What are the effects of olive oil on the skin? This mild oil offers several benefits when used in contact with the skin, including antibacterial and moisturizing properties. It also helps with makeup removal and as an anti-inflammatory and finally has anti-aging properties. Since not everyone knows that they can use olive oil (even better if extra virgin olive oil ) also for the well-being of the body, let’s take a look at some of the lesser known benefits.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil are well known, but do you really know the benefits? This healthful oil is packed with beneficial fats including oleic acid, vitamin E, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. These healthy fats promote the health of the cardiovascular system and help improve blood circulation. They also improve the regeneration of epithelial cells, reduce inflammation and promote the proper functioning of the endothelium.
Using olive oil as a topical treatment for a variety of skin problems is not only beneficial for skin health, it can also prevent wounds from forming. In a study by Bajwa et al., Oil significantly reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers. This makes it an ideal supplement for conventional wound care and can help minimize side effects.
The anti-inflammatory effect of olive oil has also been studied for eczema and psoriasis. The fatty acids present in olive oil are beneficial for the skin and the immune system. They have been used as a topical treatment for these conditions.
Moisturizing cream
One of the many benefits of olive oil as a moisturizer is its ability to protect the skin from the sun. Olive oil contains natural acids and antioxidants that strengthen the skin barrier. It is also a powerful moisturizer because it contains sebum, the lipid layer that reflects the skin’s balance. Olive oil moisturizers absorb quickly into the skin and do not leave the skin heavy or caked with excess oil like other chemical creams.
Olive oil is also rich in alpha-hydroxy acids which promote the elimination of dead skin cells and encourage the formation of new ones. This results in smoother, younger looking skin. Additionally, olive oil contains vitamin E, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is also an excellent natural sunscreen, with a natural SPF of six.
Antibacterial
Olive oil is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and other plant compounds that can fight a variety of conditions. In addition to being effective against oxidative stress, these compounds also possess antibacterial properties. These compounds have been linked to many health benefits, from reducing inflammation and blood pressure to preventing and treating bacterial infections.
Vitamin E is one of the most important antibacterial properties of olive oil. It acts as a natural antioxidant to fight free radicals which can damage skin cells. Free radicals are molecules that disrupt chemical and cellular processes and can cause premature aging. Therefore, it is a good idea to incorporate olive oil into your skincare routine. But make sure you choose a high quality brand , because not all brands are created equal.
Make-up remover
While it might be tempting to use olive oil as a makeup remover because it’s cheap and long-lasting, it’s not recommended to use olive oil if you really have a lot of makeup. For those who use olive oil on the skin, it temporarily leaves the skin greasy, but is considered non-comedogenic and therefore safe for sensitive skin. Despite the risk of clogging pores, it is one of the most effective ways to remove makeup.
Using olive oil to remove makeup can also remove oil buildup and dead skin cells. The latter can be reflected on the face as blackheads. Whenever possible, it is best to cleanse the skin with oil first. Apply some olive oil to a clean cotton ball and massage gently on your face. This helps to extract the oil and dirt. If you want to remove stubborn eye makeup, you can dab a cotton ball with olive oil and leave it on your skin for a few minutes.
There is also something to know
Despite its many benefits, it is not recommended to use olive oil on the face and body for a long time. There are several reasons for this, including the risk of