Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits For Your *Skin*
Olive oil is often used for cooking, but it can also impart benefits when you apply it to your skin. Olive oil has been used as a beauty product since ancient times and is still popular today.
It can be found in many commercial products, including soaps, lotions, and shampoos, but it is also effective when used as a pure product on its own.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Benefits for Skin
Extra virgin olive oil benefits for skin include the following:
- Moisturizing dry skin
- Soothing irritated or sunburned skin
- Removing makeup from your face and eyes without irritating the delicate tissues around them
- Preventing stretch marks during pregnancy by massaging it into your abdominal area daily from weeks 12 to 18 of the gestation period
- Reducing the appearance of wrinkles by applying it after bathing with a hot towel over your face followed by gentle patting
- Removing blackheads by applying it on your nose for 15 minutes, followed by rinsing with warm water
- Softening cuticles and nails
- Olive oil is also effective when used as a treatment on its own to prevent fungal infections that cause athlete's foot, ringworm, or jock itch
The benefits of olive oil are endless, but one you may not have considered is the power it has to protect your skin. Read on for more information about how to apply olive oil to your face for its many benefits.
Olive oil applied topically can help with dryness, itchiness, and other skin problems. It can also reduce inflammation when used as a massage tool or an ingredient in a bath soak.
And because it's so lightweight and non-greasy, it doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts like some other oils do!
How To Apply Olive Oil To Your Face
Use this superfood today by following these simple instructions:
1) Wash your hands thoroughly before starting
2) Put about two tablespoons of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in your palm
3) Rub your hands together to warm the oil and activate its moisturizing properties
4) Dip your fingertips into the cup of hot water
5) Place both palms on either side of your face, fingers pointing up towards your ears
6) Push upward to lift skin while moving down the sides of your face
7) Gently press knuckles into forehead and chin
8) Repeat on the other side of your face
9) Use fingers to press on the back of your neck, taking care not to get too close to the hairline
10) Finish by dipping fingertips in a bowl of cold water
11) Pat skin dry with a soft towel
12) Apply moisturizer if necessary
The benefits last for about twenty-four hours. You may need to reapply after washing or if your skin dries out.
Olive Oil Contains Beneficial Antioxidants
Olive oil contains antioxidants that are said to reduce the effects of aging on the skin. It has a natural SPF rating of about 3 which helps protect against harmful UV rays that cause sunburns and premature wrinkling.
Olive oil is also an excellent moisturizer
Olive oil is a great skin moisturizer because it can penetrate the skin and provide healing to damaged cells.
Olive oil is especially effective for those with dry, sensitive, or prematurely aged skin. It's important to note that olive oil does not clog pores as commercial moisturizers do so it's safe for acne-prone people too!
Finally, unlike many commercial lotions and creams which use petroleum-based ingredients (which are known carcinogens), olive oils contain natural vitamins E and A which protect your skin from free radicals generated by pollution, cigarette smoke, and chemicals in beauty products.
The fatty acid content in olive oil fights acne breakouts
The fatty acid content in olive oils may even help prevent acne breakouts by regulating sebum production (sebum is an oily substance produced by glands at the base of hair follicles).
Olive oil also helps against dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
Lastly, many people say they find relief from muscle aches and pains by applying olive oil directly to their skin before going to bed.
Read our Olive Oil FAQ.
Benefits Of Olive Oil Massage
There are numerous benefits to olive oil massage. First and foremost, olive oil is a natural moisturizer. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevents it from becoming dry and cracked.
Olive oil is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and swelling. It can also help to improve the complexion of the skin and make it look radiant and healthy.
Additionally, olive oil massage can help to improve circulation and reduce stress levels.
Most people find olive oil therapeutic massage relaxing. Many studies show that massages reduce stress levels, improve sleep habits and increase energy. It also leads to better immunity by increasing the body's white blood cell count.
Massages can also help in improving the lymphatic system in your body. The lymphatic system plays a key role in the process of detoxification and is known to reduce fatigue.
In addition, massage stimulates the release of endorphins which may make you feel happier too!
Here is the best olive oil to cook with.