How The Polyphenol-Rich Olive Oil In The Med Diet Can Help Boost Your Skin Health
Updated October 7th 2024
Summary
- Findings in The Zoe Report links potential of Olive Oil Rich Mediterranean Diet to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
- Polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil in Mediterranean Diet combat free radicals, which are notorious for causing oxidative stress and skin damage.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can Prevent Signs Of Skin Ageing and serve as an excellent natural skin moisturiser.
Contents
Report links Mediterranean Diet with protection from UV radiation
In recent years, the Mediterranean diet has captured the attention of health enthusiasts worldwide, but its benefits extend beyond heart health and weight management. One report shines light on an intriguing benefit—its potential to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. This revelation connects the dots between what we consume and how it affects our skin’s health and appearance.
For beauty enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, understanding how the elements of this diet contribute to skin care is invaluable. Among these elements, polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil stands out for its remarkable skin-loving properties. In this blog post, we will explore the role of extra virgin olive oil in skin protection, its integration into your skincare routine, and how it can help prevent signs of aging. Prepare to discover how incorporating this golden elixir into your life can lead to healthier, more radiant skin.
One report linking The Mediterranean Diet with increased protection from UV radiation could be good news for lovers of extra virgin olive oil and other antioxidant rich foods.
The Zoe Report, entitled Experts Say The Mediterranean Diet Could Be Ideal For Optimum Sun Protection, explains how applying sunscreen can be accompanied by adherence to a plant-based diet such as The Mediterranean Diet can play a dual role in skin health.
According to Dr Rajani Katta, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a former professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, foods that contain antioxidants, substances that include vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, can offset the harmful effects of UV radiation by shoring up your skin’s natural defenses.
“[T]he skin is constantly … exposed to threats, whether that’s UV radiation or pollution or the body’s own processes, so there are all these intricate systems that are designed to neutralize these threats over the course of a day,” Dr. Katta says. “And one of those systems is that we actually have a lot of antioxidants that are just in our skin’s layers all the time.”
Doctor Katta
The report goes on to explain that when sun rays strike your skin, they trigger the production of free radicals which can build up to catalyze chemical chain reactions that can cause premature aging and illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
We love the sun, but sometimes, our skin doesn’t. If you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun and have a resulting painful sunburn, the antioxidant properties in extra virgin olive oil can help alleviate that painful sting. These antioxidant properties also could reduce potential UVB-ray skin tumors. Just be sure to put your extra virgin olive oil on after your time in the sun, not before. With the protection from free radicals, extra virgin olive oil provides a great after-sun care routine. An article from Livestrong also notes how oil application can also fight off cancer-causing cells. The powerful properties in extra virgin olive oil make it a great choice for protecting your health both inside and out.
The Mediterranean diet, long celebrated for its health benefits, encompasses more than just a nutritious meal plan. Recent studies have linked this diet to enhanced skin protection against UV radiation. This is a significant finding, given that UV damage is a primary contributor to premature aging and skin cancer. By understanding these protective properties, individuals can take actionable steps to shield their skin.
One key component of the Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil, rich in polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants combat free radicals, which are notorious for causing oxidative stress and skin damage. Incorporating olive oil into your diet is not just about flavor; it’s about fortifying your body and skin against environmental aggressors.
Beyond its consumption, extra virgin olive oil’s topical application may offer added layers of protection. Its inclusion in skincare routines can enhance the skin’s resilience, making it a versatile ally in both dietary and cosmetic practices.
How Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil Help Protect Your Skin
Polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in abundance in extra virgin olive oil, offer significant protective benefits for the skin. These antioxidants are crucial in neutralizing harmful free radicals that accelerate skin aging and increase cancer risk. The potent antioxidant properties of polyphenols make them a valuable addition to any skincare regimen.
Research has shown that polyphenols may enhance the skin’s ability to resist UV-induced damage. When applied topically or consumed through a Mediterranean diet, they contribute to improved skin barrier function and reduced inflammation. This dual approach of internal and external application maximizes the protective benefits of extra virgin olive oil.
Furthermore, polyphenols have been linked to improved skin elasticity and hydration. By maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, they help prevent dryness and flakiness, common conditions exacerbated by sun exposure and environmental stressors. This hydration boost is particularly beneficial in maintaining a youthful and vibrant complexion.
