Image Credit: Fotolia

One of the best beauty products that the nature has in store for us is extra-virgin olive oil. The nutritional content of the oil make it a great moisturizer and protector against free radicals and harmful environment.

Olive oil has been a traditional beauty product for the peoples of Mediterranean Basin for centuries. The oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, polyhenols and phytosterols, which are natural moisturizers, antioxidants and bacteria killers. According to Leslie Baumann, M.D., author of “The Skin Type Solution,” both ways of using olive oil – external application and internal consumption are beneficial for the skin.

The main reason why Baumann praises the using of olive oil for skin is its antioxidant content. There are at least four different antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil, which fight harmful free radicals and thus, lowering the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Baumann advises an uncommon use for olive oil on skin. As olive oil possesses good lubricating properties and the skin cannot absorb the oil too fast, it can serve as a safe and natural product for shaving. Olive oil can substitute two commercials – shaving cream and after-shave balm. You will experience close quality shave without skin redness and irritation afterwards.

There is a number of simple ways of olive oil skin care.

1. Body moisturizer.

Olive oil is a very effective moisturizer. Apply the olive oil on damp skin after bath to make it supple and soft. Olive oil can penetrate deep inside skin layer. It not only hydrates skin, but also provides natural long-lasting shield of moisture to decrease future water loss. Remember to put olive oil on steamed damp after-bath skin to reduce the feeling of greasiness the oil might leave. It might take some time for your skin to absorb olive oil. However, the advantages of this natural product overweight a few inconviences you might experience.

2. Skin scrub.

To get a great natural body scrub, make the mixture of sea salt and olive oil: a little lemon juice or any essential oils would be beneficial as well. Massage the scrub into your body skin to get rid of dead cells and to enrich the new ones.

3. Bath oil.

To relax, nourish and sooth your body with no efforts at all, simply add a few tablespoons of olive oil to bath water. A drop or two of any essential oil on hand will make your bath even more luxurious.

4. Make-up remover & cleanser.

Pure olive oil can remove makeup gently and effectively. You can use the oil even for the delicate skin around eyes without the threat of irritation and allergy. The regular usage of olive oil will smooth out first fine lines near eyes. Alternatively, you can mix the equal doses of olive and castor oils, massage them into face skin and then cleanse your face with a very warm cloth.

5. Lip balm.

Olive oil on lip skin heals dry and chapped thin outer layer. It also provides future protection against aggressive environment.

6. Nail & cuticle care.

Brittle nails and dry cuticle will benefit from olive oil as well. Simply rub a few drops around nails and cuticle area. Sweet almond essential oil will enhance olive oil properties. You will enjoy the natural shine of your nails and plump moist cuticles.

nastassia_green