Olive oil is extracted from olives and is a significant component of the Mediterranean diet. The oil offers numerous nutritional benefits when consumed but is also applied to the hair and skin.
Learn more about the advantages of applying olive oil to the face and how to use it to get the most effective results.
Olive oil benefits for face and skin
The potential benefits of olive oil on the skin are:
Antioxidant content
Olive oil can help to prevent early signs of aging in the skin.
Olive oil acts as an antioxidant, a substance that prevents Oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can produce free radicals, chemicals that can potentially damage cells and contribute to cancer development.
If applying the oil to your skin, antioxidants help prevent premature aging. Additionally, certain studies suggest olive oil on the skin after sunlight can help fight cancer-causing cells.
In the study, researchers applied the oil to mice’s skin exposed to potentially dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Tumor growth was much less in mice wearing olive oil used to their skins than in mice that didn’t.
Scientists must conduct further research to understand better the impact of olive oil’s antioxidant qualities on human skin.
Vitamin content
Olive oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins of A, D, E, and Vitamin K. Certain vitamins benefit the skin.
For example, throughout history, people have used vitamin E oil topically to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
Antibacterial benefits
Trusted Source has proved that olive oil possesses antibacterial properties. There are, however, few studies about olive oil’s capacity to combat bacteria that reside on the skin.
One tiny study conducted by Trusted Source investigated the effects of olive oil and coconut oil on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can be found on the skin. The study found that both oils had antibacterial properties. However, coconut oil from virgin coconut proved more effective in removing the bacteria.
But olive oil could occasionally treat bacterial infections that affect the skin. It may also improve healingTrusted Source in people with foot ulcers caused by type 2 diabetes.
Moisturizing effects
OliveOlive oil can be a renowned natural moisturizer, frequently employed to soften hair and skin. But there’s limited research regarding its effectiveness.
How to apply olive oil for skin care
Olive oil is a crucial ingredient in a variety of personal care products which include facial wash, body wash soap, lotions, and soap. Other methods to apply olive oil to treat your skin include:
Moisturizers and treatments for sunburns
A few people use olive oil for moisturizing cream by rubbing it on the skin and then blotting excess fat. The oil may also be applied to damp skin to avoid a greasy feel.
According to the research on its antioxidant properties for mice, it is believed that olive oil could be particularly beneficial when applied in the aftermath of sun exposure.
ExfolOne can mix olive oil with sea salt into a scrub tutor.
To cleanse the body and face and treat dry or rough scrub.
It is recommended to use fine-grained salt on the face and other sensitive areas, while coarser grains are recommended for the body’s rest.
Eye-makeup remover
Olive oil helps break down water-resistant makeup products and allows them to be washed away much more quickly.
To wash eye makeup off, you must put a handful of olive oil onto the cotton ball, then gently wipe your eye area.
Mask for face
Dry skin types might benefit from a face mask made of olive oil. In combination with other ingredients like honey, egg whites, or ground oats, olive oil can soften and moisturize the face.
Treatment for wrinkles
Because of its antioxidants, olive oil can help slow the aging process of skin and wrinkles. It can be sprayed on the eye at night or after sun exposure.
Scar oil
The antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil could help reduce marks by assisting the skin cells in regenerating.
Massage the oil undiluted onto scars and mix it with lemon juice to treat hyperpigmentation-prone areas or areas where the skin has been darkened because of scarring.
Olive oil could also be utilized to treat or prevent stretch marks. However, studies conducted by Trusted Source on its efficacy have yielded mixed results.
Risks
Eczema in children can develop when olive oil is applied to the skin of children.
Although a few studies have proven that olive oil may benefit the skin, others suggest it’s not the ideal choice for everyone.
The potential risks associated with applying olive oil to the face are:
Skin barrier damaged
A 2013 study by Trusted Source revealed that using olive oil to treat dry skin for babies and adults shouldn’t be a reason to encourage it. Researchers have found that it can cause skin redness and damage in the layer that covers the skin for some people.
Atopic eczema in childhood
Olive oil could aid in developing eczema in children, as per research from 2016 conducted by trusted sources, especially among children with a history of the disease.
Blocked pores
It is a hefty oil that can clog pores and hold in bacteria if used excessively. Use it only sparingly and immediately clean off any excess fat with the help of a soft cloth or cotton ball.
Using low-quality oil
It is vital to use olive oil of the highest quality. Crucial. Poor-quality oils could contain chemicals or additives that could cause skin irritation or harm the skin.
Purchasing from a trusted brand and checking for accreditation by the International Olive Council is recommended.
The study found that 73 % of the top five extra-virgin olive oils imported within the United States needed to meet the standards required in olive oil.
Make sure you pick only virgin olive oils or olives instead of blends.
Takeaway
Olive oil could provide advantages for the skin, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and antibacterial properties. However, the research into the benefits of olive oil for the skin and face is minimal.
It is believed that it can cause adverse reactions in specific individuals. Therefore, those with sensitive skin should apply it in moderation and use the test patch before proceeding.
To apply this method, apply some drops of oil on your arm and observe for reactions. If no response is seen within two weeks, it’s safe to use.
Be sure to use only top-quality olive oil, which is certified.
