5 Ways Your Skin Can Benefit From Using Olive Oil

Want glowing and brighter skin naturally? Olive oil might be the perfect solution for you. The 5000 years old Mediterranean oil, called olive oil is nature's answer to most skin-related queries.

While Vata and Kapha-dominated skin mainly benefits from olive oil, you need to be more careful when applying it to oily skin.

Learn more about your skin first to understand why you have skin problems. Then, you can go for the right solution for your skin type.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

‘’In Ayurvedic wisdom, olive is medium hot in potency, and balances Kapha and Vata dosha. The rich calcium content of olive makes it excellent for skin, hair, and bone health. For best results, Ayurveda recommends daily massage with herb-infused oils before ubtan and bathing.‘’

-Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• What Is Olive Oil?
• Is Olive Oil Good On The Skin?
• Benefits Of Olive Oil For Face
• How To Use Olive Oil For Face Whitening?
• How To Use Olive Oil For Face Massage?
• How To Use Olive Oil At Night?
• How To Use Olive Oil To Fade Dark Spots?
• Side Effects Of Olive Oil
• Frequently Asked Questions On Olive Oil For Skin

What Is Olive Oil?

Olives are a type of Mediterranean fruit that date back to 6000 years, originating in the areas of Iran, Syria, and Palestine. In earlier days, these fruits were used only in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. Today, regular olive oil is used by everyone for cooking, hair care as well as skincare.

There are three types of olive oil. These are extra-virgin olive oil, regular olive oil, and light-tasting olive oil. This popular product is produced by crushing the olive fruit, and then putting it through a centrifugation process to separate the oil from the paste. The oil is then stored in dark steel bottles to prevent oxidation.

Extra virgin olive oil is produced by extracting the oil mechanically from the olives, without applying any heat or chemicals. This method preserves a chemical called phenol in olive oil, which makes it healthier. Olive oil is found in various colors ranging from clear yellow to golden. [1]

Is Olive Oil Good On The Skin?

The cosmetic olive oil that is most commonly used in skincare products, is packed with healthy vitamins, fats, and antioxidants. All these nutrients help make your skin healthier and brighter. Olive oil also moisturizes your skin, reduces signs of aging and stress lines, cleanses the skin, and even reduces the chances of ulcer formation.

Although it has a very thick consistency and has the potential to clog your pores, olive oil is rich in squalene, which has similar properties to the sebum of your skin. If you have Vata-dominant or dry skin, then olive oil is a good substitute for the lack of sebum production in your skin.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says that ‘’In Ayurvedic wisdom, olive is medium hot in potency, and balances Kapha and Vata dosha. The rich calcium content of olive makes it excellent for skin, hair, and bone health. For best results, Ayurveda recommends daily massage with herb-infused oils before ubtan and bathing.‘’

Vedix Tip: Both light and heat are the enemies of olive oil. Make sure to keep your olive oil bottle away from light and heat.

Benefits Of Olive Oil For Face

1. Adds Moisture

As mentioned above, olive oil is rich in squalene. This helps in hydrating and moisturizing your skin, as it is similar to the sebum produced by the skin to keep itself moist and hydrated. Olive oil also contains some amount of linoleic acid that acts as a barrier for your skin, thereby preventing its natural moisture [2] from escaping. [3]

2. Prevents Premature Aging

Premature aging in your skin mostly occurs due to external factors like UV exposure or pollutants. According to a study conducted in 2012, scientists observed that both men and women who consume or use olive oil on their skin have a lower risk of developing early signs of photoaging.[4]

3. Healing Wounds

The anti-inflammatory qualities of olive oil help in healing scars, wounds, and sunburns.

