Olive Oil Or Coconut Oil For Summer Skin?

New Report Asks If It’s Better To Cook With Olive Oil Than Coconut Oil?

^{Updated July 30th 2024}

Skin Overview

But which is the best oil for your skin? When it comes to the best natural oil for skincare, there are a lot of options out there. So, which one is best for your needs?

A recent Healthline report lists the top three skin benefits of olive oil.  These are:

Antioxidant Properties

Extra virgin olive oil is a natural source of antioxidants. These are compounds that work to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can build up in the body and lead to inflammation. This inflammation can damage skin cells and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These properties make extra virgin olive oil an important part of a healthy skincare routine.

2/ Moisturizing and Bacteria Fighting Properties

Extra virgin olive oil has been used for centuries as a natural way to moisturize and protect skin. The oil is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help to fight bacteria and keep skin healthy. extra virgin olive oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin. In addition, the oil can help to lock in moisture, providing long-lasting hydration. For these reasons, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for those looking for a natural way to improve their skin health.

3/ It’s Rich in Vitamins

Extra virgin olive oil is not only good for our health when we consume it, but it can also be beneficial for our skin when used topically. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which are important for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to keep skin cells turnover properly, while vitamin D helps to regulate cell growth. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, and vitamin K helps to heal wounds and scars. In addition to these vitamins, olive oil also contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps to keep the skin moisturized. By using extra virgin olive oil on our skin, we can reap all of these benefits and more.

Is Olive Oil Better for Your Skin Than Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil continues to grow in popularity across the globe, but could extra virgin olive oil offer a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fat?

According to research compiled in The Beet, evidence is mounting to suggest that the high content of saturated fat (around 90 percent) might increase the risk factors associated with heart disease and obesity. Studies indicate that excessive intake of saturated fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, inflammation, and an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues and weight gain.

As reported by Qualified Nutritionist Louisa Richards:

“It’s easy for your coconut oil intake to creep up without you knowing it, and the result can be a rise in LDL (so-called bad) cholesterol, leading to artery blockages, high blood pressure, and ultimately heart disease.  It can also contribute to weight gain.”

Louisa Richards

Why It’s Better To Cook With Olive Oil Than Coconut Oil

The Beet article goes on to cite a 2020 systematic review of 16 clinical trials which concluded that coconut oil causes higher LDL cholesterol than using non-tropical plant oils. A prior review of 21 research papers had already found that replacing coconut oil with unsaturated fats can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

As a key element of the Mediterranean diet,  high quality extra virgin olive oil such as Morocco Gold has a wealth of health benefits thanks to its polyphenol compounds which can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.   In addition, extra virgin olive oil is lower in saturated fat that coconut oil and higher in monounsaturated fatty acids, which is good news for your heart too.

Richards also lists avocado oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil as healthy alternatives to coconut oil for cooking.  

Is Olive Oil Better For Your Skin Than Coconut Oil Too?

When it comes to choosing natural products for our skin, Coconut Oil has enjoyed a strong following for some time, but did you know that a high-quality Olive Oil could be just as effective? With an ever-growing list of celebrities and chefs championing the use of olive oil for skin and hair care, what is it about the humble olive that works so well as part of your beauty regime? Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, olive oil nourishes the skin, providing hydration, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion. Its versatile properties make it a fantastic addition to any beauty routine.

Olive Oil For Skin: How Does it Work?

We’ve written extensively about the wonderful and varied health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. But what about using olive oil for skin? Can you be healthy on the outside, too?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains properties and antioxidants that can enhance the health of your skin, making your skin and hair glow like never before. The rich blend of vitamins E and K, along with powerful antioxidants, helps to deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, promoting elasticity and reducing signs of aging. Additionally, its natural anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation and improve overall skin texture. For hair, the nutrients in extra virgin olive oil strengthen strands, add shine, and prevent breakage, leaving your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

From your head to your toes, a quality olive oil like Morocco Gold can be used in a variety of skin care routines that provides an all-natural alternative to soaps and creams that contain harsh chemicals. While you can always be on the lookout for products that have Extra Virgin Olive Oil listed as an ingredient, in some cases you can use straight up olive oil for healthier skin.

Five Reasons Olive Oil Could Replace Coconut Oil for Skin Health

Here are five quick and easy ways to boost the health and appearance of your skin using one simple ingredient: Olive Oil.

1) 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, olive oil protects from harmful damage and can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

2) Soften Cuticles

Protect your nail cuticles from drying and tearing during the cold winter months by softening them with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This natural ingredient not only nourishes your cuticles but also strengthens your nails and improves the softness of your hands. By incorporating EVOO into your routine, you can enjoy healthier, more resilient nails and softer hands, all while using a single, versatile product. Additionally, the antioxidants and vitamins in EVOO can help repair and rejuvenate your skin, providing comprehensive care for your hands and nails.

3) Prevent Cancer

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 the oil on after your time in the sun, not before. With the protection from free radicals, EVOO 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 EVOO make it a great choice for protecting your health both inside and out.

4) Remove Makeup

Looking for a gentle way to remove your day’s makeup without harsh chemicals? A few dabs of extra virgin olive oil cling to the oil on your skin, freeing pores and removing stubborn makeup. Follow up with a facial cleanser for a thorough cleanse. This natural method not only effectively removes makeup but also nourishes your skin with antioxidants and vitamins, leaving it soft and refreshed.

5) Moisturize

EVOO’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.

For itchy, dry skin, the compound found in EVOO called oleocanthal calms and soothes irritated skin. When regular body lotion isn’t enough, slathering on some EVOO can be a great way to get back that silky smooth skin.

i) But it’s Not For Everyone

While the properties in olive oil can help improve your skin in a variety of ways, the use of EVOO may not be for everyone.

An article from Healthline notes that those with sensitive skin may not see results from using olive oil in their routine. The article also mentions how olive oil may not be helpful for use on infants. Before utilizing olive oil to get better skin, be sure to take your own skin conditions into account.

ii) Get on Your Way to Better Skin

To achieve better, glowing skin, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on specialized care products. The properties found in olive oil can help boost your health from the inside out.