Benefits of olive oil for the skin: extracted from olive seeds, olive oil has been part of traditional Indian medicine for long. While it is known for its culinary uses, it is also widely used in skincare routines. Rich in vitamins, and minerals, it does more than nourishing your skin deeply. Be it hydration, anti-ageing or a glow booster, there are many advantages of using olive oil for skin. If you want healthier skin, try to include this popular kitchen ingredient in your beauty routine.
Benefits of olive oil for the skin and face
Some of the potential benefits of olive oil for the skin include:
1. Antioxidant content
Olive oil may help prevent premature signs of aging on the skin.
Olive oil acts as an antioxidant, which is a substance that prevents oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can produce free radicals, which are chemicals that can potentially damage cells and may contribute to cancer development.
When applied to the skin, antioxidants may prevent premature aging. Also, some research suggests that putting olive oil on the skin after sun exposure may fight off cancer-causing cells.
In the study, scientists applied the oil to the skin of mice that had been exposed to potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Tumor growth was significantly lower in the mice that had olive oil on their skin compared with those who did not.
Scientists need to carry out more research in this area to understand the effects of olive oil’s antioxidant properties on human skin.
2. Vitamin content
Benefits of olive oil for the skin, Olive oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Some of these vitamins may be beneficial for the skin.
For example, people have used vitamin E oil topically throughout history to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
3. Antibacterial effects
Olive oil has been shownTrusted Source to have antibacterial properties. However, there are very few studies on olive oil’s ability to control bacteria on the skin.
One small studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of using olive oil and coconut oil on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin. The results found that both oils exhibited antibacterial properties, but virgin coconut oil was more effective at eliminating the bacteria.
Nonetheless, olive oil may sometimes be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin. It may also improve healingTrusted Source in people with foot ulcers caused by type 2 diabetes.
4. Moisturises skin
One of the olive oil for skin benefits is that it can help to moisturise your skin. It works as a sealant by forming a modest, protective barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss and combats dryness. This barrier effect helps the skin retain its natural moisture, keeping it supple and healthy, as found in a study published in the journal Nutrients. The inclusion of squalene, a natural component of human sebum, enhances its moisturising properties by replicating the skin’s oils for maximum absorption. Plus, the use of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, works in combination with squalene to nourish and revitalise, improving overall hydration and boosting skin suppleness.
5. Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Benefits of olive oil for the skin, The oil’s significant antioxidant profile protects against the harmful effects of free radicals, unstable substances that speed up skin ageing. These free radicals, which are commonly caused by environmental aggressors such as sun exposure and pollution, degrade collagen and elastin, resulting in obvious symptoms of premature ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines, as per a study published in the journal Medicina.
The oil contributes to the structural integrity and young look of the skin by neutralising these toxic chemicals. Its high concentration of polyphenols, vitamin E, and other antioxidants fights oxidative stress, thereby reducing the ageing process. Thus, using olive oil for skin may help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
A study published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design suggests that olive oil may have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a possible source of treatment for people suffering from illnesses such as eczema and psoriasis, where skin inflammation is a major issue. Using olive oil for skin can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation by calming the skin’s irritant-induced reaction.
This soothing effect is due to the presence of chemicals such as oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties comparable to many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. These chemicals assist in controlling the body’s inflammatory pathways, lowering the severity of the inflammatory cascade.
7. Gives glowing skin
Using olive oil for skin can contribute to a healthy glow and radiant appearance due to its nourishing properties. “Primarily, its emollient characteristics significantly moisturise the skin, forming a barrier that retains water and prevents dryness, resulting in a supple, luminous complexion,” says Ayurveda expert Dr Chanchal Sharma. Additionally, olive oil’s high antioxidant content, which includes polyphenols and vitamin E, protects against free radical damage, which can dull skin and promote ageing. It improves skin elasticity and freshness by neutralising these damaging chemicals. Plus, its anti-inflammatory effects help calm sensitive skin, lowering redness and encouraging an even skin tone.
How to use olive oil on the skin
Olive oil is an ingredient in many personal care products, including face wash, body wash, soap, and lotions. Other ways to use olive oil on the skin include:
1.Moisturizer and after-sun treatment
Some people use olive oil as a moisturizing lotion by applying it directly to the skin before blotting off excess oil. Alternatively, the oil can be applied to damp skin to prevent a greasy feeling.
Benefits of olive oil for the skin, Based on the study of its antioxidant effects on mice, olive oil may be especially beneficial when applied following sun exposure.
2.Exfoliator
To exfoliate the face and body and treat areas of dry or scaly skin, a person can mix olive oil and sea salt to make a scrub.
People should use fine-grained salt on the face and other sensitive areas, and coarser grains on the rest of the body.
3.Eye-makeup remover
Olive oil breaks down any water-resistant substances in eye makeup, allowing them to be wiped away more easily.
To remove eye makeup, just add a few drops of olive oil to a cotton ball and gently wipe the eye area.
4.Face mask
People with dry skin may see benefits from using an olive oil-based face mask. Olive oil mixed with ingredients such as egg white, honey, or ground oats can soften and hydrate the face.
5.Wrinkle treatment
Due to its antioxidant content, olive oil may reduce aging skin and wrinkles. The oil can be dabbed around the eye area at night or following sun exposure.
6.Scar oil
Benefits of olive oil for the skin, 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.
Olive oil may also be used to prevent or treat stretch marks, although studiesTrusted Source on its effectiveness have found mixed results.
Important considerations:
Always do a patch test before applying any DIY mask to your entire face.
Use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
If you have sensitive skin, be cautious when using acidic ingredients like lemon juice.
If you have very oily skin, using olive oil may cause breakouts.
Also, always consult your doctor before including these home remedies in your skincare routine.
