Olive oil, 5 ways!
Tracing its roots to the Mediterranean basin, Olive oil needs no introduction today in any corner of the world. Truly a powerhouse, its use transcends the boundaries of culinary world. While instant thoughts are of its usage in cooking for the zillion health benefits it has, it is also an active ingredient in several beauty products for its moisturizing and anti-ageing properties.
From my home to yours, here is how to use Olive oil in five ways for five unique and incredible beauty benefits.
Cleanse
Ran short of your facial cleanser or makeup remover? Fret not! Dab a facial cotton pad with a bit of olive oil and wipe it all over your face to remove Makeup. Olive oil can also be used as a highly moisturizing facial cleanser especially for dry skin. Take a few drops of olive oil and massage well on to the face. Remove the excess oil residue using a damp cotton pad. Your skin would feel so nourished that you may choose to skip your moisturizer after.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and revealing radiant skin. Ditch the bacteria-collecting loofah when you can make a super hydrating scrub in a jiffy at home. Combine three tablespoons of brown sugar, juice of 2 limes and enough olive oil to hydrate the mixture. Use this homemade scrub in the shower twice a week to reveal glowing skin.
Moisturize
Loaded with Vitamin E, A and antioxidants, Olive oil has high moisturizing and softening properties. It hydrates the skin and prevents premature ageing. Massage your body with olive oil and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Olive oil has an average absorption rate (moderate to slow) and hence has to be left on for a bit before rinsing out. You can either do this as a pre shower routine or use a hot towel to remove excess oil residue. Do this at least twice a week to have baby like soft skin.
Strengthen
Olive oil is one of the best oils for nail and cuticle care. It penetrates deep into the nails, strengthening and moisturizing it. Massage olive oil into the nails and cuticles until absorbed to help repair damage and keep your nails strong and healthy. You can do this daily or twice a week to ensure good nail health.
Deep condition
Olive oil has been a trusted ingredient in hair care regimes for thousands of years. The vitamins in Olive oil help protect the keratin in our hair and strengthen it. It is also a source of natural emollients that help in moisturizing and softening hair. Combine 1 tablespoon each of olive oil, almond oil and coconut oil. Warm the mixture slightly and massage it into the scalp. This mixture is ideal for repairing damaged hair, fostering hair growth and improving hair texture. Leave it on for an hour or longer. Shampoo hair to wash out the oil. Softer and shinier hair will be yours with this treatment twice a week.
So, the next time you are walking down the grocery aisle, make sure you toss a bottle or two of Extra Virgin Olive Oil into your basket because you will reap one too many benefits from its use. Remember to use Extra Virgin Olive oil for your beauty bag as it is cold pressed and retains most of the oil’s nutrition.
