Olive oil, one of the healthiest oils on the planet, which is made by pressing olives and extracting their oil, comes in many different forms and has many uses. It is widely used for cooking purposes for its rich, nutty flavor and internal health benefits, but do you know that it is also good for your skin?

Olive oil is full of lipids, fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as Vitamins A and E, that provide a level of skin protection to help ward off free radicals and other environmental stressors so you can maintain a youthful appearance.

In a study, it is found that when researchers applied olive oil to the skin of mice that were exposed to ultraviolet rays that could cause cancer, the olive oil worked to fight off the cancer-causing cells. The rates of tumors were significantly lower in the mice that had olive oil applied to their skin.

Skin Benefits of Olive Oil

• Moisturizes Your Skin Without Clogging Pores

Olive oil is one of the most nourishing oils in the world, it is high in anti-aging omega-3 and polyphenols. Because of its deeply hydrating properties, olive oil has been used for skin care and beauty regime for decades. Olive oil moisturizes your skin without clogging its pores.

• Protect Your Skin From Irritants and Balances its Moisture Levels

According to expert, Olive oil balance your skin’s moisture levels and acts as a barrier that irritates. Olive oil has a naturally lower oxidation rate than other skin’s natural oils, so it acts as the perfect barrier to protect skin from irritants.

• Enriched With Skin-Beneficial Nutrients

Besides the antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids, olive oil also contains skin-healing vitamin K and squalene, which help to plump, soften and hydrate the skin. Virgin olive oil is the healthiest variety that offers many skin benefits, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent and shows desired results for those with acne-prone skin.

• Make your skin Healthier, Younger, and Glowing

Olive oil is one of nature’s finest ingredients that help you to achieve and maintain healthy, younger-looking skin. Its lightweight and silky texture work as a daily moisturizer to soften and nourish most skin types while imparting a subtle, natural-looking glow. You can also combine a couple of drops with a serum or moisturizer or with your favorite body lotion to trap moisture and leave your skin feeling smoother.

• Fight Against Bacteria

If you have acne-prone skin, then you should choose your skincare products that contain olive oil, it may help decrease your acne by killing off the bacteria that causes the acne.

• Rich in Antioxidant Properties

Olive oil is enriched with antioxidant properties, so it might help prevent or reverse damage from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation. It is highly concentrated with an ingredient called squalene, it gives olive oil the extra antioxidant boost.

How can You apply olive oil to your face?

Olive oil is used in face wash, soaps, body washes, and lotions. you can directly apply it onto your skin as a moisturizer, if you feel heavy, you can blot off excess oil with a towel or cloth. Whenever you have been exposed to the sun or have a sunburn, you can apply it as a moisturizer. It heals sunburn.

Risks and Warnings

Although Olive oil is beneficial in different ways, studies tell that if you have sensitive skin, oily skin, or suffer from any skin condition such as dermatitis, olive oil might not be the best choice. Before using it on your face, do an allergy test. Rub 2-3 drops of olive oil on your forearm, if you observe no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.

Olive oil has a thick consistency and it is not easily absorbed into the skin, so whenever you apply it on your face, wipe off excess to prevent clogging pores or trapping bacteria. Choose a high-quality olive oil that doesn’t contain any additives or chemicals.