by Skincare-news.com team
There is a reason the olive is so revered in the Mediterranean; this humble and ancient fruit has been used as a culinary and cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, olive oil harbors a treasure trove of good things for the skin, hair and entire body.
No doubt fascinated by its versatile properties, Homer is credited as having described olive oil as “liquid gold.†Clearly this sentiment exists today; we use olive oil for cooking, as a garnish and even in cocktails! And not only have olives appeared in delicious Italian, Greek and French cuisines, it is popping up all over the place in shampoos, hand lotions, soaps, cleansers, scrubs and masks.
Anti-Aging Properties
The ancient Greeks bathed in olive oil and athletes ritually anointed their bodies and skin with the oil. Ancient Egyptians embalmed mummies before burial with olive oil and in ancient Rome; the oil was infused with flowers and herbs to create medicines and cosmetics. Even Cleopatra, celebrated for her beauty and flawless skin, is known to have used olive oil perfumes and cosmetics. Exactly why did so many ancient civilizations revere this humble fruit?
Rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants, olive oil possesses many beneficial ingredients and has many therapeutic applications. Often used in the treatment and prevention of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, olive oil is also used to help regulate cholesterol. When used topically, olive oil moisturizes and protects the skin, keeping it smooth and firm. Hydroxytyrosol, a potent anti-oxidant that is found in olives, along with Vitamin E helps scavenge free-radicals and prevent cell degeneration. Perhaps most importantly, extra-virgin olive oil contains squalene, a very emollient substance similar to sebum. Research has proven that squalene improves elasticity, protects the skin from dehydration and improves vitality and tone.
Olive Oil in Your Beauty Regimen
Aside from incorporating olive oil into your diet, that bottle of olive oil in the kitchen cabinet is also useful in your daily beauty routine. One of the easiest and most affordable facial scrubs can quickly be made in your own kitchen from olive oil and brown sugar. Mix together a few teaspoons of olive oil and the sugar in a small dish until the texture resembles a wet paste, and then apply this mixture to the face in light, circular motions. Rinse completely with warm water and pat dry. If your skin is dry or sensitive, olive oil may also be used as a cleanser. Massage a teaspoon of olive-oil over the face and throat (avoiding the eye area), then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
If making your own skincare isn’t your thing, you are in luck. Many skincare lines are featuring this vital and beneficial ingredient in their formulations. Murad City Skin Detox Treatment, features olea europaea extract while Perfecting Serum, with squalene, will soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as help minimize fine lines and wrinkles. L’Occitane Olive Harvest Olive Face Scrub Mud revitalizes and clarifies the skin with olive fruit oil and extract, as well as shea butter. Dr. Brandt r3p Cream combines the advantages of olive oil with green tea and grapeseed to stimulate cell regeneration and collagen production.
Unlike synthetic oils, olive oil is water soluble, making olive-oil based products very beneficial to the hair. Massage a few teaspoons into the scalp and leave to marinade for approximately 30 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly for shiny, glossy hair. Olive oil may also be used on chapped lips, ragged cuticles or anywhere on the body showing signs of dryness. Similar in composition to sebum, olive oil is naturally very compatible with human skin, making it extraordinarily useful to just about every skin type. And, because it is so mild, allergic reactions are rare.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
Because there are several types of olive oil available, it is important to choose the right one. For cooking, extra virgin—known for a pure and clean taste—is generally regarded as the best choice. When possible, choose cold or expeller pressed olive oils. These are oils that have been extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, and which retain the highest levels of beneficial properties and anti-oxidants. Extra virgin also contains higher levels of Vitamin E and hydroxytyrosol. Other grades include ‘virgin’ and ‘light’ olive oil. These oils have been filtered or refined more than extra virgin and as a result, lose some of their natural properties.
There’s a reason why the olive tree is not only an icon of peace, but has remained a symbol of health, healing, and youth throughout the ages. Add this remarkable fruit into your own skincare diet and enjoy the lush rewards!