Ever since Jennifer Lopez revealed that olive oil, not Botox, is the secret to her youthful glow (and is also the hero ingredient in her new skincare line), the kitchen staple has been trending again for its skin care benefits. While olive oil has been incorporated into skincare products for years and a Google search will lead you to many DIY recipes using it, there are still some things that you will want to know before going to the kitchen and slathering your face with the precious oil.
What are the benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, general practitioner Dr. Diana Gall tells Good Housekeeping that olive oil can help prevent skin oxidation, sun damage and premature aging. Its anti-inflammatory benefits help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology, Dr. Caroline Robinson, also shares with Instyle that it has a high percentage of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that is essential to the skin. You can also benefit from this fatty acid through your diet.
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What are the disadvantages of olive oil?
Olive oil is fairly comedogenic. That means that it can clog pores and trigger breakouts for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein adds that olive oil may also disrupt the delicate skin barrier. Dr. Robinson points out that oleic acid has "kinks within its chain." These missing links allow water or moisture to escape and potentially increase further dehydration of the skin. However, everyone's skin is different so if your skin is not sensitive or acne prone, dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara gives Cosmopolitan the go-ahead. Start with a couple of drops first as a little goes a long way when it comes to facial oils. If there are no adverse reactions, you may continue.
Other uses for olive oil.
Pre-shampoo treatment
Allure suggests heating up some olive oil in the microwave or place a jar of it in hot water. Make sure that it's not too hot then apply it generously to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes for deep conditioning and then jump in the shower and shampoo it out.
Lip and body scrub
Mix coarse sugar and a teaspoon of oil to get rid of dead skin on lips. You can add some lemon juice for its exfoliation benefits. Just expand the recipe if you intend to use it as a body scrub. This is a friendly scrub for the elbows and knees.
Shaving oil
If you've run out of shaving cream, olive oil will do in a pinch. This natural lubricant will save you from bumps and razor burns easily.
Cracked-heel remedy
Rough heels need extra care and moisture. Exfoliate your thick heels with a pumice stone then apply olive oil on your feet. Wear socks to seal in the moisturizing treatment before going to bed.
Related article: Dermatologists Teach You How to Repair and Protect Your Skin's Moisture Barrier