Benefits vs. Drawbacks: Is Olive Oil Really Good For Your Skin?

Olive oil is a popular natural remedy for skin issues. But does it really work and is it effective for all skin types? We explore the benefits and drawbacks of using olive oil for your skin. Spoiler alert: it's mostly good news! However, everyone's skin is different, so be sure to consult with a doctor or dermatologist if you have any specific concerns and always make a patch test before switching to a new skincare routine.  

Olive Oil Benefits for Skin

Starting with good news, here is the list of potential benefits you might have from olive oil: deep hydration, reduced inflammation, gentle exfoliation, reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, swelling, and soothed dry or irritated skin, and protection from oxidative stress and premature aging.

Provides deep hydration

Olive oil contains squalane and vitamin E, and thanks to those two ingredients, it has a natural capacity to provide deep hydration. While squalane supports skin’s moisture retention, vitamin E augments the skin’s capacity to absorb and retain water.

Reduces inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil may help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. Olive oil contains antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants help calm redness and irritation caused by acne or psoriasis. They also protect against free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and premature aging of the skin.

Gently exfoliates

Olive oil contains alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, which stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth. The result is smoother-looking skin. As you might know, acids have a broad spectrum of benefits for our skin; however, you need to know which is beneficial for your specific skin concern.

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Olive oil contains vitamin E, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants that help protect against free radicals, which contribute to aging.

Reduces puffiness and swelling

The antioxidant known as oleocanthal may reduce inflammation and swelling associated with a lot of different concerns and (skin) conditions, such as rosacea. You can also use olive oil to reduce the puffiness and swelling under your eyes. Simply place a warm compress over your eye for about five minutes to allow the antioxidants to penetrate. It might even be helpful to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, but keep in mind to be careful as this area of your face is extremely sensitive.  Olive oil can be used as a moisturizer, make up remover, sunscreen, or exfoliator.

Helps soothe dry or irritated skin

Olive oil can help relieve dry skin and irritation from psoriasis and eczema. Applying pure, cold-pressed olive oil to affected areas of the skin can also help your body heal by moisturizing the skin and keeping it hydrated. This might be helpful, especially in winter months when our skin needs extra attention.

Protects from oxidative stress and premature aging

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Oxidative stress is involved in several age-related conditions, including premature aging. That particular process can produce free radicals, chemicals that can potentially damage cells. Olive oil contains large amounts of antioxidants (and fatty acids), which are substances that prevent oxidation. In short, olive oil can help protect from oxidative stress and, consequently, premature aging.  

Olive Oil Drawbacks for Skin

After listing all the potential benefits of using olive oil, we want you to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as possible breakouts, your skin becoming heavy and greasy, the appearance of blackheads, or even skin irritation.

May cause breakouts

Many times, we have heard the question: is olive oil comedogenic? Pure, cold-pressed olive oil is high in oleic acid, which can be comedogenic for some people. This means that it can potentially clog pores and lead to acne outbreaks by blocking the skin’s natural functions. If you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to use a diluted form of olive oil or avoid it altogether.

Can be heavy and greasy

Some people find pure, cold-pressed olive oil to be too heavy and greasy for their skin type. If this is the case for you, try mixing it with another light oil, such as jojoba oil, before applying it to your skin.

May increase the appearance of blackheads

The same high level of oleic acid that can cause breakouts in some people can also lead to the formation of blackheads. If you’re noticing an increase in blackheads when you start using olive oil, try using a lower concentration or switch to a different type of oil, such as coconut oil.

May cause rash or skin irritation

Some people may experience a rash or skin irritation when using olive oil. You can be allergic, and if any sign of an allergy or irritation appears, discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately.  

How to Use Olive Oil in Your Skincare Routine?

Olive oil can be used in skincare routines in several ways, acting as a makeup remover, moisturizer, sunscreen, eye cream, exfoliator, lip balm, or face mask. 

Makeup remover 

Take a few drops of olive oil on a cotton ball and gently wipe off your makeup. Repeat until all the makeup is gone. 

Moisturizer 

If you use olive oil as a moisturizer, a way to do it is to mix one part of olive oil with three parts of your favorite moisturizer and then apply it to the face and neck. 

Sunscreen 

Mix two tablespoons of olive oil with one tablespoon of zinc oxide and apply to skin. 

Eye cream 

If you place a few drops of olive oil around the eyes and gently massage it, olive oil can serve as your eye cream.  

Exfoliator

Olive oil is a great natural ingredient for exfoliation. Mix two tablespoons of sugar with one tablespoon of olive oil, rub in a circular motion, and rinse with warm water. 

Lip balm 

Apply a thin layer of olive oil to your lips and massage in. 

DIY Olive Oil Face Mask 

Olive oil can be a perfect face mask if you're into DIY skincare solutions. All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of olive oil with two tablespoons of honey. In addition, you can use FOREO Imagination™ DIY mask base with a unique, silky-smooth formula that acts as an ultra-hydrating base for your homemade mask. 

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It spreads evenly across your face, while FOREO's Triple Infusion Complex empowers active vitamins and minerals in your fruits and veggies to penetrate deep into the skin. 

Apply to the face and leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. 

Power Activated Face Mask 

The mask of your dreams is finally a reality. Pair with UFO ™ 3 deep hydration device for a deeply relaxing facial treatment that smooths and replenishes skin while you sleep, so you wake up looking well-rested and radiant. Namely, FOREO’s Call It a Night face mask rejuvenates tired skin, leaving it smoother than silk. It also revitalizes skin, revealing a more luminous complexion. 

The Call It a Night face mask will nourish your skin so gently because of its main ingredient – olive oil. Olive oil penetrates deep into the skin to provide a long-lasting shield of moisture that keeps skin nourished all night. Olive oil also contains essential fatty acids that replenish dry skin, leaving it smooth and supple. Restore your skin as you sleep and wake up with a silky smooth complexion.

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What Is the Best Olive Oil for Your Skin?

Not all olive oils are created equal. When selecting olive oil for skincare, be sure to choose one that is cold-pressed and pure. Avoid oils that are processed or have added ingredients.  

Olive oil is a powerhouse, when you use it right

When it comes to skincare, olive oil is a powerhouse. It contains a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to use a high-quality product and to be aware of any potential drawbacks. By using olive oil correctly, you can improve the appearance and health of your skin. So, if you want to use olive oil on your skin, just be sure to use it in moderation and watch out for any adverse reactions. If you don't notice any side effects, incorporate olive oil into your skincare routine and enjoy its benefits.

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Final tips

We have found a few final tips concerning olive oil from the North American Olive Oil Association that suggests the following:  1. Keep small bottles of olive oil in your bathroom, as hot, steamy bathrooms and exposure to light can cause olive oil to spoil.  2. Use the olive oil quickly to avoid rancidity.  3. Consider a plastic bottle, as a slippery olive oil bottle can fall and shatter on a tile floor.

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