5 WAYS OLIVE OIL CAN IMPROVE YOUR SKIN

The Olive is a symbol of peace, the trees which produce olives have been cultivated in the Mediterranean for over 6000 years. Homer, in the Iliad, referred to olive oil as liquid gold.

“The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven.” -Thomas Jefferson

“I like them all but especially the olive. For what it symbolizes, first of all peace with its leaves and joy with its golden oil.” -Aldous Huxley

In addition to being a healthy food, olive oil is prized for use in religious ceremonies, beauty regiments, and as a base for perfume and cosmetics.

Hippocrates was the first known practitioner to use olive oil to treat wounds, but by the middle-ages, it was a known remedy for sore throats, cuts, and bruises.

Today, we use olive oil in many of the ways our ancestors did. We know that olive oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can prevent skin damage from ultraviolet light. Olive oil helps skin age better because it contains oleic acid and polyphenols. There are so many uses for olive oil, but for today, let’s look at how olive oil benefits the skin.

Potager Soap uses certified organic extra virgin olive oil as the primary ingredient in each bar of natural soap. The molecular structure of virgin olive oil and the high vitamin count allows it to protect, moisturize, and heal the skin. Explained below is a list of olive oil benefits.

WHAT DOES OLIVE OIL DO FOR SKIN

Anti-Aging
Olive oil is an antioxidant. Oxidation is the process where oxygen combines with an element and changes the structure of that element. When used for skin care, olive oil's healing properties can protect the skin from oxidation. Studies have also shown that using olive oil after sun exposure can fight the growth of hazardous skin cells.

Dry Skin
Skincare products and soaps containing olive oil are a great way to protect against dry skin. Olive oil’s deeply moisturizing and nourishing properties travel deep into pores. Olive oil-based soaps are considered to be the mildest, and there’s a lower probability that castile soaps will irritate the skin. Studies have also shown that olive oil soaps are beneficial in treating skin conditions like eczema.

Vitamins
Vitamins in olive oil provide skin-healing properties. Olive oil contains vitamin A, D, E, K, and squalene (a natural organic compound). Vitamin E has been proven effective in treating eczema, and squalene helps make skin feel soft and moisturized.

Skin Complexion
Olive oil can help balance skin’s moisture levels and block damage and pigmentation from the sun. Oxidized oils can cause blackheads and other problems, but olive oil protects from oxidation. Oleic acid and polyphenols work together to improve texture and skin tone. It can also help replenish the oils that our skin loses as we get older, resulting in a smoother complexion, minimized wrinkles, and a healthy glowing appearance.

Sensitive Skin
Olive oil is hypoallergenic and is unlikely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. This makes olive oil an ideal candidate for people with sensitive skin, and you can feel good about having olive oil-based soaps in your home for shower use or hand-washing.

Olive oil is the primary ingredient in Potager Soaps for all the reasons listed above. Potager’s cold process soaps are made with certified organic extra virgin olive oil and other certified organic vegetable oils that are known for their skin-friendliness and moisturizing properties. If you’re looking for a gentle and moisturizing shower bar, then an olive oil based soap might be a great option.