I don’t use olive oil as part of my skincare/bodycare.
.-= Vonvon´s last blog ..Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Which Is My Truest Match Of All? =-.
All Women Stalker, what a pity!
Rebecca, I understand that you’re not comfortable using oils on you skin because you’re afraid they’ll make it more oily and in most cases that’s true. But olive oil shouldn’t give you those kind of problems. If you’re worried, try using just a very small quantity at the beginning and see how it goes. I’m sure you’ll love it.
Tammy, I agree. It’s a little and cheap gem, isn’t it?
Vonvon, that’s good that your husband cooks with olive oil. That way, you not only eat delicious food but your skin and hair will indirectly benefit from it too, even if you don’t use it regularly in your beauty routine
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