Using Olive oil as a moisturizer
Although used for years, many people remain doubtful of the advantages of using this oil as a moisturizer. After all, it seems contradictory to use oil on oily skin. But, you may be astounded at just how powerful having an olive oil moisturizer can be.
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What is olive oil?
A look at Olive oil skin care uses
Olive oil is a fat acquired from olives, a popular crop of Mediterranean countries. The oil is made by crushing whole olives. It is commonly used in cooking, either for frying or as a salad dressing. It is also utilized in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, soap making, as fuel for old oil lamps, and has additional uses in some religions as anointing oil.
Why use Olive oil?
Today’s skincare marketers want you to trust in their systematic approach to providing you with the best skin possible. The issue with that is that most of these systems include a multitude of products, ingredients, and adverse side effects.In skincare, less is more and here’s why: A lot of skincare systems today, get created with business in mind, not you. Companies want to make you reliant on their products so that you keep buying more. Here is how they do it:
- You start by cleaning your face with drying products that leave your skin wanting moisture.
- Then, you put on moisturizers that are mostly made of chemicals, that leave you feeling refreshed.
Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with your skin feeling supple and refreshed. The problem is with your skin requiring (and becoming hooked on) this refreshing feeling after using chemical based products. This dependence can lead to some other issues, such as overgeneration of your own natural oils, or sebum, which can result in breakouts and oily skin.
Olive oil is different
When you use it as a moisturizer, you are applying natural ingredients onto your skin. These work in harmony with your skin’s chemistry to achieve the balance you want. To get a real idea of why this oil makes a great moisturizer, here are some of the concerns people have when choosing whether olive oil based skincare goods are right for them.
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Will Olive oil makes you look and feel greasy?
Logically speaking, it makes sense that when you apply oils to your skin, it will become oily. But by taking a closer look at the make up of your skin, you may be astonished to find that the right types of oils, mostly natural oils, can help you have less oily skin.The trick is using the right kinds of oils and natural cleaners to create the balance we should have naturally. Olive oil is ideal for this as it has antioxidants and natural acids that work in accord with your skin to fortify its natural barrier. It has a combination of sebum and micro-flora which are healthy bacteria and together these copy the balance in your skin. When you put on an olive oil based moisturizer on your face, the oils get absorbed quickly instead of sitting on your skin; the nutrients get in your skin granting the supple, radiant look you want.
Does using Olive oil mean you have to smell like it?
Some people love the smell of this oil, but when it comes to using it on your skin, very few people want to go around carrying the aroma. When you apply pure olive oil, you may have to put up with the odor. Try using it at night to moisturize to avoid the smell. The smell will not be as strong in the morning, and your skin will feel refreshed. You can opt to use olive oil based moisturizing products or add some essential oils like tea tree, to it when using it
How long will the oil last?
What you apply on your skin affects your overall health, which is why many go for all-natural beauty products. A lot of people worry that without preservatives all-natural beauty products will go bad quickly. With a shelf life of about 6 – 12 months, you have ample time to use your products before they expire. A bit goes a long way, so do not overuse it just to finish it. Storing them well, in a cool, dry place can increase their longevity.
Olive oil skin moisturizer
Whether applied to face or body, the oil will penetrate deep in the skin and provide a long-lasting screen of moisture to keep the skin smooth and supple. It is best put on damp skin when water can help decrease any feeling of greasiness. Try and use extra virgin olive oil. Using a little lemon juice with olive oil can provide a more stimulating and refreshing feeling. Expect the benefits of olive oil to take a little longer to be absorbed into the skin than most packaged skin care products. But the advantages can last longer too.
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Benefits of Olive oil for the skin
Olive oil is loaded with vitamins
The oil has many vitamins, like A, D, and K, as well as vitamin E that give it its various antioxidant and anti-aging traits.
Olive oil has antioxidant qualities
It is also an antioxidant and can help prevent or change the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Its high concentration of squalene gives olive oil the extra antioxidant boost.
Olive oil moisturizes and fights bacteria
This oil has a good amount of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from various external factors like UV rays. The light composition of olive oil makes it an ideal non-sticky moisturizer that lasts long and suits all kinds of skin.
- 1 spoon of extra virgin olive oil
- After you have showered, massage the olive oil onto your face while it is still a little damp.
- Wait for about 15 minutes, and then clean it off with some lukewarm water.
Note: For dry skin, apply the oil to your face before sleeping, and let it stay on overnight and clean it off in the morning.
Olive oil has anti-aging qualities
With age, the skin starts to sag and develop wrinkles. You can delay these signs with olive oil. Ingredients required:
- 1 spoon of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- A pinch of sea salt
Mix them thoroughly until you get a thick solution, apply it to your face and wait for about 20 minutes. Clean it off with some lukewarm water. You can use this face mask once weekly.
Olive oil Improves the skin’s health
Olive oil has vitamin E, which promotes skin health by treating inflammation, acne, and protecting the skin from grave ailments like psoriasis. Here the honey acts as a humectant while the yogurt is a gentle exfoliant. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of natural yogurt
- ¼ cup of honey
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- Massage your face with a bit of the olive oil. Mix the remaining oil with sea salt to make an exfoliant and add the lemon juice for a refreshing sensation. Rub this mixture onto the parts of the face that are dry, rough, and scaly.
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How can you utilize olive oil on your face?
Olive oil is often worked in as an ingredient in face care products. These are some soaps, body washes, face masks, lotions, etc. It’s possible to use it as a moisturizer by applying it directly onto the skin. You can then blot off any excess with a towel or cloth. Use it after you’ve been exposed to the sun or suffered a sunburn.
Risks and warnings : While using this oil might be beneficial in some ways, other studies have shown that for sensitive skin it can aggravate certain skin conditions like dermatitis. Do an allergy test before using it on your face. It has been shown to contribute to babies getting certain skin conditions like eczema later in life. This is quite true if you have a family history of eczema.This oil is a heavy one and is not that easily absorbed by the skin. Make sure to clean off any excess oil to inhibit clogging pores or trapping bacteria. Pick a high-quality product that doesn’t have additives or chemicals.
Getting the right olive oil
while shopping for Olive oil is good to get the right kind of oil for your needs.
Virgin Olive Oil
As the most popular variety, it is a popular cooking oil with a surprisingly low acid content percentage. It is ideal for those who would like to enjoy the perks of olive oil without spending a lot.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
It is made by cold pressing olives, and is considered to be the best for our body. But it is quite pricey.
Pure Olive Oil
This oil is a combination of refined and virgin olive oils. It has a high acidic content percentage and hence is ill-suitable for use on the skin.
Lampante Oil
The kind of olive oil fuels lamps and is not suitable for cooking.
