When you first think of olive oil, perhaps cooking comes to mind. However, like many common kitchen staples like honey and baking soda, olive oil isn’t just good for our health but also our skin and hair. It can help with everything from soothing inflammation to protecting skin against aggressors and nourishing skin on the face and body. And the best part? It can be found right at the grocery store or already in your kitchen to use in DIY ways at home. To get the scoop on all olive oil when it comes to skin, we talked to a top dermatologist. Keep reading about the benefits of olive oil for skin, how to use it, and more.
Olive oil benefits for skin
Olive oil contains vitamins and antioxidants that prevent premature aging and sun damage, plus it helps to moisturize your skin on your face and body. Below, Jodi LoGergo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner certified in family medicine and dermatology, shares exactly how it works to boost skin health.
Olive oil is an antioxidant
Antioxidants are amazing at defending your skin cells against external damage or inflammation and environmental aggressors. How does it work? “Olive oil contains hydrophilic phenols which have antioxidant properties higher than vitamin E [which is known for being high in antioxidants],” says LoGerfo. “When applied to skin, olive oil’s antioxidant content may protect skin against environmental damage and premature aging.” Further, olive oil contains squalene, which is a powerful, natural antioxidant found in our skin, she adds.
Olive oil is an anti-inflammatory for skin
Dealing with inflammation from weather changes, rosacea or just a random flare-up? Olive oil may be able to help. “The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil might be soothing to skin, possibly helping skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema,” LoGerfo tells us. She even goes on to compare it to one of the most well-known OTC drugs. “One of the compounds that has anti-inflammatory properties is like those in ibuprofen.”
Olive oil can moisturize the skin
As we age, our skin naturally tends to lose moisture, making it drier and less supple. To the rescue: olive oil. LoGerfo explains, “Olive oil also could have excellent moisturizing qualities without being overly comedogenic (it has a comedogenic rating of 2).” However, while it has a low comedogenic rating, that isn’t to say that it’s completely non-comedogenic, which is something to keep in mind if you already have oily or acne-prone skin.
“When you use olive oil topically, skin feels comfortable, non-stripped, and soft and silky. However, in studies, true benefits and understanding of olive oil on skin are not so clear, and more research is needed,” LoGergo warns.
How to use olive oil for skin
If you have no issues with the patch test and feel your skin is suitable for olive oil, you now need to know the best ways to apply it and incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Use olive oil as an oil cleanser
Oil cleansers are huge in the skincare world right now as part of the “double cleanse” method, and we’re all for it. They help to remove makeup and sunscreen your regular cleanser doesn’t always get.
“Oil cleansing [using olive oil] entails using a small amount of olive oil onto dry skin, then washing it off. Some people take it off. Regardless of if you wipe the oil off or wash it off, you should do a second cleanse with a cleanser of your choice,” says LoGerfo. “Double cleansing may be helpful, especially if you wear makeup during the day or if you have very greasy skin. If you wear makeup, going over your skin with an oil like olive oil could be helpful.”
While you can use organic extra virgin olive oil from the grocery store for this, if you’re looking for a product, one that LoGerfo recommends is DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil.
Use olive oil as a moisturizer
Olive oil is a great nourisher that can add moisture to not just dry skin, but also lips, nails, and more. “Applying a few drops to skin when damp after you cleanse it will help to lock in the moisture to your skin. The same can be said for dry lips,” explains LoGerfo. “If you drop a bit of olive oil onto parched or chapped lips, it may help hydrate them. I have found that olive oil could be a good moisturizer for hands, nails, or cuticles.
Source: Olive Oil for Skin: Benefits, How to Apply, More | Woman's World