How to Use Olive Oil for Facial Care

Olive oil has been used as a cosmetic for centuries, making it one of the earliest beauty products utilized by ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Back then, people did not understand why olive oil made the skin smooth, soft, and clean, but scientists today have discovered the unique properties of this oil. Notably, olive oil contains polyphenols, antioxidants that help protect the skin. Over the years, various methods have been developed to incorporate olive oil into facial skin care routines.

Select the right type of oil. There are many varieties of olive oil available in supermarkets, each labeled differently, such as light (processed with a mild flavor), pure (refined and filtered), virgin (almost pure but slightly less than extra virgin), and extra virgin (completely unrefined). The differences stem from three main factors: the oil extraction process, any additional ingredients added before bottling, and the free oleic acid concentration in the final product. For skin care, extra virgin olive oil is the recommended choice.

• Although refined olive oil may seem suitable due to its odorless nature, only pure oils like extra virgin contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals beneficial to the skin.

Check to ensure you’re buying a genuine product. Research shows that approximately 70% of pure olive oil is adulterated with lower quality oils like sunflower or canola oil.

• To guarantee the quality of the oil you’re purchasing, ensure the brand is certified by the International Olive Council.
• In the United States, the North American Olive Oil Association provides a quality certification label for olive oil products.

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place. Heat and sunlight lead to oxidation, which diminishes the beneficial components in the oil.

• Oxidation occurs over time. The oil may develop a rancid smell, affecting its taste, and depleting its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Use the oil cleansing method. Though it may sound counterintuitive, olive oil is excellent for cleaning your skin. In chemistry, substances with similar structures dissolve each other. Therefore, olive oil is more effective than many water-based facial cleansers in removing oils and dirt from the skin’s surface.

• Olive oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types.

Remove makeup. Olive oil is commonly used as a makeup remover, and you can add a bit of lemon juice to prevent acne.

• Lemon juice helps treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Olive oil can be mixed with aloe vera juice to enhance hydration and soothe irritated skin while removing makeup.
• As it is gentler than many chemical makeup removers, olive oil is a favorite choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies to ingredients found in store-bought removers.

Exfoliation. Combine olive oil with sea salt or sugar to create a natural exfoliant. Mix about one tablespoon of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of salt or sugar, apply the mixture to your face, and rinse with warm water.

• Sugar is gentler than salt, so opt for sugar if you have sensitive skin. Brown sugar is even milder than white sugar, making it ideal for very sensitive skin.

Acne Treatment. Olive oil has several properties that help treat acne effectively.

• It also has natural antibacterial properties, which help prevent acne-causing bacteria.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil reduce redness and swelling caused by acne.

Moisturizing. Olive oil is more effective at moisturizing than many water-based products on the market.

• You can use olive oil to massage your face or mix it with other ingredients. For instance, add fragrance by combining it with lavender oil, rosewater, or lemon verbena.
• Olive oil can also soothe severe skin conditions like eczema.

Face Masks. Olive oil can be mixed with various natural ingredients to make face masks. The effectiveness of the mask will vary depending on the ingredients you combine.

• For dry skin, mix half a tablespoon of olive oil with one egg yolk and one tablespoon of flour. If the mixture becomes too thick to apply, add more olive oil. Apply the mixture to your face for about 20 minutes to hydrate your skin.

Reduce Wrinkles. Olive oil boosts the skin's elasticity, helping to smooth out wrinkles.

• Apply a small amount of olive oil around the eye area before bed or when you wake up in the morning. If you store the oil in the fridge, it will thicken and have a cream-like consistency.

Fading Scars. The vitamins and minerals in olive oil help promote skin cell regeneration.

• To fade scars, apply olive oil directly to the scar for about 5 minutes and leave it on for 10 minutes before gently wiping it off.
• Adding a little lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to the olive oil can be especially effective for hyperpigmented scars. Just make sure to avoid direct sun exposure after applying the mixture, as lemon juice can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.