12 Unexpected Beauty Uses for Olive Oil
Over the last decade, everyone has been harping on the beauty benefits of olive oil, but the truth is this kitchen staple has been used on the body since ancient times (thank you, Cleopatra). Naturally, olive oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it superb for hair, skin, and nails. Just like coconut oil, it’s an essential in any DIY beauty maven’s kit.
1. Preshampoo Hair Treatment
Olive oil has been used as a hair treatment since ancient Egyptian times. First, warm the olive oil in the microwave or in hot water. Then apply it generously to the ends of hair and scalp. Leave it in for up to 10 to 20 minutes, and then shampoo it out.
2. Lip Scrub
Combine coarse sugar with a teaspoon of olive oil for a chapped-lip fix. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for added flavor and acidic exfoliating properties. This scrub is good enough to eat (literally). Plus, you can expand the recipe for your whole body.
3. Eye-Makeup Remover
We know what you’re thinking—slathering olive oil all over your face would actually cause bigger problems and clog pores. But in actuality, the oil grabs onto other oil-based products (think: Like attracts like), making it a great precleansing step to remove stubborn eye makeup. Follow it up with warm water and a pH-balanced face wash.
4. Ear-Wax Remedy
If you often have ear-wax buildup, turn to olive oil to flush out the clog. For three or four nights, put a few drops in the ears before bed to help loosen excess wax.
5. Shine Serum
There’s no need to buy a separate hair product to impart shine on second-day strands. Just rub a few drops of olive oil on flyaway ends after styling for an extra-glossy finish.
6. Shaving Cream
Run out of shaving cream? Head to the kitchen and slather legs with olive oil before applying the blade. You’ll ward off razor burn and bumps with the help of this natural lubricant.
7. Antibacterial Balm
If you’re taking an all-natural approach to medicine, you can whip up this DIY recipe for a Neosporin knockoff. It includes antibacterial olive oil along with lavender, calendula, and tea tree oil to ward off germs and scarring.
8. Cuticle Conditioner
Want to grow longer, stronger nails? Use olive oil as your cuticle softener. Chef Giada De Laurentiis applies the oil to her hands as she cooks, and you can easily keep a little by the sink for post-sanitizing moisture.
9. Eczema Remedy
The best and most widespread use for olive oil is as an intense moisturizer. This product works great as an allover treatment for extra-dry skin. Since it’s natural, it’s the ideal pick for eczema and more.
10. Diaper-Rash Treatment
There are very few products that are safe for both babies and adults. Olive oil is perfect for the sensitive skin on a baby’s bottom and as a moisturizing remedy for cradle cap too.
11. Cracked-Heel Repair
Split, rough heels need moisture to heal. After exfoliating with a pumice stone, apply olive oil to feet. Put on socks to lock in the hydrating treatment as you sleep.
12. Makeup-Brush Cleaner
Cleaning your makeup brushes should be a monthly ritual. You can use a DIY cleanser that’s two parts antibacterial soap and one part olive oil.
Hand Cream with 100% organic olive oil and organic aloe vera
Hand cream with organic olive oil and organic aloe vera, rich in Beeswax, vitamins A, B-complex, C and E. This moisturizing cream keeps hands naturally hydrated leaving skin soft, while at the same time it treats the skin. Light texture allowing it to be easily absorbed without leaving traces of oiliness. Ideal for daily use, suitable for all seasons. This moisturizing cream keeps hands naturally hydrated leaving skin soft, while at the same time it treats the skin. Light texture allowing it to be easily absorbed without leaving traces of oiliness. Ideal for daily use, suitable for all seasons.
Organic Olive oil contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols. When topically applied, help and protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light. Unlike commercial moisturizers that can clog pores and exacerbate current skin conditions, olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin.
Organic Aloe vera: Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice can soothe skin and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Aloe protects the skin from UV damage. The herb contains aloin, which can block up to 30 percent of the ultraviolet rays when applied to the skin’s surface. This plant, contains an impressive number of vitamins, including A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, E, Choline and Folic Acid. These vitamins are great for protecting the skin from free radicals, dangerous compounds that cause signs of premature aging due to damaging effects on the DNA and other cell structures. The herb also contains enzymes, which are the life-principle in every live. These organic molecules rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin. Scientists have shown that skin can absorb the key ingredients of Aloe up to 7 layers deep. Aloe also acts as a moisturizing agent. The herb can be an effective humectant, increasing water retention in the skin. It moisturizes skin and also has antimicrobial properties against many common bacteria and fungi
