Benefits olive oil for your skin and face.
Olive oil is derived from olives and is a staple of the Mediterranean diet.
The oil has many nutritional benefits when consumed, but it is also frequently applied
to the skin and hair.
Learn more about the benefits of using olive oil on the face, and discover how to use it
for the best results.
Benefits of olive oil for your skin and face.
1.
Antioxidant content.
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.
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 shown to have antibacterial properties.
However, there are very few studies on olive oil's ability to control bacteria on the skin.
One small study 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 healing in people with foot ulcers caused by type 2 diabetes.
4.
Moisturizing effects.
Olive oil is a popular natural moisturizer that is often used to soften both skin and
hair.
However, there is very little research on its effectiveness.
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: 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.
Based on the study of its antioxidant effects on mice, olive oil may be especially beneficial
when applied following sun exposure.
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.
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.