Antioxidants which are present in many Mediterranean foods, such as extra virgin olive oil, contain large quantities of antioxidants which can prevent free radicals from damaging cells. The polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil act as an antioxidant which means that these compounds minimize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants affect the human health in various way from improving body functions and digestion to skincare. Antioxidants can also fight off cell damage in the body, enhancing the body’s capability to fight off any diseases.
For those who are concerned about the more cosmetic signs of ageing, the great news is that Extra Virgin Olive Oil has also been shown to be an outstanding moisturiser to keep the skin looking its radiant best for longer.
Extra virgin olive oil has properties and antioxidants that can improve the health of your skin to help you be glowing and confident as you eat right. Because the oil’s fat composition is very similar to that of human skin, it rarely causes allergic reactions. In addition, extra virgin olive oil absorbs quickly into the skin and after 15 minutes there is no trace of it. It also helps lock in moisture in the skin. Simply put some in your hands and start rubbing it over your entire body and face.
The high percentage of unsaturated fat and vitamins A and E are helpful in preventing sun damage, also work on the outside to soothe and replenish, particularly sensitive skin. It is also pure, and unmixed with anything but water, unlike other oils.
There is only one ingredient in extra virgin olive oil…olive oil. If you go into your bathroom and check out the ingredient list on your moisturizer, you will see a range of chemical additives. Why use something with that many ingredients when you can just use a naturally occurring extra virgin olive oil?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Your Skin Care Routine
Incorporating extra virgin olive oil into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for achieving and maintaining radiant skin. This versatile oil can be used in various ways to enhance your beauty regimen, harnessing its natural properties to promote healthy skin.
Firstly, consider using extra virgin olive oil as a gentle cleanser. Its emollient properties effectively dissolve impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. By gently massaging a small amount onto your face and rinsing with warm water, you can achieve a clean and nourished complexion.
Secondly, extra virgin olive oil makes an excellent moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin. Its hydrating effects penetrate deeply, soothing irritation and restoring the skin’s natural glow. Apply a few drops to your face and body after showering to lock in moisture and maintain softness.
Finally, for those looking to boost their anti-aging efforts, extra virgin olive oil can be combined with other ingredients to create a nourishing face mask. Mixing it with honey or yogurt can amplify its benefits, providing a revitalizing treatment that leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated and supple.
From your head to your toes, extra virgin olive oil can be used in a variety of skin care routines that provides an all-natural alternative to soaps and creams that contain harsh chemicals. Here are five quick and easy ways you can take care of your skin with one simple ingredient, extra virgin olive oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Prevents Signs of Aging
One of the top health benefits of extra virgin olive oil is its antioxidants that can improve your health inside and out. The antioxidant hydroxytyrosal helps to improve your skin including preventing aging, according to olive oil expert Paul Vossen. With its Vitamin E properties, extra virgin olive oil protects the skin from harmful damage and can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Aging is a natural process, but with extra virgin olive oil, you can mitigate its visible effects. The polyphenols in this oil work to prevent signs of aging by protecting the skin from oxidative stress and stimulating collagen production.
Oxidative stress is a major contributor to aging, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. The antioxidant properties of polyphenols help combat this by neutralizing free radicals, thus preserving the skin’s youthful appearance. Regular use of extra virgin olive oil can slow down the aging process, keeping your skin looking vibrant and fresh.
Additionally, polyphenols encourage collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. By supporting collagen production, extra virgin olive oil can reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
To maximize these anti-aging benefits, incorporate extra virgin olive oil into both your diet and skincare routine. Whether consumed or applied topically, it serves as a powerful tool in your anti-aging arsenal, helping you maintain a luminous, age-defying complexion.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Softens Cuticles
Protect your nail cuticles from drying and ripping in the cold winter months and soften them up with some extra virgin olive oil. By caring for your cuticles, you can also strengthen your nails and improve the softness of your hands, all at the same time with one natural ingredient.
Remove Makeup With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Looking for a way to take of your day’s makeup without strong chemicals? A few dabs of extra virgin olive oil clings to the oil on your skin to free pores and remove that stubborn makeup. Follow it up with a facial cleanser for a great skin care routine.
Moisturize With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil’s smoothing properties make it a great option for an all-natural moisturizer. For especially dry skin, you can massage some oil on your slightly damp skin. Doing so not only adds much needed smoothness to your hands, it also protects your skin from further damage. Be sure to not use too much oil on your face, which may lead to clogged pores. For a great hand scrub, mix sugar and oil together to make a natural exfoliant that keeps your hands super smooth.