Using Olive Oil on Your Skin-Cheap, Natural, Safe

With all of the talk over the last decade or so about the health benefits of eating & cooking with olive oil, it's something most of us have in our homes at all times and can be purchased relatively affordably.

However, olive oil can also be used topically.  Women in the mediterranean have been using it for thousands of years to protect their skin.  Extra Virgin olive oil is very moisturizing and provides the antioxidants, Vitamins A & E, that are said to help repair and renew the skin.  It can also help protect against sun damage and cancer (however, it is not a replacement for a good natural sunscreen when you're going to be out in the sun for extended periods).  The squalene in it is said to help regulate sebum (your skin's natural oil) & the chlorophyll can help heal wounds, scars & acne.

Here are some ways you can add extra virgin olive oil to your beauty routine:

• As a moisturizer.  This works best when you apply it to wet skin so it locks in the hydration.  Be sure to let the oil soak into your skin before you get dressed so it doesn't stain your clothes.
• For cradle cap.  Olive oil is one of the most recommended treatments for cradle cap.  Massage a small amount onto baby's head and brush with a gentle baby brush to remove flakes.
• In an exfoliating scrub.  I love to add olive oil to my homemade salt & sugar scrubs.  Mix with brown sugar or salt (kosher or sea salt).  Add just enough that the salt sticks together when squeezed.  It should not drip.  You can customize your scrub by adding epsom salt, coffee grounds, essential oils, etc.
• As a cuticle treatment.  Massage a couple drops of olive oil into your cuticles a couple times a week.  For extra treatment, put gloves on when you're done so the heat can help penetrate.
• As an eye makeup remover.  Put a couple of drops on an organic cotton pad & rub.  Not only will it remove eyeshadow but olive oil can be very effective in removing waterproof mascara.  You also get the added benefit of it moisturizing & renewing the delicate skin around your eyes.
• As a hair treatment.  Olive oil can add moisture & shine to your hair.  It can also help with dandruff, especially when you add a drop of tea tree oil.  Rinse hair after.
• In a bath.  Add to your bathwater for all over moisture.  Just be mindful when you stand up.  It can make the bathtub slippery.
• As a lip moisturizer.  Rub a drop our two into your lips to add moisture, repair chapped lips & add natural shine
• As a facial cleanser.  Oil dissolves oil making it a great, gentle way to cleanse your skin, even oily skin, without stripping it and over drying it.  For more information on oil cleansing, check out The Oil Cleansing Method.

Resources:

The Olive Oil Source

Discovery Health: How Stuff Works

The Oil Cleansing Method

Olive Oil Benefits