Olive Oil Can Transform Your Skin—Here’s How it Soothes, Moisturizes and More
A skincare expert breaks down just how effective the kitchen staple can be when it comes to skin
When you first think of olive oil, perhaps cooking comes to mind. However, like many common kitchen staples like honey and baking soda, olive oil isn’t just good for our health but also for our skin and hair. It can help with everything from soothing inflammation to protecting skin against aggressors and nourishing skin on the face and body. And the best part? It can be found right at the grocery store or already in your kitchen to use it in DIY ways at home. To get the scoop on all things olive oil when it comes to skin, we talked to a top dermatologist. Keep reading for the benefits of olive oil for skin, how to use it and more.
Olive oil benefits for skin
Olive oil contains vitamins and antioxidants that prevent premature aging and sun damage, plus it helps to moisturize your skin on your face and body. Below, Jodi LoGergo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner certified in family medicine and dermatology, shares exactly how it works to boost skin health.
Olive oil is an antioxidant
Antioxidants are amazing at defending your skin cells against external damage or inflammation and environmental aggressors. How does it work? “Olive oil contains hydrophilic phenols which have antioxidant properties higher than vitamin E [which is known for being high in antioxidants],” says LoGerfo. “When applied to skin, olive oil’s antioxidant content may protect skin against environmental damage and premature aging.” Further, olive oil contains squalene, which is a powerful, natural antioxidant found in our skin, she adds.
Olive oil is an anti-inflammatory for skin
Dealing with inflammation from weather changes, rosacea or just a random flare-up? Olive oil may be able to help. “The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil might be soothing to skin, possibly helping skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema,” LoGerfo tells us. She even goes on to compare it to one of the most well-known OTC drugs. “One of the compounds that has anti-inflammatory properties is like those in ibuprofen.”
Olive oil can moisturize the skin
As we age, our skin naturally tends to lose moisture, making it drier and less supple. To the rescue: olive oil. LoGerfo explains, “Olive oil also could have excellent moisturizing qualities without being overly comedogenic (it has a comedogenic rating of 2).” However, while it has a low comedogenic rating, that isn’t to say that it’s completely non-comedogenic, which is something to keep in mind if you already have oily or acne-prone skin.
“When you use olive oil topically, skin feels comfortable, non-stripped and soft and silky. However, in studies, true benefits and understanding of olive oil on skin are not so clear and more research is needed,” LoGergo warns.
Downsides of using olive oil for skin
While there are many olive oil benefits for skin, just like with any ingredient, it’s not suited for everyone. There are a few downsides to consider before trying olive oil for your skin.
It may negatively affect the skin barrier
“In studies, olive oil was shown to possibly disrupt the skin barrier, having a potentially harmful effect on the skin’s stratum corneum integrity as well as a negative effect on the function of the skin barrier,” LoGergo advises. “In the study, there was also increased water loss after topical application of olive oil. Therefore, there could be some downsides.”
Olive oil could potentially lead to acne
Clogged pores are a common cause of breakouts, and you run that risk with olive oil. “Even though it has a comedogenic rating of 2 and should be okay for most people, it could theoretically clog pores in others. If an individual has acne or acne-prone or oily skin, the thick texture of olive oil could undoubtedly be pore clogging,” notes LoGerfo.
Who should and shouldn’t use olive oil for skin?
Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to understand your skin type and what it can and can’t handle. When it comes to olive oil, as aforementioned, it could potentially be pore-clogging, so those with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid it.
Additionally, “If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you should not use olive oil topically as it can feed the microorganisms that cause it,” says LoGerfo. “The potential for allergy exists with anything that is topically applied. If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to olives, you should not apply olive oil to your skin.” She recommends doing a patch test before use: “Apply a small amount of olive oil to your inner arm 3 times a day for 3 days to see if you have any issues.”
With all that said, olive oil works better for those with dry skin or mature skin that is dry, thanks to its anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
How to use olive oil for skin
If you have no issues with the patch test and feel your skin is suitable for olive oil, you now need to know the best ways to apply it and incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Use olive oil as an oil cleanser
Oil cleansers are huge in the skincare world right now as part of the “double cleanse” method, and we’re all for it. They help to remove makeup and sunscreen your regular cleanser doesn’t always get.
“Oil cleansing [using olive oil] entails using a small amount of olive oil onto dry skin, then washing it off. Some people tissue it off. Regardless if you wipe the oil off or wash it off, you should do a second cleanse with a cleanser of your choice,” says LoGerfo. “Double cleansing may be helpful, especially if you wear makeup during the day or if you have very greasy skin. If you wear makeup, going over your skin with an oil like olive oil could be helpful.”
While you can totally use organic extra virgin olive oil from the grocery store for this, if you’re looking for a product, one that LoGerfo recommends is DHC Olive Concentrated Cleansing Oil.
Use olive oil as a moisturizer
Olive oil is a great nourisher that can add moisture to not just dry skin, but also lips, nails and more. “Applying a few drops to skin when damp after you cleanse it will help to lock in the moisture to your skin. The same can be said for dry lips,” explains LoGerfo. “If you drop a bit of olive oil onto parched or chapped lips, it may help hydrate them. I have found that olive oil could be a good moisturizer for hands, nails or cuticles.”
For your nails and cuticles, or to fix makeup smudges, LoGerfo likes DHC Olive Virgin Oil Swabs. “These are cotton swabs infused with olive oil. They are pre-moistened and can clean up makeup mistakes around the eyes. They are individually wrapped, which is awesome when on the go. My mother loves these!”
Or, to moisturize the skin on your body, try Korres Pure Greek Olive Body Cream. LoGerfo’s pick for an olive oil body lotion is Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion: “The price is right!”
Try a DIY olive oil face mask
Olive oil is a common DIY face mask ingredient. LoGerfo says one of the most common recipes she hears is using 1 Tbs. of plain yogurt, 1 Tbs. of honey and 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Mix together and apply to your face, leaving on for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash the mask off with lukewarm water. 1-2 times a week works well for this mask.
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