Olive Oil Benefits
Olive oil has been used in skincare for centuries, and its antioxidant properties are known to prevent premature aging of the skin. Oxidation not only ages the skin with the release of free radicals but it can also lead to the development of cancer cells. When natural olive oil products are applied to the skin after it has been exposed to the sun, it is believed that it can fight off cancer-causing cells. More research is undoubtedly needed, but results on mice have produced positive results.
Olive oil skincare products are also high in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin E in particular, when applied topically, has historically been used to treat many skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Olive oil also has antibacterial properties, so it is commonly used by chiropodists treating people with foot ulcers which have been caused by diabetes. In addition, olive oil is well known for its moisturising properties for both the hair and skin.
How is it applied?
Applying pure olive oil to the skin can be messy, so it is used more frequently when it is an ingredient in skincare products such as soap, body and face washes and various lotions. When mixed with sea salt it makes a simple but effective exfoliator for the body. Olive oil or olive oil skincare is best applied to damp skin, directly after washing. The product will then penetrate into the skin deeper and more quickly than when the skin is dry. Creams and lotions are also used before sleep to prevent wrinkles, and one of the main ingredients in these creams and lotions is often olive oil.
Olive oil is highly regarded as a treatment for scars as it helps to promote the re-growth of healthy skin cells. When mixed lemon juice, it can be applied to areas of hyper pigmentation, which are areas of the skin that have darkened due to scarring. It is also believed that creams containing olive oil can be used to treat or prevent stretch marks. Of course, extensive research has been carried out regarding this and results in many studies have produced optimistic results.
