Olive oil is a fat obtained from the olive (the fruit of Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. The oil is produced by grinding whole olives and extracting the oil by mechanical or chemical means. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps. Olive oil is used throughout the world, but especially in the Mediterranean countries.
- WikipediaExtra-virgin cold-pressed olive oils go through the minimum amount of processing/heating and hence retain most of the naturally present nutrients and antioxidants. |
1. Moisturizer: Rich in vitamin E, oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol (a powerful antioxidant), and squalene (that closely resembles our skin's own natural oils), olive oil nourishes and protects the skin by fighting against free radicals that can cause skin discoloration and damage. You could use the oil directly as a moisturizer or as a prebath oil massage. Also, look for products where olive oil is listed as a major ingredient, like the Bodyshop Olive Body Butter - a must-have for anyone with dry skin problems!
![]() |
Olive oil works great as a moisturizer to nourish and give a healthy glow to the skin, but a convenient alternative to applying the oil is a moisturizer with olive oil as a key ingredient - TBS Olive Body Butter is my favorite! |
2. Olive Oil pampering for your hands (or feet):
- Soak your nails in a bowl of warm olive oil to instantly smoothen the cuticles and make nails stronger.
- Give your hands/feet a generous massage with olive oil. Soak a towel in warm water, wring out most of the water from it, and wrap your hands in it - this helps the oil penetrate better, leaving your hands much smoother and nourished in just 5 minutes. You could also microwave the towel to lukewarm, but I have never tried it myself. Check the temperature of the towel before using it to avoid burning your skin, and never put a dry towel into the microwave!
- Mix up some olive oil and sugar for a quick instant scrub :D
![]() |
Any easy DIY coffee-sugar scrub with olive oil and cinnamon for a hint of spice. |
4. Makeup remover: While I do like to try/buy all kinds of makeup remover, I have to agree some olive oil (or coconut oil) on a cotton round would do just as good a job! For use on my waterline, I rub some olive oil on to a Q-tip and take off any remaining bits of kohl. I don't use contact lenses, but I guess it's safe to assume that you should be taking them out before starting with makeup removal.
These are a few options that work for me, but depending on your skin type, it may or may not work for you, so tweak accordingly. For instance, I would never try an oil cleanse in the summers - with my acne-prone skin, that's just handing out an invitation for pimple attacks! Also, I prefer to use extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil.
What about you - do you use oils as part of your skin/haircare routine?