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Improve your skincare using one the most tried and true remedies: olive oil
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Olive oil has been used as a beauty product for centuries and is almost certainly one of the earliest beauty products, having been used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The ancients didn’t know why olive oil kept skin so smooth, supple, and clear, but scientists have since discovered some of its properties. In particular, olive oil contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which help protect your skin. [1] X Research source Through the years, people have found many ways to use olive oil as part of a facial care regimen.
Steps
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Choose the right oil. The are a number of different varieties of olive oil for sale at many supermarkets, and they are labeled with a variety of names, such as light, pure, virgin and extra virgin. These varieties differ in three ways: the process by which the oil was extracted, what was added to the oil before bottling, and the level of free oleic acid in the final product. [2] X Research source For skin care, choose extra virgin olive oil.
- While refined olive oil may seem preferable because it is odorless, only unrefined olive oil such as the extra virgin variety contains the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that make it good for your skin. [3] X Research source
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Verify that you’re buying the real thing. Studies have shown that up to 70 percent of supposedly pure olive oil is adulterated with lower quality oils such as sunflower or canola oil. [4] X Research source
- To make sure you’re getting olive oil that really is what it says it is on the label, make sure your brand has been certified by the International Olive Council.
- In the U.S., the North American Olive Oil Association has established a seal of approval to indicate the quality of the olive oil you’re buying. [5] X Research source
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Store olive oil in a cool, dark place. Both heat and light cause oxidation, which can break down the beneficial components in the oil. [6] X Research source- Oxidation happens over time. Rancidity primarily affects the taste of the oil, but it will also degrade the quality of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the oil. [7] X Research source
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Use the oil cleansing method. While it may seem counterintuitive, olive oil is a great way to clean your skin. This is because, as the teacher said in chemistry class, “like dissolves like.” So the olive oil will dissolve surface dirt and oil more effectively than most store-bought facial cleansers, which are water-based. [8] X Research source
- Olive oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores, so it can be used safely by people with all skin types. [9] X Research source
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Remove makeup. Olive oil can be used to remove makeup on its own [10] X Research source , or you can add a little lemon juice to help prevent breakouts at the same time.
- Lemon juice helps treat acne because it is a disinfectant, which can destroy the bacteria that cause breakouts.
- Olive oil can also be mixed with aloe vera water to provide extra hydration and to soothe irritated skin while removing makeup. [11] X Research source
- Because it is less abrasive than chemically based makeup removers, olive oil is the preferred makeup remover for people with sensitive skin or who are allergic to ingredients in store-bought removers. [12] X Research source
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Exfoliate. Mix olive oil with sea salt or sugar to create a natural exfoliant. [13] X Research source Mix about a tablespoon of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of salt or sugar, apply to your face, and then rinse with warm water. [14] X Research source
- Sugar is less abrasive than salt, so use sugar if you have sensitive skin. Brown sugar is even softer than white granulated sugar, so it is best for really sensitive skin. [15] X Research source
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Treat acne. Olive oil has several properties that make it an effective treatment for acne.
- Olive oil is also a natural antibacterial, so it can prevent bacteria from exacerbating your acne. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the swelling and redness that accompanies acne. [17] X Research source
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Moisturize. Olive oil is a more effective moisturizer than many commercial products, which tend to be water-based.
- You can massage olive oil into the skin by itself, or you can combine it with other substances. For example, you can add a fragrance by mixing in lavender oil, rose water, or lemon verbena. [18] X Research source
- Olive oil can even be used to soothe more serious skin conditions such as eczema. [19] X Research source
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Create a mask. Olive oil can be combined with a number of other natural products to create a face mask. The effect of the mask will vary based on the other ingredients.
- For dry skin, mix a half a tablespoon of olive oil with an egg yolk and a tablespoon of flour. If the paste is too viscous to spread, add more oil. Spread over your face and leave on for 20 minutes to moisturize. [20] X Research source
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Reduce wrinkles. Olive oil can enhance your skin’s elasticity, which reduces wrinkles. [21] X Research source
- Dab the skin around your eyes with olive oil before bed or first thing in the morning. If you keep the oil in the refrigerator, it will be thicker and feel more like a cream. [22] X Research source
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Help scars fade. The vitamins and minerals in olive oil help skin cells regenerate. [23] X Research source
- To help scars lighten and fade, massage olive oil into the scar for about five minutes, and leave it on for about 10 minutes before gently wiping it off. [24] X Research source
- Adding a little lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide can help as well, especially with hyperpigmented scars. Just avoid the sun after application, lemon juice can turn skin red when exposed to sunlight.
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References
- ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/health/five-things-olive-oil/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-olive-oil-and-extra-virgin-olive-oil-word-of-mouth-218767
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-olive-oil-and-extra-virgin-olive-oil-word-of-mouth-218767
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2014/01/27/can-the-eu-beat-olive-oil-scamming/
- ↑ http://www.naooa.org/sealprogram
- ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/health/five-things-olive-oil/
- ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/definition/olive-oil-storage-and-rancidity
- ↑ http://www.self.com/flash/beauty-blog/2012/02/can-you-wash-your-face-with-ol/
- ↑ http://www.self.com/flash/beauty-blog/2012/02/can-you-wash-your-face-with-ol/
- ↑ http://www.beautyandtips.com/beautyoils/8-ways-to-use-olive-oil-for-beauty/
- ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-makeup-remover/
- ↑ http://womanitely.com/great-uses-olive-oil/
- ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/tips/a25735/beauty-uses-olive-oil/
- ↑ http://www.oliveoilsource.com/article/summer-skin-care-tips-olive-oil
- ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17536679
- ↑ http://www.newhealthguide.org/Olive-Oil-For-Acne.html
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/cure-eczema-winter-skin-soothers
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/cure-eczema-winter-skin-soothers
- ↑ http://www.healthcare-online.org/Olive-Oil-On-Face.html
- ↑ http://www.healthcare-online.org/Olive-Oil-On-Face.html
- ↑ http://www.beautyandtips.com/beautyoils/8-ways-to-use-olive-oil-for-beauty/
- ↑ http://www.healthcare-online.org/Olive-Oil-On-Face.html
- ↑ http://www.newhealthguide.org/How-To-Get-Rid-Of-Scars.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you want to use olive oil as part of your skin care regimen, choose an extra virgin olive oil that has been certified by the International Olive Council or North American Olive Oil Association. Use the oil by rubbing some on your face with a cotton ball or your hands to act as a cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and oils. Similarly, make a natural exfoliant by mixing a tablespoon of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of salt or sugar. When you use olive oil on your face, be sure to rinse it off with warm water afterward. Keep reading for tips from our naturopathic reviewer on moisturizing your skin with olive oil!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My skin was very dry, thought it was because of age. I soon started to use olive oil all over my body, face as well, and was surprised to see the difference. The black marks and pimples on my face soon disappeared and my skin started to glow." ..." more
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"My skin was very dry, thought it was because of age. I soon started to use olive oil all over my body, face as well, and was surprised to see the difference. The black marks and pimples on my face soon disappeared and my skin started to glow."
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"I recently heard from my friends that I can use extra virgin olive oil but I didn't know how to use it. This article helped me in knowing the most effective ways of using olive oil in general."
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"A very cheap and easy way to treat and prevent wrinkles. Works better than department store beauty products. Natural antioxidants and vitamins not found in jars."
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"Didn't know I could exfoliate with olive oil. I use it sometimes on my body. Now I know I can use it around my eyes also. Very informative, thanks."
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"I love putting olive oil on my skin. It does wonders, especially on my face and lips. So glad I came across this."
