skincare benefits of olive oil for your skin

Olive Oil has being used for centuries in the Mediterranean regions as healing remedy to cure many diseases, to make soaps and beauty products for the skin, and its scent was often used even as perfume.

Olive Oil was considered a very precious oil and sacred to the goods, and the olive tree branches were considered a symbol of abundance, glory and peace.

In this article, I will tell you more about the ancient use of olive oil for skincare and its benefits for modern-day skincare.

Ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used olive oil in various forms to moisturise and protect their skin.

The Egyptians were known to use olive oil as a natural moisturiser by applying it when bathing to both soften and nourish their skin. Olive oil was also used in their cosmetic products such as makeup and even as perfume. Queen Cleopatra was said to use olive oil mixed with other natural ingredients as a face mask to maintain her skin young and beautiful.

The ancient Greeks said that the goddess Athena had created the olive tree. Olive oil was used to produce both medicine and cosmetics. They believed in the healing properties of olive oil and used it to treat wounds and skin disorders. They also used to help their athletes stay moisturised and protected from the sun.

Hippocrate, the famous Greek medical herbalist recommended olive oil for its medicinal properties and its ability to soothe and heal skin conditions, referring to olive oil as “The Great Healer” and “Liquid Gold”.

The Romans too recognised the benefits of olive oil for skincare using it as a cleanser, moisturiser, and perfume, and Galeno (an other very famous medical herbalist) also praised olive oil for its positive effects on health.

In the Holy Bible olive oil and olive leaves are often mentioned as used in rituals and for healing purpose. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said “Eat olive oil and massage it over your bodies since it is a Holy (Mubarak) tree”. He also stated that olive oil cures 70 diseases.

But what makes olive oil so beneficial for the skin ? ... Well, let’s see.

Olive oil contains healthy fats that help to nourish and hydrate the skin. It is rich in vitamins A and E which both promote collagen growth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and with its antioxidants even helps protect the skin against free radicals. Additionally, olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. It is also great oil for sport massage for sore and tense muscles ... leaving the skin smooth and with a lovely mediterranean smell !!!

A great way to use olive oil in your skincare routine is as body moisturiser by applying a small amount of olive oil to the wet skin after showering, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. You can also create a simple face mask by mixing olive oil with honey and/or yogurt.

When using olive oil as face cleanser or serum, just remember to wipe away any excess which hasn’t been absorbed by the skin to avoid clogging pores.

Today as in the past, olive oil is still a popular ingredient in many skincare products, from cleansers and moisturisers, to serums and face masks. However, it's important to note that not all olive oil is created equal, and unfortunately it is also one of the most adulterated oil, so it is important to get it from quality reliable producers that value high natural quality and avoid too much use of chemicals/pesticides.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined is of the highest quality and it will contain the highest concentration of the oil’s beneficial compounds. Good quality extra virgin olive oil might be expensive but it is worth both in skincare (like a serum or in creams) and for your health by dressing your greens and salads.

Lucky for me I have my own Olive trees in Italy which give me free from chemicals/pesticides and cold-pressed and unrefined extra virgin olive oil rich in natural compounds and with a lovely fresh olive smell that I adore ... which I use of course to make my personal skincare products.

In conclusion, with its abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fats, and therapeutic properties, Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the best oil to use in skincare to help achieve a healthy and glowing skin !!!

Olive oil ... what amazing gift from nature !!!

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