Wash your face with olive oil? Are you out of your mind? you might want to ask. No, not at all, not only is it possible but it would also be good for the skin. With the return of cold weather, it would be ideal to keep skin perfectly hydrated and even allows to remove, in depth, its makeup. It is multi-purpose and, not to be underestimated, very inexpensive.
How to use it? You pour it into a small container, then with your fingers, you apply it to a moistened face and massage for a few seconds.
To remove, we use a hot towel (that we passed under the tap for example). Then, we rinse our face with cold water, to close the pores of the skin and we apply a little moisturizer on the skin.
Which olive oil to choose for the face?
For your skin care, and even in general in your diet, choose a good quality olive oil, virgin or extra virgin, that is to say without the use of chemicals. Make sure that the product has a PDO (protected designation of origin), and that it is obtained by first cold pressing.
This is how olive oil preserves all its important components, and will allow your body to get a real benefit.
Olive oil and hydration
Olive oil contains linoleic acid, a very important acid that encourages hydration and helps our body to retain its water reserves. Indeed, it has been proven that deficiencies in linoleic acid lead to dry skin and mucous membranes, as well as certain diseases such as eczema. But that’s not the only reason why olive oil is “hydrating”.
Its moisturizing power works like this:
Like all fats of vegetable origin, it does not contain water in itself.
But as it has a weak power of penetrating, it creates a lipidic film.
This film prevents the evaporation of the cutaneous hydration tank.
It thus reinforces the hydrolipidic film which is naturally on the surface of our skin.
Olive oil with moisturizing and anti-aging properties
If it seems complicated, you can also pour it on cotton pads, and remove the makeup (or clean your skin) by making circular movements.
In both cases, just remember to rinse afterwards because olive oil is very greasy and can cause small pimples, if you keep it on your skin all night. This is why acne-prone skin should avoid this technique, which is more suitable for “normal” skin.
In addition to intensely nourishing the skin, olive oil helps to reduce certain skin scars and prevent aging and the appearance of wrinkles, thanks to its richness in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. A beauty tip that is not expensive and much more effective than some expensive creams, it would be wrong not to test it.
The detailed routine
And there’s a reason to stick to this makeup removal combo: “The oil penetrates the pores and traps makeup and dirt. The microfiber towel acts as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and blackheads.
The color of the towel is important to see the traces removed. The expert is adamant that before you see an improvement over the days, the gesture makes everything stand out.
The editor explains that she has acne-prone skin, prone to breakouts. After two weeks of the routine, she noticed that the blackheads were less numerous and less visible.
When she woke up, her skin was supple. She also concluded that the oil makeup removal technique boosts blood circulation and helps the skin detoxify.
Olive oil is not unanilously accepted
Putting “fat” on an “oily” area may seem crazy. And this is confirmed by Nadine Pomarède, dermatologist and venereologist who founded the DermomedicalCenter in Paris.
The expert is categorical and confirms that this oil is not intended for facial skin: “I’m really not a fan of olive oil, which is greasy. It’s an oil so there is a risk of clogging the pores; not really ideal for improving the skin texture”.
The American “Cosmopolitan” looked into the matter and pointed out the studies with diverging opinions. While some prove that olive oil has natural anti-inflammatory effects, others suggest that it clogs pores.
To clarify the situation, the magazine calls on the expertise of Dr. Mona Gohara, also a clinical associate professor at Yale University. She explains that it is a “naturally heavy oil, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria that can clog pores and cause acne.
Application of olive oil on the face
Olive oil can be applied to the face in different ways:
First of all in a very simple way, on a cleaned skin, in the manner of a nourishing care, in the evening.
But you can also use it as a peeling: given its emollient properties, it will soften and smooth your skin.
To carry out a peeling, proceed as follows:
Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of sugar and a few drops of lemon.
Apply this treatment to your face once a week, rubbing gently, then rinse thoroughly.
Your skin will be naturlly soft and free of impurities.
You can also try this mask by making a :
Mixing an egg yolk with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Wait for 5 minutes after putting this mixture on your face.
Your skin will be soft and supple.
An excellent natural make-up remover
This oil with multiple virtues can also be used as a make-up remover. It effectively removes waxy substances such as waterproof mascara or eyeliner.
Used in this way, it will also moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes and nourish the lashes. However, it is important to complete the make-up removal with a skin cleansing, in order to completely eliminate all traces of make-up and impurities.
An effective antibacterial effect
Also known for its antibacterial effect, olive oil prevents the proliferation of bacteria thanks to its anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Result: it has a positive effect on the healing of wounds.
Olive oil: for which type of skin?
Like any cosmetic product or food, olive oil can cause adverse reactions depending on each skin type. According to professionals, it is preferable not to use it on skin that is prone to acne and/or is too sensitive.
