Olive Oil for Body. The Secret of Beauty Directly from Nature

So far, we have written extensively about the positive effects of extra virgin olive oil on human health. Its composition, which includes polyphenols, vitamin E, and various other essential compounds, has been proven to help prevent numerous diseases.

But what about its use in body care? How does olive oil behave in conventional and natural cosmetics, and what is olive oil for body care? Or, how can we use it directly in our regular body care routine?

When we talk about olive oil for health or olive oil for body care, we refer to high-quality oil obtained directly from olive fruit with no chemical additives. If you are unsure how to recognize such olive oils, contact us or read more about it on our website. You can also visit us and learn more through our guided tastings.

Olive Oil for Skin Health

There is an increasing body of scientific research confirming the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds from olives on maintaining skin health and slowing down the aging process. Extra virgin olive oil can be used for daily body care. Olive oil for the skin will make it smooth and reduce the natural process of skin drying. The skin absorbs it well, and the olive oil penetrates deeply through the skin, reducing moisture loss and replenishing lipids, thus preventing premature wrinkle formation.

Greek and Roman culture provides numerous examples of using olive oil in body care. When they went to the baths, they would carry their small vial of oil. After bathing, they would rub olive oil into their bodies to warm up, stimulate circulation, nourish the skin, and reduce dryness.Athletes who trained at the Gymnasium would also use and massage themselves with olive oil. The aim was to promote muscle blood circulation, make them smoother, and thus enhance the athletes’ performance. You can find some Istrian oils that you can use in the same way in our store.

Oral and Throat Hygiene with Olive Oil

Pliny the Elder spoke of the benefits of olive oil for oral and throat hygiene. He recommended rinsing the mouth with fresh olive oil, as it keeps teeth white. Today, we know that regular mouth rinsing with extra virgin olive oil removes harmful substances that accumulate on the oral and throat mucosa overnight. The oil gargling process: take a large gulp of olive oil in the morning, gargle for a few minutes, then strain it through your teeth and mouth. Do not swallow, but spit it out, and repeat with fresh oil.

Hydration and Sun Damage Treatment

The sun is a source of heat and light without which we couldn’t live. It has a positive effect on all bodily systems, mood, and reduces the concentration of stress hormones. Controlled sunlight has a positive impact on skin diseases. 

Nevertheless, we know that frequent exposure to the sun’s UV rays can have a serious impact on the structure and function of the skin. Signs of skin damage, wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, and skin pigmentation are much more common in skin exposed to the sun. 

Olive oil, as well as olive leaf, is known as an excellent source of polyphenols, oleocanthal, squalene, vitamin E, and it is these compounds that prevent chronic skin damage caused by UV radiation. Scientists claim that a dose of 10 mg/kg of oleuropein prevents the process of reduced skin elasticity. 

In addition to oleuropein and squalene, olive oil also contains beta-carotene, provitamin A, and vitamin E. Vitamin E is the most potent natural antioxidant with vitamin-like activity, crucial for stabilizing cell membranes. This is why vitamin E is recommended in cosmetics and is used in many cosmetic preparations for skin protection.

Olive Oil for Hair. The Nutritional Power of Nature

How many times have we wished our hair looked fuller and had that special shine, just like in TV commercials? Using olive oil for hair care is not straightforward, but it can genuinely help dry and damaged hair. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in nutrients, hydrates the hair, and helps with its recovery and revitalization. It’s necessary to be persistent and apply the oil to dry or slightly damp hair every evening, wrap it with a towel, and, if possible, leave it overnight.

Some of the effects you can see after two weeks will be deeply nourished and moisturized hair. You will notice that your hair has gained natural shine and has become smooth, softened, and flexible.

How to Properly Use Olive Oil for Body Care

Mix olive oil with essential oils like the ancient Romans did, who would mix olive oil with various plants such as flowers and spices. After taking a shower, dry your body thoroughly, and then apply the oil preparation in small amounts to your body. You will feel how the oil fat is absorbed by the skin, hydrating the body, while the scent of the essential oil positively affects relaxation. 

During the massage, the skin absorbs medicinal substances particularly well. The oil promotes blood circulation, protects the skin, and makes it smooth.

For facial care, carefully select a gentle essential oil, such as rose or lavender oil. Gently massage the liquid into the temple area, the junction of the face with the hair, and the area under the eyes. Circular light movements will bring you a sense of relaxation. You can also use pure high-quality olive oil without additional ingredients. Its components will protect your skin.

Ancient preparations made from olive oil and plant flowers, preserved in small glass containers called balsamaria, are well-known. Perfume oil, face and body care oil, all of these were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Conclusion: Why You Should Include Olive Oil in Your Body Care Routine

The health benefits of olives and olive oil encompass a wide range of actions of natural organic compounds from olive leaves and fruit, which is why olives and their products are used for various purposes, including nutritional, therapeutic, and increasingly in cosmetics. We would say that olive oil for health protects us from the inside through nutrition, and by using it in body care, it will protect us from the outside. If you are not a fan of directly applying olive oil to your body, find cosmetics with essential olive oil ingredients that suit your skin type.