Olive trees have been cultivated for over 3,000 years in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy. Olive oil has numerous health and beauty uses. According to Janice Cox in "Natural Beauty at Home," olive oil may have been the first oil ever to be used in cosmetics. Olive oil is produced when ground olives are pressed and then put in a centrifuge to separate the oil from the water and juices contained in the fruit.
Moisturizing
Olive oil can be used as an effective moisturizer for dry skin. You can use generic olive oil purchased in the grocery store directly on your skin after a bath or shower as a hydrating body treatment. Olive oil is also frequently used as a base for massage oil---you can add a fragrant essential oil of your choice to a half cup of olive oil to make a homemade massage oil. According to Zeev Wiesman in his book "Desert olive oil cultivation: advanced biotechnologies," olive oil is also added to many commercially-prepared soaps as a moisturizer.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused by an over-stretching of the skin, frequently due to pregnancy or significant weight loss or weight gain. According to Michael DeJong in his book "Clean Cures: The Humble Art of Zen-Curing Yourself," olive oil may be an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. You can massage olive oil directly onto stretch marks. You can also prepare a treatment using one cup of salt added to one cup of olive oil. Add a few drops of an essential oil of your choice for a more pleasing aroma. Massage this mixture into your skin to help exfoliate and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Skin Irritation
Olive oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and antioxidants which may help to combat many common skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. Because it does not dry as quickly as regular moisturizers, olive oil can help to keep your skin hydrated longer, possibly preventing further irritation. According to Harish Johari in his book "Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind," massaging olive oil into your skin may also help to reduce swelling associated with these conditions. Before bedtime, massage a bit of pure extra-virgin olive oil directly on affected areas.
References
- "Desert olive oil cultivation: advanced biotechnologies;" Zeev Wiesman; 2009
- "Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind;" Harish Johari; 1996
- "Clean Cures: The Humble Art of Zen-Curing Yourself;" Michael DeJong; 2009
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