The Pros And Cons Of Using Olive Oil For Body And Face

Like a well kept ancient Mediterranean secret, olive oil has stood the test of time not just as a culinary miracle but also as a medicinal and cosmetic wonder. It is fast becoming one of the world’s favorite natural oils. Made from crushing olives and extracting the fat, olive oil comes in grades, ranging from the purest form and highest grade - extra virgin olive oil, followed by virgin olive oil and then refined olive oil. It is categorized by the means of extraction which translates its purity, each grade comes with its own benefits and inconveniences but our focus will be on extra virgin olive oil as it is the closest to its original form.

Olive oil is readily available in most supermarkets and convenience stores at affordable prices. It has proven to be very effective in solving skin, hair and lots of problems affecting the whole body. But like any other substance, olive oil has its pros and cons.

•  It has Vitamin A, an antioxidant that improves skin elasticity and regenerates skin cells.
• A compound known as phenols, found in olive oil reduces skin inflammation and helps scars heal faster.
• Olive oil contains squalene a natural substance that helps in the production of sebum in the skin.
• After using olive oil for some time collagen production increases and it reduces wrinkles and signs of aging on the skin.
• The Vitamin K in olive oil helps get rid of dark under-eye circles, the Vitamin E and fatty acids moisturize as well as nourishes the skin.

• Olive oil is not good for people with oily skin as too much oil will do more damage than good to your skin.
• It can cause pimples and blackheads outbreaks when used too often on the face.
• Olive oil is not very suitable for everyday use especially during summer and under hot temperatures, during the winter it’s okay but other than that it should be applied in moderation.

The single most common use of olive oil on the skin is as a natural moisturizer, olive oil contains fatty acids that keep your skin hydrated, smooth and glowing. It also contains vitamin E which improves skin dryness and elasticity. The anti-oxidants, minerals, and fats in olive oil, help fight free radicals which are harmful to the skin. When you use extra virgin olive oil as a moisturizer, it keeps your skin hydrated for long periods of time, this could be very helpful in winter especially. A great way to soften, protect and improve your skin texture is to apply olive oil to wet skin in the shower before towel drying. 

Considered the closest oil to match our skins chemical structure and natural oils, olive oil is unique. It does not only retain moisture in your skin it also fights skin problems. Packed with antioxidants such as oleic acid and squalene, olive oil is rich and in particles that rejuvenate the skin, protect it from radicals that hasten the aging process of the skin. A regular massage of olive oil on the skin will encourage the production of new cells and prevent it from the skin from sagging, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Olive oil has the capacity to block up to about 20 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from damaging the skin. This may not be enough to replace your sunscreen but it plays a huge role in strengthening the skin's natural barrier and improving complexion. In addition to other ingredients, you could use olive oil to make your own homemade sunscreen. Olive oil’s high content of squalene a fatty acid helps block damage and pigmentation from the sun, it also reduces redness from sunburn and wrinkles from sun exposure. So, to say the least, olive oil is your go natural oil during hot summers as well as cold winters.

Olive oil absorbs all the impurities that come in contact with your skin, causing your pores to unclog, getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads naturally. Olive oil is said to be antimicrobial in nature, this means it can treat skin infections and help fight bacteria and fungi. It contains flavonoids and polyphenols which repairs the skin and enhance cell turnover, leaving you with a smooth and glowing complexion.

If your end goal is to lighten your skin, olive oil is not the way to go, however, when combined with other natural skin whitening agents, olive oil plays a big role in skin whitening. Olive oil can help lighten dark spots, patches and overall skin tone in the following ways:

Mixed with lemon juice, olive oil could be used to exfoliate the skin, these two ingredients have enough antioxidants to relieve the skin of damages that often causes dark spots to appear. As the citric acid in the lemon works its way towards whitening your skin, olive oil prevents the acid from irritating the skin and reduces dryness caused by the lemon. Leaving you with an overall brighter complexion.

This face mask is a combination of olive oil, egg yolk, and honey, it rejuvenates dull skin, tightens and replenishes the skin, while maintaining hydration, skin elasticity, and brings out the natural glow. Olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used to treat both external and internal inflammations of the skin that often lead to redness and pigmentation problems.

Due to its exfoliating properties, olive oil is an excellent home remedy for cracked heels, it moisturizes your feet while encouraging new and softer skin. Regular use of olive oil on dry feet will help get rid of damaged skin and make way for healthier skin. Olive oil also serves as a substitute for shaving foam, it softens your skin and helps your blade glide easily across the body. It works only when shaving with a razor, it won’t do for waxing and other hair removing techniques.

When you put olive oil on a cotton pad or a wipe and use it on your face, it serves as a natural makeup remover. It cleanses your skin, moisturizes it, nourishes and rejuvenates your face without any side effects unlike cosmetic products with harsh chemicals. 

Dandruff, as well as many other hair problems related to dryness, can benefit a lot from olive oil. It moisturizes your hair and reduces scalp irritation, leaving no room for dandruff. Massage a cup of olive oil into your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes then rinse and watch how your hair will remain soft and moist for days. Olive oil is one of the major ingredients often found in many shampoos and hair treatments.

Rich in Vitamin E which strengthens hair and prevents breakage, olive oil is a superstar when it comes to hair growth. It will repair split ends, moisturizes and creates an environment suitable for hair growth. Many hairstylists and beauty experts swear by extra virgin olive oil. Often mixed with other ingredients such as egg yolk, honey, avocados to create a paste, it is known to give life to your hair in no time, olive oil is a go-to natural beauty essential.

Considering olive oil is not only used on the skin but also works wonders on the entire body, adding olive oil to your diet will help your skin glow from within. Rich in mono-saturated fats, olive oil helps speed up bowel movement by easing the mobility of food in the gastrointestinal tract. Experts say olive oil increases the release of serotonin a chemical known as happiness hormones in the brain helping against anxiety and depression. And we all know that there’s nothing like happiness to make a person glow from inside out.

Extra virgin olive oil also contains lots of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are very good for your brain and overall body health. So, it’s safe to say that olive oil is a must-have at home for your kitchen and beauty regimen, given its multiple health benefits and medicinal properties, extra virgin olive oil is very versatile and always comes in handy.