The Surprising Benefits of Olive Oil for Your Skin

We all know that olive oil is great for your health and has numerous benefits when it comes to losing weight, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of other diseases. However, did you know that olive oil can also be beneficial for your skin? With regular use, olive oil can have a positive impact on the appearance of the epidermis, from reducing pimples to preventing future damage by environmental stressors like UV rays. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of olive oil for your face and skin, and how to use it to get the best results possible.

What are the benefits of olive oil for your skin?

There are many benefits that this natural oil can provide for your skin. Some of the most notable include fading dark spots and discoloration, reducing acne and blemishes, repairing and protecting your skin from pollutants, protection from UV rays, helping combat dry skin and inflammation, keeping your skin soft and supple. But how does olive oil help with these issues? Well, it contains antioxidants, Vitamin E and fatty acids that help fight free radicals that can cause damage to your skin. Plus, it also contains squalene, which is a naturally occurring compound that can help fight ageing and protect your skin from UV damage. Let's take a look at each topic more closely.

Help fade dark spots and discoloration

Dark spots and discoloration are often caused by environmental damage and can be a result of chronic sun exposure, smoking or even genetics. Thankfully, olive oil can help fade these marks on your skin. It’s rich in antioxidants (which can help reduce pigmentation), melatonin and Vitamin E, making it an excellent choice for tackling problems like dark spots and discoloration. To get the best results, you can apply the oil to your face daily. If possible, try to use high quality, cold-pressed organic olive oil: this will ensure the product you are applying is wholesome and packed with nature's nutrients . You can also add a few drops of olive oil to your regular cleanser to enhance its fading properties. To get the best results, you should use the oil consistently for at least 8 - 12 weeks, depending on how deep your discoloration or dark spots are.

Reduce acne and blemishes

If you are looking for a natural way to reduce acne, olive oil might be the solution. This natural oil contains antioxidants and Vitamin E, both of which can help reduce the occurrence of acne. Additionally, the squalene found in olive oil can help protect the skin from excess oil, which may contribute to acne. If you are looking to reduce the amount of blemishes on your face, you can apply olive oil as a face mask to help draw out impurities. You can also mix a few drops of olive oil into your regular face wash for the same benefit, with the added perk that olive oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and is therefore perfect to apply to acne-prone or acne-affected skin. To get the best results, you should use the oil consistently, morning and evening, for a minimum of three months.

Repair and protect your skin

Olive oil is also ideal for repairing and protecting your skin. The squalene contained in olive oil can help slow the process of ageing, and the Vitamin E can help reduce signs of ageing. Additionally, olive oil is rich antioxidants and fatty acids that can help protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage. To reap these benefits, you can mix the oil with your existing moisturizer and use it every night. You can even apply it pure before going to bed; in this case, massage it for a couple of minutes to help absorbtion and, if there is still some excess oil on your skin, do not rub it off: let it sit during the night, using a towel on your pillow to prevent the oil from staining your pillow case. To get the best results, you should use the oil consistently for at least 2 months.

Protection from UV rays

As we’ve mentioned, olive oil has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from UV rays. The antioxidants in the oil can help combat the free radicals that can cause damage to your skin when exposed to UV radiation. If you regularly apply olive oil to your face, it can help protect your skin from the sun and reduce the likelihood of sun damage, including premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. To help protect your skin, regardless of the season (UV rays can shine through the clouds and can damage your skin even on rainy or winter days), you can mix a few drops of olive oil into your regular moisturizer to protect your skin from the sun. For an extra boost, you can use olive oil directly as a face mask, once or twice a week. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Besides protecting your skin, it will also leave it supple and hydrated: two for one!

Help combat dry skin and inflammation

Olive oil can also be used to help combat dry skin and inflammation. It is a rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used to treat the skin. If you regularly apply olive oil to your face, it can moisturize the skin and reduce the occurrence of breakouts. Mix the oil with your regular face wash to get the same benefits without having to add another step to your regular routine. Afterall, being consistent with use is key, and we all know how easy it is to forget a step of our beauty routine when it gets too complicated, or having to skip our beauty routine altogether when we're in a hurry.

Keep your skin soft and supple

If you have dry, aging skin, you can use olive oil to keep it soft and supple. This oil is a great source of antioxidants, which can help combat the signs of ageing, as well as Vitamin E, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, it is also a rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce signs of ageing, as well as dry patches and other skin problems. To keep your skin soft and supple, add a few drops of olive oil in your night-time moisturizer, or use a few drops, pure, like an oil-serum before going to bed. If your skin is very dry, you can even use a few drops in the morning. Massage the oil well into your skin: the olive oil combined with a little massage will give your skin a healthy and young-looking glow. What a great way to start your day!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many benefits that this natural oil can provide for your skin - and the best part is, you probably already have it at hand in your kitchen or in the pantry. Olive oil contains antioxidants, Vitamin E and fatty acids that fight free radicals and help prevent damage to your skin. It also contains squalene, which can help fight ageing and protect your skin from UV damage. If you are looking to improve the appearance of your skin, regular use of olive oil can be beneficial. With consistent use, you can expect to see fewer dark spots, fewer breakouts and a reduction in the signs of ageing. Whatever your goal, try to choose a high-quality, cold-pressed organic olive oil to get the most out of this natural marvel.