When we think of olives, we get the image of Greek Gods, nectar, aphrodisiacs and exotic! No doubt that olive has been eaten for years now and its health benefits are very well known. Olives, both green and black, are known to lower blood pressure, as well as have anti-cancerous properties. Olives, in a recent study, have shown to reduce bone loss, and therefore, lessen the chances of osteoporosis. For our skin, olive oil shows remarkable results in treating damaged skin, as well as improving and maintaining our skin. It helps reduce dryness, wrinkles, eczema and psoriasis, and helps in cell regeneration. You would be surprised to know that olive oil is amazing for your hair too - it helps reduce frizz, keeps dandruff at bay and helps grow healthier and thicker hair! So, without further ado, let's talk about the benefits of olive oil and how you can improve your skin and hair with this natural oil.
Olive Oil For Skin Care
Wrinkles And Age Spots
Due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, olive oil helps reduce the oxidative stress in the body that is caused due to ageing and wrinkles. With regular olive oil massage, you can improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles and dark spots, and make your skin look younger.
(Also Read: Love Olives? Try These Delicious Ways to Add Them in Your Diet)
Olive Oil For Dryness
Olive oil is full of vitamin E and A, which makes it a super moisturiser that helps reduce dryness and dehydrated skin. Not just that, it also helps maintain the skins oil balance and makes it look healthier.
Protects From Sun Damage
Being heavy in consistency and full of antioxidants, olive oil helps protect our skin against sun damage. If you are a swimmer or outdoor sort of a person and want to protect your skin from sun damage, then bring this oil to your rescue and say bye-bye to your skin problems. Massage olive oil on your face, neck, arms and legs, forming a thin layer on your skin. Let your skin absorb this completely. Wash it off after 20 minutes or next morning.
(Also Read: 5 Must Do's For Your Skin)
Itchy Skin
Olive oil is relaxing and soothing in nature. It helps reduce itchiness and discomfort caused due to itchiness; you can use it safely to treat rashes, including nappy rashes. And due to its anti-bacterial properties, it may help treat annoying skin-related allergies and conditions in no time at all.
Aftershave Soother
Olive oil makes for a great after shave soother. Post shaving, the skin becomes little dry and rough. Massaging olive oil after shaving will moisturise your skin and keep infections at bay. All you have to do is to take 2-3 drops of olive oil and massage it onto wet skin, allowing it to be absorbed completely.
Olive Oil For Hair Care
Reduces Scalp Infections
Olive oil is excellent for people who have dandruff and other scalp-related problems. A bi-weekly massage with olive oil may work wonders for treating this hair condition.
(Also Read: 5 Simple Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp)
Conditions Scalp
Olive oil not only conditions your hair, but also gives them a bouncy look and controls your frizz. For those with rough, unruly locks: olive oil head massage may help improve your hair texture and make them manageable.
Hair Conditioner
Most oils help soften your hair, but nothing is like olive oil. The presence of three major emollients - oleic acid, squalene and palmitic acid - provides moisture to your hair shaft, further making them soft and manageable.
(Also Read: 6 Natural Hair Conditioners For Every Hair Type You Can Make At Home!)
Besides olive oil massage, you can also make this super nourishing hair mask, which helps repair, soothe and wake up dull lifeless hair:
Things you need:
- 5tbsp olive oil
- 2 eggs
- Half a grated cucumber
- 4 tsp mashed papaya
- 1 banana blended
- 2 tsp honey
- Half a mashed avocado
Method:
Mix all the ingredients and apply it on your scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap for 40 minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo. Not only will this mask add lustre and bounce to your hair but will also make your hair softer and more manageable. The natural AHA's present in the mask will be highly beneficial, making it a perfect weekly hair supplement for your hair.
Now, that you are aware of all the benefits of olive and olive oil, use it often for your hair and skin and see the results by yourself!
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