Olive Oil is a common go-to for most home remedy seekers for hair and skin. Read more...
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Olive Oil is a common go-to for most home remedy seekers for hair and skin. There is very little research to support its use however it may have some benefits.
How can olive oil play a role in haircare?
Olive Oil is a relatively thick monounsaturated oil. When the hair is dry, the cuticle of the hair can start to peel back and appear frayed. This can result in easy hair breakage.
Olive Oil coats the cuticle of the hair to make the scaly surface of the hair follicle is less apparent. The scalp skin can benefit from this added protection.
Given the high viscosity of Olive Oil, the oil tends to coat the hair follicle and can make it very oily and greasy initially but can leave a shine after being washed out that can potentially last through a few washes.
Are there any olive oil hair mask recipes you can share?
Olive Oil + Avocado Hair Mask |
Avocado actually has a higher concentration of monounsaturated fats than olive oil. The two together will add to the overall shine left behind for your hair to enjoy! |
RECIPE: 1 Avocado + ¼ cup Olive Oil |
Olive Oil + Honey Hair Mask |
Adding honey to an olive oil hair mask can add several benefits. Honey is known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This means it can improve dandruff and inflammation in the scalp while also serving as an emollient for the hair. |
RECIPE: 2 tbs Honey + 1 tbs Olive Oil |
Olive Oil + Egg Hair Mask |
Egg yolks are rich in fat, protein, and biotin. Although these proteins may be too large to penetrate the follicle itself, they can coat the hair follicle to add a glossy look. By combining this with olive oil, your hair should achieve a shine that lasts through a few washes. |
RECIPE: 1 Egg Yolk + 1 tbs Olive Oil |
Olive Oil + Coconut Oil Hair Mask |
Coconut oil, unlike olive oil, can actually penetrate the hair follicle to strengthen it. Coconut oil is a triglyceride that is attracted to the proteins in the hair follicle. By penetrating the hair follicle, coconut oil can prevent protein loss from the hair. |
RECIPE: 1 tbs Coconut Oil + 1 tbs Olive Oil |
Olive Oil + Mayonnaise Hair Mask |
Mayonnaise contains egg yolks, vinegar, and other oils. Mayonnaise hair treatments have long been loved to help add shine to dry frizzy hair. |
RECIPE: 2 tbs Mayonnaise + 1 tbs Olive Oil |
Olive Oil + Bananas |
Bananas are rich in antioxidants, potassium, and nutrients. Used in a hair mask, these can help nourish the hair in addition to adding shine. |
RECIPE: 1 Banana + 1 tbs Olive Oil |
*Recipes show ratios: can increase proportionately based on the amount of hair/scalp to treat.
Video: Techei
We all know what olive oil is, but the concept of it being a great topical solution for your skin is relatively new, right?
The use of olive oil on the skin has evolved over the years. It has anti inflammatory and hydrating properties. However, it is also relatively thick. It is made up of almost 99% fatty acids! The challenge is to use it for its benefits without it feeling too greasy, and messy or running the risk of clogging pores as it has comedogenic properties. This is important to keep in mind for both face and body use as it is possible to get clogged pores anywhere on the body.
What is olive oil, for those who don't really understand, and what benefits does it offer for the skin?
Olive oil is made up mostly of fatty acids. Certain fatty acids are thought to be responsible for their anti inflammatory properties and potentially wound healing or regenerative properties. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid plays a role in wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts to accelerate healing and the production of new blood vessels to nourish an area. Squalene is also present which is known for its hydrating properties.
Olive oil does have its limitations though, right?
Applying olive oil to the face may hydrate the skin effectively but at a potential cost. Olive oil is known to potentially pore clogging. This makes it challenging to use as a moisturizer on a routine basis. It is potentially best reserved for limited use in wound healing or temporary hydration of the skin.
The other challenge to keep in mind is potential sun exposure. Although it can be used post-sunburn to soothe the skin, using it prior to going out in the sun will increase your risk of sunburn. It would almost be like cooking your skin to have olive oil present to concentrate heat and UV on the skin.
Who would benefit from using olive oil in their skincare regimen?
Olive oil has been shown to have benefits in multiple facets of a skin care regimen.
Olive oil has been used for nipple soreness during breastfeeding. Some women prefer it to lanolin. It can ease soreness and accelerate the healing of raw irritated skin.
Olive oil has been studied for its potential benefit in preventing pressure sores and ulcers. It has also been used to treat ulcers through its wound-healing properties that are already present.
Olive oil has also been shown to be helpful in managing the hydration of the skin for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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