As a passionate skincare enthusiast, I always find myself gravitating towards natural solutions, like reaching for that bottle of olive oil in my kitchen cabinet to use as a moisturizer. But, is it actually beneficial for your skin? Well, it really depends on your skin type. We all have unique skin, which means our reactions to different products, including olive oil, vary slightly.
In skincare, the quality of your products is crucial. Hence, it's important to use unrefined, minimally processed olive oil – in other words, opt for extra virgin olive oil. Refined olive oil might lack the skin-loving elements such as antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamins, which negates the purpose of applying it to your skin.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, olive oil is fantastic for maintaining your skin's cell membranes and shielding it from free radicals, which are harmful elements from external sources like X-rays, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and pesticides. Olive oil is also packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, aiding in nurturing a healthy skin barrier and sealing in moisture, resulting in well-hydrated skin.
When should you include olive oil in your skincare routine?
It's versatile enough to be used at any step – whether it's removing makeup, cleansing, or moisturizing your skin. Regardless of your skin type, using oil-based cleansers is a must. They're effective in melting away excess oils and makeup from your skin. This is because oil attracts oil. Since olive oil is all-natural and free of harsh chemicals, it cleanses your face without disrupting your skin's natural microbiome. If you have dry skin, using just the oil as a cleanser might suffice. However, if you have acne-prone or combination skin, following up with another cleanser might be beneficial.
Although olive oil isn't inherently moisturizing as it lacks water, it has properties that help retain moisture. With its occlusive qualities, it forms a barrier to trap in water and protect your skin from external elements.
For those with sensitive, oily skin, or conditions like dermatitis, olive oil might not be the ideal choice for skincare. It's wise to do a patch test (maybe on your neck or wrist) to see how your skin reacts. So, what's the general consensus? Olive oil can indeed be beneficial for your skin. Just make sure to consider your skin type and what you hope to achieve with its use.
Baci, Chiara
