As outlined in our latest blog, Strike it Rich With Liquid Gold , the health benefits of olive oil are plentiful, but the nutritional aspects of olive oil are only the beginning.  Natural, organic olive oil, like Nutrition for Longevity Imported Olive Oil, is packed with vitamins, polyphenols, squalene, and oleic acids. Polyphenols and oleic acid are notable for their ability to rejuvenate, nourish, and hydrate our skin, hair, and nails.^1-2  Olive oil’s natural antioxidant properties make it an effective, natural, low-cost beauty must-have.

While today's beauty counters are packed with olive oil infused products, recognizing the power of olive oil in beauty routines is not a new fad. Evidence shows that the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Phoenicians all acknowledged the beauty boosting properties of olive oil for the face, skin, hair, nails, and even, fresh breath.  Taking tips from the notoriously beautiful Cleopatra herself, we have outlined ways to add our Nutrition for Longevity Imported Olive Oil to your beauty routine. Start 2021 fresh and pampered by trying out some of these ways to refresh your hair, skin, and body with the addition of an ancient household favorite! 

1. Olive Oil for Face & Skin

Face Mask: Create a mask by mixing 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 1 Tbsp of honey until well blended. Apply the mask to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Use warm water to rinse off.

Skin Oil: Help keep skin hydrated to reduce the risk of stretch marks, dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema. Massage olive oil directly onto your damp skin after showing.

Relaxing Soak: Add olive oil to bath water for a moisturizing soak. Mix in 2 Tbsp olive oil, some Epsom salts, a few drops of lavender essential oils for a hydrating, relaxing soak.  

Winter Soother: Apply olive oil to your hands and feet at bedtime. Cover your hands and feet with cotton gloves and socks and leave on overnight to soften dry and cracked skin.

Make-up Remover: Tired of scrubbing your eyes with unhealthy washes? Olive oil grabs onto other oil-based products, making it a gentle pre-cleansing step to remove stubborn eye makeup. Follow it up with warm water and a pH-balanced face wash

Lip Scrub: Dealing with some dry winter cracked lips? Olive oil can help!  Create an exfoliating lip scrub by combining 2 tsp of olive oil, 1 tsp coarse sugar, and a few drops of fresh lemon juice.  

2. Olive Oil for Hair

Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask: Make a hot oil treatment to heal dry or damaged hair. Start by mixing 2/3 cup of olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of honey in a plastic bag. Create a hot water bath by grabbing a bowl and filling it with hot water. Place the sealed plastic bag in the water until it becomes warm. Apply the hot oil treatment to roots and work it through to the tips of your hair. Cover with a shower cap and wrap in a warm towel. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse out and shampoo and condition as normal.  

Shine Serum: 

Condition your hair by applying olive oil directly to your clean hair after a shower to reduce frizz and static, heal split-ends, remedy dandruff, balance overproduction of oil, and prevent the attraction of parasites. Be sure to start with just a few drops to prevent greasy hair. 

3. Olive Oil for Fingernails

Nail Treatment: Warm 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice in a dish. (Do not allow the oil to become too hot.) Soak fingertips for 5-10 minutes to strengthen nails and soften cuticles. Massage the oil into your hands to promote absorption, 

*Don't have 5-10 minutes to sit and soak? No problem! 

After your cooking and clean-up are done in the kitchen, grab the olive oil one more time and add a few drops to your hands. Massage the oil into your hands and nails for an easy, on-the-go nail treatment. 

4. Olive Oil for Oral Health

Breath and Mouth Wash: Sip a small amount of olive oil and swish around your mouth to remedy bad breath. Olive oil aids in digestion, meaning a small sip will be easy on your stomach! 

Healthy gums: Sipping and swishing olive oil around your mouth is said to support oil pulling, an ancient practice thought to reduce unhealthy bacteria in the mouth. 

5. Make-up Brush Cleaner

Makeup-Brush Cleaner – It's no surprise that the makeup removing properties of olive oil can also be applied to our brushes. Strive to clean your make-up brushes monthly to reduce build-up and prevent the spread of any bacteria. Mix 2 Tbsp. of olive oil and 2 Tbsp. of antibacterial soap in a jar and add your brushes. Allow them to soak, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. The addition of olive oil to the soak keeps your brushes moisturized which can prevent damage to the bristles! 

References

1. Radinovsky, W. (n.d.). The History of Olive Oil in Greece. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from http://www.greekliquidgold.com/index.php/en/olive-oil-info/the-history-of-olive-oil-in-greece
2. Cartwright, M. (2020, December 10). The Olive in the Ancient Mediterranean. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://www.ancient.eu/article/947/the-olive-in-the-ancient-mediterranean/