Keeping the skin healthy takes a lot of work, but many of the products available online and at your local grocery store don’t use natural, effective ingredients. New research shows that olive oil has antioxidants and other key ingredients that can significantly improve the skin while providing excellent protection against cancer, scarring and more.
One of the most well-known benefits of olive oil is its effect on skin dryness. Adding a few tablespoons of a high-quality olive oil to a bath can prevent dry skin and related conditions like dandruff. Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids and effectively holds moisture to the skin without subsequently drying the skin out, which is a problem with many commercial moisturizers and creams.
Olive oil is also hypoallergenic, so it’s an ideal natural treatment option for people with especially sensitive skin. Unprocessed oil can be applied directly to the skin to treat severe dryness, usually without any allergenic effects thanks to the oil’s simple, natural and unprocessed ingredients.
Some studies have shown that olive oil might have other skin benefits. A study by Arief Budiyanto and others showed that olive oil decreases the risk of UV-related skin cancer in mice. Olive oil is also a well-known source of antioxidants, including hydroxytyrosol, which is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Regular skin treatment with hydroxytyrosol may prevent inflammatory conditions, including acne, and other antioxidants allow the body to repair damaged tissues. For centuries, women have used olive oil to treat stretch marks, and studies have shown that olive oil can stop scarring. Once again, this is due to the antioxidants in olive oil–antioxidants aid cell repair, and they work well when directly applied to damaged tissues.
By regularly using olive oil, you can keep your skin healthy, well-nourished and adequately moisturized. However, you should make sure that you use a good olive oil with good ingredients for the best possible results. When using olive oil for skin treatment, try to find a high-quality, unprocessed oil from a reputable supplier. Processed oils have lower levels of antioxidants, essential fatty oils and other ingredients that help the skin. Unprocessed olive oils also tend to smell better, which makes them ideal for topical application. The light, fragrant smell of fresh olive oil is a perfect added bonus. By regularly consuming and applying high-quality olive oils, you’ll enjoy better-looking skin along the significant health benefits of this great natural remedy.