Olive Oil: Nature’s Moisturizer

You can easily go to the mall and spend $25 to $100 on a moisturizer.  In fact, many Americans feel that spending more on beauty products will give better results.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  In fact, you’d be better served to spend $10 to $15 on a bottle of high quality, extra virgin olive oil.

Properties of Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, specifically Vitamin E and Vitamin A.  Antioxidants protect skin from cellular damage and, with long term use, reverse the signs of aging.  Olive oil is hypoallergenic and easily absorbed by skin.  Additionally, olive oil has been shown to reverse sun damage (Carcinogenesis, Vol. 21, No. 11, 2085-2090, November 2000).

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How to use Olive Oil

Olive oil retains its antioxidants the best when not exposed to light and air.  I recommend a cheap hand soap dispenser be used to store olive oil.  Simply pump out some olive oil and massage anywhere you need moisture: cuticles, heels, knees, elbows, eyes, face, and so forth.  Most people will discover that their skin feels significantly softer within a few days of regular use.

When not to use Olive Oil

Olive oil should not be used by the rare few who are allergic to it.  Additionally, if your skin is excessively oily, use olive oil with caution.  Test an oily area with a drop of olive oil for two or three days, and examine the area twice a day.  If the area becomes more oily than usual, or if pimples or whiteheads occur, do not use.  Finally, do not use olive oil in the bathwater as it makes the tub extremely slippery.