Olive oil can support heart health, and neutralize free radicals to slow down the aging process or boost the immune system. However, another lesser-known benefit of olive oil is its beauty-enhancing properties.
Pure olive oil has a bitter taste but contains more antioxidants than refined oils because it undergoes minimal processing. Olive oil can be used in cooking, cosmetics, medicine, soap, or as a raw material for oil lamps. Originally found only in the Mediterranean region, olive oil has become popular worldwide due to its fantastic benefits.
In dietary regimes, olive oil can be mixed with saltwater and consumed with other foods such as bread, pasta, or salads.
Nourishing Skin with Olive Oil
- Abundant Vitamin Source
Olive oil contains many vitamins A, D, K, and E. With the antioxidant properties of phenolics, olive oil can slow down the skin aging process, reduce wrinkles, and prevent damage from UV rays. Additionally, olive oil’s antioxidant ability is further enhanced by containing a substance called squalene compared to other fats or vegetable oils.
- Moisturizing and Bacteria Elimination
Using olive oil soap can moisturize, kill bacteria, cleanse pores, and prevent acne.
Olive oil can be used as a moisturizing cream without the need for additional chemical formulations. Additionally, olive oil can be included in some cosmetics, facial cleansers, soaps, shower gels, and moisturizers.
Hair Care with Olive Oil
If you’ve never used olive oil for hair care, try it once, and you’ll see noticeable results.
Olive Oil Hair Treatment
- Dosage Selection
Depending on the length, thickness of hair, and the user’s desired moisture level, typically, only 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil should be used for the first application.
Massage the scalp to help olive oil penetrate deeply into each hair strand, then cover the hair with a towel or shower cap to allow the oil to penetrate for at least 15 minutes.
Brush the hair with a wide-tooth comb before rinsing with water 1 to 2 times. Then, blow-dry the hair and enjoy the results.
Olive oil hair treatment is not harmful to the scalp, so it should be used at least once a week for the best results. However, olive oil may not be suitable for some types of hair that tend to retain oil longer. Below are some hair types recommended for olive oil moisturizing:
- Thick Hair
Olive oil is most effective for people with dry, thick hair, helping to keep the hair moist and healthy.
People who frequently use styling methods such as perming or dyeing may need olive oil to retain moisture. Note that olive oil should only be used 72 hours after perming or dyeing to avoid unwanted side effects.
- Split Ends
Olive oil can help smooth the ends of broken or split hair.
Olive oil for hair care can help eliminate dandruff on oily skin and is not inferior to advertised anti-dandruff shampoos.
In addition to its health benefits, another advantage of olive oil being explored by experts is its beauty-enhancing properties. The components in olive oil help neutralize free radicals, slowing the aging process and limiting the appearance of acne and wrinkles, keeping the skin radiant and smooth.
Olive oil is also a good moisturizer and hair protectant, helping keep hair strong and dandruff-free.