From Ancient Greece and Rome to the Middle East, olive oil played a vital role in food traditions and beauty routines in numerous ancient civilizations. Today, this age-old oil still plays a crucial role in modern cooking and home beauty treatments.

Olive oil is nutrient-rich and full of vitamins A, D, E, and K. From moisturizing to anti-bacterial properties, this quintessential oil is rumored to have an abundance of benefits for your skin. So, how can you incorporate this miracle ingredient into your home beauty routine?

Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin

Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, monosaturated fats, and vitamins that keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. All of these nutrients are behind the associated benefits of olive oil for skin, including its moisturizing attributes, its ability to help reduce signs of aging, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its skin cleansing potential.

The anti-aging and antioxidant properties in olive oil come from the polyphenols, which can be found in vitamins E and C, and act against the formation of free radicals.

While olive oil won’t magically make you look a decade or two younger, you can still keep your skin feeling fresh and soft by incorporating a small amount of the oil into your skin cleansing and moisturizing regimen.

Here are five recipes for olive oil skin care applications you can easily make at home.

Treehugger Tip

Always make sure to use high-quality olive oil that is chemical- and additive-free. Stay away from blends and opt for pure olive oils instead. Even better if the oil is made from hand-picked olives, which is a sign of high quality.

Radiant Olive Oil Face Mask

Are you looking for a multi-purpose face mask that you can use year-round? The hydrating olive oil base of this mask is complemented by the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey, the vitamin C from oranges, the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, and the nourishing benefits of an egg.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil1 teaspoon raw honey1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest1 vitamin E oil capsule1 egg yolk (for dry skin) or 1 egg white (for oily skin)

Steps

  • In a bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, and orange zest. Break open the vitamin capsule and add in the vitamin E. Add in either the egg yolk or the egg white, depending on your complexion, and whisk until well blended.Using a makeup brush, apply a generous layer of the mask to your freshly washed face and neck. Let the mask sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow for your skin to absorb the nutrients. Wash off the mask with warm water, pat your face dry, and apply a moisturizer.

Apply the mask twice a week to maximize the benefits without clogging your pores by over-using olive oil.

Hydrating Olive Oil Moisturizer

Olive oil makes a fantastic base for a moisturizer. Swap out your store-bought lotions in favor of this simple, all-natural DIY moisturizer that will hydrate your skin and keep it feeling soft during even the driest winter months.

  • 1/3 cup olive oil2 tablespoons coconut oil2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil5 drops of essential oil of choice

  • Use a double boiler to melt the ingredients. Add a few inches of water to the bottom pan and set another pot on top. In the top pot, add all the ingredients together.On medium-to-low heat, gradually heat the ingredients, stirring frequently until they are completely melted.Remove from heat and pour into a small jar or reusable tin and set aside to cool.After about an hour, the ingredients should be cooled in a gel-like consistency.Apply a small amount regularly on dry or chapped skin.

Exfoliating Olive Oil Scrub

If you’re looking to give your skin a fresh glow, this exfoliating body scrub is the perfect remedy. The scrub will remove dead skin, promote blood circulation, and hydrate, giving your skin a much-needed refresher.

Lavender and frankincense essential oils are rejuvenating for the skin but you can also mix it up with a floral or citrus blend depending on your personal preference.

  • 1/4 cup olive oil1 cup raw sugar10 drops lavender essential oil10 drops frankincense essential oil

  • Combine the sugar and olive oil in a bowl and stir well. Add the essential oil and mix into the sugar blend.Store in an airtight reusable container, like a mason jar. While you’re in the bath or shower, massage the scrub into the bottoms of your feet, on your face, on your elbows, and anywhere else on your body that is in need of a good exfoliation. Rinse off with warm water and admire your soft skin.

Refreshing Olive Oil Face Cleanser

Olive oil has become a popular natural cleanser to help the skin restore its natural moisture balance, rather than washing with soap, which can dry out the skin.

The vitamin E and antioxidants in olive oil also help repair damaged skin and increase collagen production, making this all-natural, multipurpose cleanser one that also hydrates and improves skin tone.

  • 4 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil2 teaspoon raw honey20 drops sweet orange essential oil

  • Mix all of the ingredients together and store in a dark glass bottle. Shake the bottle before use and pour a nickel-to-quarter-size drop into the palm of your hands. Work the oil onto your face in circular motions and then use a damp washcloth to remove the oil from your face. Repeat the cleansing process until your face is clean from dirt and makeup and feels soft and silky.

Restorative Olive Oil Night Cream

If you’re seeking an alternative to your typical night creams, try making this olive oil-based night cream that works for all skin types. The cream is all-natural, hydrating, and the ingredients lead to radiant, hydrated skin.

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon coconut oil1 teaspoon beeswax1/4 teaspoon vitamin E (about 2 capsules)2-5 drops lavender essential oil2-5 drops frankincense essential oil

  • Mix the olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax in a small pan over a larger pan with a few inches of water to create a double boiler. Slowly heat the mixture over medium-to-low heat, stirring frequently until everything is melted.Remove from heat and stir in the vitamin E and essential oils. Pour the mixture into a jar and let cool. Apply a small amount to your face before going to sleep and doze off dreaming of smooth, radiant skin.

Know Before You Use

Although there are many benefits to using olive oil as part of your natural skin care routine, there are a few precautions to take note of as well. One study published in the Journal Pediatric Dermatology found that olive oil can actually make some skin types worse, exacerbating already oily skin or worsening certain skin conditions.

For individuals with sensitive skin, apply a small amount of olive oil on your forearm and observe. If you don’t see a reaction after 48 hours, it should be safe to use, but start slowly at first by just using olive oil occasionally and see how your skin reacts.

Keep in mind that olive oil may not be easily absorbed into the skin. After applying, wipe off excess oil in order to prevent clogged pores. Remember that a few drops will go a long way, so use this new skin care treatment in moderation.