Olive is rich in vitamins A, D, K, and E. This also helps to decrease oxidative stress on your skin, which is a leading cause of premature aging. Triterpenes present in olive oil, help in cell migration, cell proliferation, and collagen deposition [5]. All these processes together, help in healing wounds faster than usual. [6]

4. Cleansing

Our Ayurvedic experts suggest that oils are the best way to cleanse your face if you have naturally dry or Vata-dominant skin. If you have dry skin, it is better to use a facial oil before facewash, for removing your makeup or cleaning your face from impurities. Olive works like magic for removing stubborn cosmetics like mascaras or eyeliners. Do not forget to wash off the oil later using an Ayurvedic facewash.

5. Reduces Pigmentation

Pigmentation or dark spots in your skin appear due to many factors such as acne, eczema, aging, or sunburn, which trigger melanin production in excess. Olive oil helps in lightening such dark spots and improving your skin tone.

The Vitamin C present in olive oil prevents cell damage and promotes cell growth. And, Vitamin A and E in the oil protect your skin from sun damage. Also, Vitamin C and K boost collagen production, which tightens your skin.

How To Use Olive Oil For Face Whitening?

• Take 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of lemon juice.
• Mix the ingredients and apply them to your face.
• Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water, followed by cold water and a natural face wash.
• Follow this procedure 2-3 times a week.

Important Note:

Perform a patch test on your wrist or inside the elbow before applying the olive oil to your face. Do not use the oil if you notice any allergic reaction within 48hours.

How To Use Olive Oil For Face Massage?

• Damp your face with some lukewarm water.
• Take a few drops of olive oil in your palms and apply to your damp face.
• Massage your face lightly in a clockwise direction by using fingers.
• Use an Ayurvedic face wash to cleanse the oil out of your face.
• Avoid using excessive amounts of olive oil as it may clog your pores. [7]

How To Use Olive Oil At Night?

• When using at night, use an unrefined olive oil that is cold-pressed and extra virgin.
• Use a clean piece of cloth or cotton pad to dab the oil all over your face gently. After 15 minutes, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Our experts do not recommend leaving the olive oil on your face overnight.
• You can also mix a tiny amount of olive oil into your regular night cream or moisturizer. Make sure it is the last product you apply to your face before bedtime.

How To Use Olive Oil To Fade Dark Spots?

• Take 1 tbsp of cold-pressed olive oil, 2 tsp of turmeric powder, and 2 tsp of yogurt.
• Mix them into a paste and massage it into your face in a circular motion.
• Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water and pat your face dry.

Side Effects Of Olive Oil

• Excess use of olive oil on your skin can clog your pores, causing acne breakouts.
• Using olive oil without knowing the nature of your skin may result in irritation and allergic skin reaction. A 2012 study found that olive oil can lead to atopic dermatitis in sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions On Olive Oil For Skin

1. Can You Use Olive Oil On Your Skin Every Day?

Yes, you can apply olive oil to your skin and face every day. For Vata-dominant and dry skin, you can directly apply the oil. For Kapha-dominant or oily skin, it is recommended to use olive oil in limited amounts or by mixing it with a light moisturizer. For pitta-dominant or sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before using this oil.

2. Can You Apply Olive Oil Overnight On Your face?

Olive oil is comedogenic. Hence, our experts do not recommend leaving it on your face overnight as it may clog your pores and cause acne.

3. Does Olive Oil Darken The Skin?

No. On the contrary, the antioxidant properties of olive help in lightening your skin tone and reducing dark spots.

4. Which Is Better - Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil For Skin?

Olive oil is richer in antioxidants than coconut oil, making it ideal for treating dark spots and brightening your skin tone. On the other hand, coconut oil has more antimicrobial properties than olive oil, making it a better choice for fighting skin infections and irritation.

If you have dry skin, then you can go for coconut oil for moisturization. But, coconut oil is heavy and comedogenic. Hence, it needs to be applied in a limited quantity and should not be left on the skin for a long time.

The Last Word

From prehistoric times, olive oil is considered a special ingredient for both dietary as well all skincare needs. It not only makes your body healthy but also keeps your skin protected. However, consult a dermatologist and follow the instructions given by the experts regarding the usage and dosage of olive oil for your skin.

At Vedix, we customize an Ayurvedic skin care regimen that best suits your skin type.