You may not believe this, but there is a relatively long list of products you can replace with extra virgin olive oil. Ask your grandmother. Or ask mine. She’s 82 and still swears by it. She says, “It’s good for everything---your nails, your skin, your hair, your face, and your feet. You can put it in your bath! It even helps eczema.”
I speak from experience when I say she’s right, though you have to pay attention to how much you put in your hair. Too much takes some time to wash out, although your scalp will feel wonderfully healthy afterwards even if your hair looks too oily.
When you’re finished mixing it into your salad, since beauty comes from the inside out, think of it as your new favorite beauty product. My grandmother wasn’t the first to discover this; in fact, it’s an ancient practice that has spilled over into the cosmetic industry.
If dry skin is your beauty nemesis, olive oil---because it’s so rich in vitamins A and E, minerals and natural fatty acids---is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that nourishes the skin well enough to restore youthful qualities of the skin, like hydration. Remember that dryness contributes to wrinkles and fine lines. A more youthful look is all about softness and elasticity.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and can be used for removing make-up and other elements that land on your face. All it takes is a little bit on a cotton ball. Wipe it on and wash it off with a warm, wet washcloth. To keep the skin around your eyes looking fresh and less crinkly, swap your expensive eye cream for some extra virgin olive oil. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Dab it all around your eyes first thing in the morning and during your overnight beauty regimen. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes. While it doesn’t burn, it can momentarily blur your vision. To make it creamy as opposed to oily, keep the olive oil meant for your eyes and face in a small jar in the refrigerator.
To keep your entire body soft and youthful, add five tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in the bath. If you prefer scented products, but want to keep it natural, add the pure essential oil of your choice for aromatherapy. For a truly luxurious experience, lather up with olive oil before you get in the tub. No need to soap up on top of it. When you get out, your skin will have absorbed the oil and you only have to dry off. You may not even have the need to apply lotion like you would after an ordinary bath with products that leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
Here are two similar recipes for your face and hair that you just might love.
Olive Oil Face Mask
Here’s what you need:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Here’s what you do:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Wash your face while it sets. Apply it to your clean face for between 5 and 10 minutes, then rinse to enjoy softer, more elastic and glowing skin.
Olive Oil Hair Treatment
Here’s what you need:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Here’s what you do.
Mix all ingredients and apply to your hair for about 15 minutes, then shampoo and condition.
For a more deeply nourishing treatment, warm the oil by putting the oil in a jar and the jar in a bowl of hot tap water until the oil warms up. Apply it to your dry hair, wrap your head in a warm towel and let it sit for about one hour before shampooing and conditioning. Before drying, be sure to feel for greasiness. It may be necessary to wash your hair twice to remove the oil.
Your hair will feel softer, shinier and of course, look healthier.
