Can we use Olive Oil on our skin?
Olive oil, a staple in many households and a go-to oil for many when it comes to cooking. We’ve seen a growth in natural or plant ingredients being used in skincare, take for example, coconut oil. The use of olive oil in skincare isn’t something recent, in fact, it has been utilised for quite some time and been praised for its effectiveness in hydrating the skin. Olive oil is also praised to aid with preventing premature ageing and photoageing caused by sun damage as they contain antioxidants. However, does the benefits of olive oil hold true or should it be left in the kitchen?
Olive oil is extracted from pressing the oil from the whole olive fruit. As we all know, Olive oil is beneficial for our body and health which is why many recommend using Olive oil and/or Extra Virgin Olive Oil as the cooking oil of choice. This is because Olive oil is rich with monosaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid) and antioxidants that contribute to health and skin benefits.
Benefits
Extremely moisturizing
- The main and most promising benefit of Olive oil is its ability to moisturize the skin and reduce water loss in the skin. Hence, a plumper and healthier skin appearance.
Protects the skin
- The antioxidants in Olive oil protects the skin from free radicals and environmental factors like UV rays and pollution, preventing skin inflammation or irritation.
Anti-aging
- The antioxidants can also slow down the onset of premature ageing as Olive oil is rich in Vitamin A, D, K and E that decrease oxidative stress damage. As well as containing squalene that prevents dehydration which is one of the major causes behind dull-looking skin.
Great at removing makeup
- Olive oil is a common oil ingredient used in makeup removers as it is great in breaking down wax and waterproof substances like mascara and sunscreen.
Heals wounds
- Olive oil helps the wound healing process and repairs damaged skin tissues as it possesses anti-inflammatory benefits and reduces the time required for wound closure.
- Also, Olive oil can also strengthen the skin’s elasticity and give your skin that fuller look.
What to note?
- Although Olive oil is regarded to be suitable for most skin types, those with acneic, sensitive and congested skin are advised to stay away from Olive oil skincare products and home remedies. The fatty acids in Olive oil can be catalysts for acne-causing bacteria that may result in more breakouts and clogged pores.
- As with all new ingredients and products, please conduct a patch test prior.
Products we recommend and where to find them
Purito From Green Cleansing Oil
This gentle oil cleanser helps to remove heavy, oily makeup and sunscreen without any irritating the skin. Containing 5 natural oils (Olive, Sunflower Seed, Jojoba Seed, Sweet Almond and Grape Seed oil), the hydrophilic oil emulsifies and gently breaks down any makeup along with impurities and sebum that are deep in the pores.
Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
Perfect for troubled or sensitive skin, this foaming cleanser is created with an Amino Acid cleansing formula, and contains Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Olive Oil to ensure moisturized and softer skin after a deep cleanse.
VT Cosmetics Born Natural Oil to Foam
This oil cleanser transforms into bubbles when it meets water. It even says it can eliminate the need of double cleansing, but that’s entirely up to you. Other than removing makeup and impurities, this oil cleanser also adjusts pH levels after each wash.
Created in collaboration with Caroline Hirons. This unique 2-in-1 cleanser features a solid cleansing oil (similar to a balm) and a luxe cleansing cream to offer the ultimate double cleanse experience. The solid cleansing oil breaks down makeup and sunscreen, whilst the cleansing cream cleanses and conditions the skin for the remaining of your skincare routine.
Made only with honest, reliable and healthy ingredients, this cleansing foam provides hypoallergenic moisturizing cleansing that ensures the skin is moisturized after each wash. It has a slight alkaline pH level that helps to deeply cleanse the skin of fine dust, makeup residues and any other build-up gathered throughout the day.
KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief
Made to regenerate and repair damaged skin. This serum with a cream-like consistency features 10% Tamanu Oil and other conditioning oils, including Olive Oil, that fight irritation, discoloration and breakouts commonly caused by a damaged skin barrier.
We hope this blog has helped to better understand where your skin stands with Olive Oil. If you have any questions or anything else to add, feel free to comment down below and we'll do our best to get back to you!
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