Olive Oil for Skin Care

We tend to use all sorts of chemical based products for skincare. Did you know that these products have a chemical known as carcinogens? These chemicals are harmful and cause a lot of damage to the skin. Speaking of olive oil for skin care, this Mediterranean fruit is the secret behind the evergreen beauty of Cleopatra and other famous Mediterranean women in the ancient times. Let us know more in details.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin

Olive oil is one of the best gifts of nature when it comes to skin care. The oil of this tiny little fruit proves beneficial not only for skin, but also for hair, nails and health. As this article is specifically based on the uses of olive oil for skin care, let us focus on that aspect only for now. Having said that, the benefits of olive oil for skin are mentioned below.

• Olive oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps the skin maintain a radiant and smooth complexion.
• Olive oil also contains antioxidants which helps repair the cell membranes of the skin. It also neutralizes the skin from free radicals that affect the skin. Free radicals are unstable skin molecules that are formed from pollution, alcohol, cigarette smoke and radiation.
• Olive oil also consists of squalene. Squalene is used in moisturizers and is extracted from the liver of a shark. It helps to regulate the sebum of the skin. It also forms a coat on the skin protecting it from growth of micro organisms.
• Olive oil is extracted from a plant. This is the reason why it consists of chlorophyll which is an anti-aging substance. Therefore olive oil not only acts like an anti-aging product but also boosts the repair of wounds and damaged skin.
• Another benefit is that it is cost-effective. Now you may say that olive oil is one of the most expensive oils. But just think about the amount of money you spend in your beauty care products! Bleaching, cleaning, face packs, moisturizers, lotions, toner... If you compare all this with the cost of a bottle of olive oil that can do wonders for your skin, I think it's cost-effective!

Olive Oil for Dry Skin

When it comes to dry skin, just massaging the area with olive oil can make the dryness vanish. Below are some recipes that you can try to make your skin absolutely smooth and shiny.

• Add about 1/4th cup of olive oil in your bathing tub. You can also add a few drops of essential oils and relax your mind by giving your body and skin a healthy bath.
• If you have dry hands, take 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix it with the same amount of olive oil. Rub this on your hands until the sugar is dissolved. Rinse with warm water and experience the silky and soft hands that you always wanted.
• For dry feet, you can use the same recipe mentioned above, or, if you don't want to rinse them after wards, you can gently massage olive oil on the feet and then cover them with cotton socks. Do it overnight and notice the softness appear gradually on the feet.
• For dry skin on the face, you can try this recipe. Make a facial pack with olive oil, honey and egg and beat until mixed well. Massage your face with this and keep it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and see the difference.
• Did you know olive oil for acne is equally beneficial? Washing your face with olive oil, or simply massaging your face with olive oil helps reduce acne. This is because of its ability to extract sebum from the pores of the skin. You don't need to use the extra virgin olive oil, the simple one works just as fine.
• Olive oil for skin rash can be useful when applied (just a few drops) on the skin rash and massaged well.

So now that we know how essential is olive oil for skin care, we must definitely make use of this healing gift of nature instead of wasting our time and money on chemical based products which contains harmful substances. For me, I believe that it is only a natural element that can give you naturally healthy skin. The rest is up to you. Stay healthy, stay beautiful! :-)