(Free photo 7916451 © Martinased – Dreamstime.com)
Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids which are considered to be a healthy dietary fat. Olive oil can help prevent many disease and illnesses including cardiovascular disease which is one of the leading cause of deaths in the United States.
Olive oil contains several moisturizing properties that are beneficial for your skin. It contains squalane, an oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum. However, one important factor to keep in mind is that olive oil is high in oleic acid which means that it is comedogenic. In other words, olive oil can easily clog your pores which can lead to break outs. I would personally avoid putting olive oil directly on my face, however it can be used in other ways in your beauty regimen!
Here are three beauty tricks that are quick, easy, and inexpensive using extra virgin olive oil. (Make sure it’s extra virgin olive oil!)
1: Soften Nail Cuticles
(Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay)
Olive oil can help soften hands and feet from rough and dry skin. It can also help soften any rough cuticles before your next mani and pedi session. Add some olive oil to warm water and let your hands or feet soak in it for a few minutes. Afterwards, moisturize with a high quality cream and your skin should feel silky smooth!
2: Body/Lip Scrub
For the body scrub: Mix one part extra virgin olive oil and one part finely grounded brown sugar. You can use this on your hands, feet, or body while in the shower. Be careful not to slip while in the shower! The sugar will scrub away any dead skin cells on your body and the olive oil will help moisturize and condition your skin. Be sure not to use SALT. Salt will be too rough and drying on your skin.
For your lips: Mix one part extra virgin olive oil, one part sugar, and one part honey. Again, the sugar will act as a natural scrub while the oil moisturizes. The honey is also a natural antiobiotic and has some healing properties which can help soothe any cuts on your skin.
3: Hair Mask
After shampooing your hair, apply some extra virgin olive oil on to your hair and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes. Rinse and style as usual. After a few weeks you will notice your hair regain some shine and strength and will have an overall healthy look.
Have fun with your inexpensive beauty product!
Stay Humble,
Ivy ~
Resources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058439
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm
https://www.byrdie.com/olive-oil-for-skin
These are great tips!!!