Olive oil during sunbathing – a natural way to achieve a darker tan

The health benefits of olive oil were known as far back as ancient times when it was considered a particularly valuable product and used for various purposes. In ancient Greece, it was a key ingredient in skincare. Regular application of olive oil to the skin gave it a soft feel, nourishing and hydrating the skin excellently. Ancient Egyptians recognized the healing properties of olive oil and used it in cosmetics as a base for various ointments and creams.

It was also believed that olive oil had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that accelerated the healing of wounds and minor injuries, so it was used for medical purposes. Today, we know that it helps lower bad cholesterol in the blood and truly acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E, one of its essential components, is also an effective antioxidant.

Effect of olive oil on the skin

It is still a common belief that only dry skin needs hydration, but that is not true. Almost every skin type can benefit significantly from hydration, regardless of its condition.

With changing seasons and different skin conditions, the skin’s moisture needs also change. During winter, the skin is often covered, exposed to warm and dry environments. In summer, the skin breathes more, but it is often exposed to the sun and high temperatures, especially in the Mediterranean.

That’s why olive oil has been used for skin hydration in these regions since ancient times. Today, there are various balms and creams that we apply to the body to make the skin soft and smooth. If you want a completely natural product without chemical additives, opt for high-quality olive oil. If it feels too oily, you can mix it with the cream you use to make easier to apply olive oil to the body.

The action of olive oil is antioxidant; it is rich in vitamin E and polyphenols that mitigate the effects of UV rays on our skin. They help combat free radicals that can cause skin aging, aid in the rapid regeneration of skin cells, and have anti-inflammatory properties. To a lesser extent, it reduces the visibility of scars and stretch marks, making it a good addition when using olive oil during sunbathing.

But above all, it is important to choose quality oil, i.e., extra virgin olive oil, to ensure that you are applying a natural and healthy product. Pure and natural olive oil will help you achieve a beautiful tan, much better than most lotions.

Olive oil as a tanning agent

Until recently, fair and clear skin was considered the epitome of beauty and high status. People, especially women, took great care to avoid darkening their skin and avoided sun exposure. Today, the trend is entirely different, and both men and women consider a tan to be attractive. However, excessive sun exposure is dangerous, and we must protect the skin from UV rays.
Therefore, it is always recommended to apply sunscreen with UV protection factor and then apply olive oil. Applying olive oil is particularly popular because it gives the skin a darker tone more quickly during sunbathing. In fact, the accelerated tanning effect is achieved thanks to oils like olive or coconut oil. The oil reflects light, ensuring that the sun’s rays intensify on your skin. This causes melanocytes in your skin to release more melanin pigment, which reacts with the oxygen in your blood under the influence of UV radiation, resulting in faster skin darkening.

Combination of olive oil and lemon for hair lightening

Olive oil is used in various combinations as a natural remedy for skin and hair care. Olive oil for hair can also be used with the addition of lemon. If we want to lighten our hair when exposed to the sun, we can use olive oil and lemon. We use this combination by mixing them in equal proportions and simply applying them to the hair during sunbathing, on the entire length or on the parts we want to lighten.

This combination of olive oil and lemon can even be consumed as it has significant health benefits. Based on many studies, these benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C content, calcium, and assistance in weight loss. However, on the other hand, this combination also has its side effects. While it may have positive effects on some, it can cause headaches, irritate the intestines, induce gastritis, or heartburn in others.

Warnings and precautions

Olive oil is very nourishing for our skin, but what is not considered is that it provides no protection against UV radiation (its SPF factor is between 2-8), and therefore, it offers no protection against skin damage or sunburns. Therefore, it is recommended to use sunscreen alongside olive oil even if you want to tan quickly. Sunscreen will not prevent you from getting a tan. After applying sunscreen, apply a thin layer of olive oil to your skin and witness its mild sun-kissed glow.

Conclusion

Although the benefits of olive oil have been known since ancient times, it is only in modern times, with the development of chemistry and after numerous scientific studies, that it has been proven why and how olive oil positively affects our health. Scientists also say that not all extra virgin olive oils are the same; it is important to know which one contains the most polyphenols. One of the simplest rules is that it must have bitterness and spiciness, as these are the quality components that have positive effects on our health. Also, such oil should be properly stored. It should be kept in dark glass bottles, in a dark place, and at room temperature.

Live consciously in harmony with nature and choose the best products, knowing their origin and value.