Summary
- Olive oil has been used in skincare through the ages and has various benefits, including its moisturising and healing properties
- As with all skin care ingredients, caution must be applied when using
- When used properly, olive oil has numerous benefits to overall health and well-being and is versatile in its applications
Contents
Olive oil benefits for skin
Olive oil has numerous uses in beauty and skincare, making it a popular choice in both traditional and modern self-care routines. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Moisturising
Olive oil is rich in fatty acids that help to lock in moisture, making it an effective natural moisturiser for dry skin.
2. Antioxidant Properties
It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as polyphenols and phytosterols, which help protect the skin from free radical damage and environmental stresses, potentially enabling it to slow the signs of ageing.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
The properties of olive oil can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it beneficial for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
4. Healing
Olive oil contains compounds like oleocanthal, which have been shown to have healing properties, promoting faster recovery and regeneration for damaged skin.
5.Cleansing
Olive oil can act as a natural cleanser and makeup remover, effectively dissolving dirt and makeup while leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturised.
6. Anti-ageing
The antioxidants in olive oil, particularly vitamin E, help to combat the oxidative stress that can cause premature ageing, thus helping to maintain a youthful appearance.
7. Enhances elasticity
Regular use of olive oil can improve skin elasticity, making it firmer and more resilient.
8. Non-comedogenic for most
While individual reactions can vary, olive oil is generally non-comedogenic for most people, meaning it won’t clog pores.
9. Natural exfoliation
When combined with coarse sugar or sea salt, olive oil can be used as a natural exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a healthy glow.
10. Antibacterial
Some studies suggest that olive oil has mild antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for preventing acne and other bacterial skin infections.
11. Sunburn Relief
Applying olive oil to sunburned skin can provide soothing relief and help in the healing process due to its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use olive oil in your daily skin care routine
There are various ways to incorporate olive oil into your skin care routine to see immediate benefits for full body moisturisation.
Combining with other moisturising agents, like shea butter or essential oils for added benefits is one way, but using alone, for example applying a generous amount to dry areas like elbows or knees and leaving overnight, will keep your skin soft and supple.
Applying a small amount to damp skin will lock in moisture and olive oil can also be used as an effective cleanser by massaging a few drops into the face and rinsing with warm water.
Mixed with sugar or sea salt and gently scrubbing the skin, it exfoliates and helps to renew skin cells, whilst applying to particularly dry areas, such as elbows and knees, gives extra and prolonged hydration, keeping your skin softer for longer.
Combined with ingredients like honey or yogurt, it makes for a nourishing and natural face mask, whilst combining with other moisturising agents, like shea butter or essential oils, can offer further benefits.
Precautions:
Always perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction and if you have oily or acne-prone skin, use it sparingly to avoid potential breakouts.
Using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil will help to avoid any additives or chemicals that could irritate the skin.
By incorporating olive oil into your skincare routine, you can take advantage of its numerous benefits for healthier, more radiant skin.
Disadvantages of using olive oil topically
While olive oil has many benefits for the skin, there are also some potential disadvantages and risks to be aware of when using it topically.
Olive oil is relatively heavy and can potentially clog pores, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, which can lead to breakouts and blackheads.
Although rare, some people may be allergic to olive oil. This can result in redness, itching, and irritation, so a patch test is always advised before using it extensively on your skin.
People with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions might find that it exacerbates their issues, leading to increased irritation or flare-ups.
Olive oil can leave a greasy residue on the skin, which might be uncomfortable for some people and can also stain clothing and bedding. When mixed with certain skincare products, it may not always blend well and could reduce the efficacy of other treatments.
Olive oil, obviously, does not contain any sun protection factor (SPF). Applying it and then exposing the skin to the sun could potentially increase the risk of sunburn because the oil can act as a magnifying agent.
If not stored properly, the oil can harbour bacteria. Using contaminated olive oil on the skin can therefore introduce potentially harmful bacteria, leading to infections.
Due to its nature, the oil can sit on the surface of the skin rather than being fully absorbed, which may reduce its effectiveness as a moisturiser and leave the skin feeling oily.
Paying attention to how your skin reacts over time will allow you to discontinue use if you notice any negative effects such as increased breakouts or irritation.
The history of using olive oil in skincare
The history of olive oil in skincare is long and rich, spanning thousands of years and multiple cultures.
In ancient civilisations, the Egyptians recognised and valued the oil for its moisturising properties, using it in baths as well as skin and hair care treatments.
Olive oil was a key ingredient in Cleopatra’s renowned beauty regime and was often mixed with other natural ingredients, such as honey and milk, to create facial masks and body treatments.
The high value of olive oil in ancient Greek society was illustrated by Homer, who referred to it as ‘liquid gold’. Greek athletes used the oil to anoint their bodies before competitions, as it was believed to enhance strength and flexibility and it was also used to cleanse the body after exercise.
The Romans incorporated olive oil into their bathing rituals and would use it to cleanse their skin by applying the oil and then scraping it off with a tool called a strigil, removing dirt and dead skin in the process.
A common ingredient in Roman cosmetics and ointments, the oil was valued for its nourishing and protective properties.
During the Middle Ages, olive oil was well regarded in both European and Middle Eastern medicine and used in medicinal ointments and balms to treat wounds and skin conditions.
The use of olive oil in skincare continued throughout the Renaissance, with recipes for beauty treatments and skincare regimes often including it as a key ingredient. Its role in daily life, including skincare, was frequently depicted in Renaissance art and literature, reflecting its continued importance.
In more recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in natural and organic skincare products, with olive oil being rediscovered for its numerous benefits.
Why Choose Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Morocco Gold comes from a single source, from the Beni-Mellal region of Morocco. The olives are harvested by hand, early in the season whilst the fruit is still young and green. The olives are handled with care and attention throughout the harvesting and pressing process to ensure that only the best olives are used for Morocco Gold.
Uniquely, we include the results of our chemical analysis for acidity, peroxide and ultra-violet testing on each and every bottle of Morocco Gold so that our customers can see at a glance the guarantee of extra virgin olive oil quality.
Morocco Gold comes from the Picholine Marrocaine olive, which is characterised by its green, fruity flavour, with hints of almond and herbs, also its high level of polyphenols that give Morocco Gold its health enhancing qualities as well as it’s taste.
It does not have the ‘aggressive’ pungency of some extra virgin olive oils, giving Morocco Gold a well-balanced and satisfying finish. This also makes Morocco Gold highly versatile in how it can be used, either taken directly, dipping with bread, drizzling over salads, sautéing vegetables, the uses are limitless.
Have We Helped You Pick the Best Olive Oil for You?
So, what is the best olive oil for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile oil that can be used in both cooking and salads, an all-purpose olive oil would be a good choice. If you want an oil with a milder flavour that’s great for dipping bread or using in dressings, then go with an extra virgin olive oil. No matter which type of olive oil you choose, you can enjoy the many health benefits they offer.
