Olive oil is not just a delicious and necessary ingredient in your food prep routine. It’s also a natural skincare powerhouse and it’s been used for this purpose for centuries.

But I’m not referring to just any olive oil, though. I’m referring to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), This is the olive oil that’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, and actually nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. This is because it contains ingredients that hydrate and protect the skin, including:

• squalane (which helps skin retain moisture)
• vitamin E (which helps the skin absorb and retain water, and protects against ultraviolet light)
• antioxidants (which helps prevent early signs of aging by trapping free radicals)
• polyphenols (which are powerful antioxidants that helps combat free radicals)
• anti-inflammatory properties (which soothes and calms irritate)

Olive oil can also help:

• rejuvenate and heal damaged skin
• effectively work as a makeup remover
• promote wound healing

There is one caveat, however: if used too much, olive oil can clog pores, so it's best used only once or twice a week.

If you do choose to use olive oil on your skin, choose a cold-pressed and unrefined EVOO. It makes an excellent exfoliator when paired with coffee grinds, sugar, sea salt, or corn meal. Gently massage it into your skin to remove dead cells and reveal a radiant complexion.

EVOO is good at protecting against sun damage; it helps reduce the risk of premature aging and wrinkles, increases the skin’s moisture retention capacity, and can soothe the skin.

It’s also nourishes nails. Just rub a few drops into your cuticles to keep them hydrated and to prevent dryness.

Research shows EVOO is an excellent hair conditioner, too. After shampooing, apply a generous amount of olive oil to your damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave the olive oil in for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deep conditioning treatment. Then rinse out the olive oil thoroughly with warm water and style as usual.

Ready to expand your olive oil use and experience its beauty benefits? If so, be sure you choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, as mentioned above). An easy and sure way to know your oil is top quality is to pick one with the California Olive Oil Council logo on its label. This is an oil that’s perfect for both culinary and beauty purposes. Olive oil has been nicknamed “Natures beauty elixir,” and as you can see, the title fits!

    Alice Osborne
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com