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What first comes into your mind when you heard the term olive oil? Most of you would perhaps agree with the thought that you most commonly referred to it as a means and use for cooking as nutrition and cooking experts agree that it is one of the most versatile and healthy oils to cook with. 

Little did you know that in as much as you love it for cooking, this oil could so much more than that. Turns out, this oil is believed to be good for your skin as well. Yes, Queens! You are seeing things right! This oil could do so much than being used as a mere cooking oil. 

Olive oil comes from the fruit of the Olive tree. You can have the oil by pressing the olive itself. The process by which the oil was pressed pretty much affects the benefits we gained from it.  In cooking, look for those who are labeled as Extra Virgin Olive Oil as it undergoes cold pressing without using any chemicals or heat. 

Olive oil when incorporated into your skincare routine and diet could do so much in achieving that undeniable glow. In fact, this study published in the year 2012 concluded that a diet that includes olive oil and other foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids do so much in treating the skin’s inflammation.

Before heading out to your kitchen and checking your cupboard if you do have one stored, take into consideration first this medical study about the direct application of pure olive oil. It was inferred that direct application for about a month can trigger allergic reactions. Thus, it is highly advisable to go over with skincare products infused with this hearth healthy oil as they typically contain extracts only or balance the oil with other ingredients to reap off full skincare benefits. Excited to take a look at your favorite beauty bottles? Olive oil, when listed as part of the skincare ingredients is most commonly labeled as (1) hydrogenated olive oi, (2) Olea europaea fruit oil, (3) olive acid, (4) potassium olivate, and (5) sodium olivate. 

Truly, apart from dominating the kitchen needs, olive oil is also making noise in the beauty and skincare world. Listed below are the skin-loving benefits that this healthy oil offers that your skin would probably love. 

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants 

Olive oil contains a high concentration of this ingredient called, squalene oil which is naturally produced by our body. It makes up 10-12% of your skin’s natural oils. It is a lipid or fat made naturally by our oil glands – sebaceous glands to be exact, with the primary purpose of hydrating and maintaining our skin’s barrier. This oil then gives olive oil an added boost of antioxidants. Its high polyphenol content enables it to act against the formation of free radicals caused by exposure to harmful environmental aggressors. Skincare products infused with olive oil as part of the ingredients could help address signs of premature skin aging. 

On the other note, consider olive oil-infused skin care products as your additional sun protection. This research (https://academic.oup.com/carcin/article/21/11/2085/2908770) suggests that the application of olive oil after direct exposure to sunlight potentially fights off cancer-causing cells. 

Olive oil is packed with skin-loving vitamins 

Olive oil is packed with fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, helpful in preventing sun damage by interrupting the process that breaks down collagen, vitamin D, which plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation, vitamin E, which helps combat inflammation, moisturize the skin and reduces signs of skin aging and lastly, vitamin K, which helps to aid the body’s process of blood clotting. Thus making olive oil an ideal skincare ingredient to protect the skin most especially in the colder seasons and nourish even the most sensitive skins. 

Olive oil has antibacterial properties 

Dealing with acne-prone skin? The good thing is, olive oil does all the wonders for you. This study published in the year 2017 further explored the antibacterial activity of olive oil. The oil’s vitamin D content is of big help if you are dealing with rosacea as it as well helps in calming down the inflammation. Not only does it work in getting rid of skin bacteria it also does contribute to the skin’s healing process. This study published in the year 2015  concluded that olive oil is effective in wound healing as subjected to people with foot ulcers caused by typed 2 diabetes that gives a positive result. 

Olive oil helps repair damaged skin tissues 

Skin being our body’s largest organ that primarily protects you from all the environmental aggressors means that extra care is really needed. Thus, making olive oil is one of your go-to solutions in dealing with repairing the damages of skin tissues.
Its potent dose of skin benefitting vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D. Vitamin  E plays a vital role in one’s skin health as explored by this study published in the year 2000 whereas, the topical application of products rich in vitamin E helps reduce acute and chronic skin damage caused by UV radiation. 

Dealing with dry, flaky skin during this cold season? Olive oil got you covered on that matter as well as the healing properties and the regenerative properties that vitamin A, E, and D content of olive oil addresses that skin concern of yours. 

Olive oil adds up to the firmness of the skin

Olive oil’s natural fatty acid content helps revitalize the skin revealing a softer and firmer skin. Vitamin A and E content are of big help in strengthening the firmness of the skin’s epidermis. On the other note, its oelic acid content which accounts for 55-83% of its fatty acid content, is a gift to all those who are dealing with dry, aging skin which penetrates deeply into the skin’s surface, replenishing all the lost moisture vital in keeping your skin hydrated and young-looking as it helps stimulate cell regeneration thus giving your skin elasticity and natural shine.

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