From Ancient Greece and Rome to the Middle East, olive oil played a vital role in food traditions and beauty routines in numerous ancient civilizations. Today, this age-old oil still plays a crucial role in modern cooking and home beauty treatments.

Olive oil is nutrient-rich and full of vitamins A, D, E, and K. From moisturizing to anti-bacterial properties, this quintessential oil is rumored to have an abundance of benefits for your skin. So, how can you incorporate this miracle ingredient into your home beauty routine?

Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, monosaturated fats, and vitamins that keep your skin looking youthful and healthy. All of these nutrients are behind the associated benefits of olive oil for skin, including its moisturizing attributes, its ability to help reduce signs of aging, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its skin cleansing potential.

The anti-aging and antioxidant properties in olive oil come from the polyphenols, which can be found in vitamins E and C, and act against the formation of free radicals.

While olive oil won’t magically make you look a decade or two younger, you can still keep your skin feeling fresh and soft by incorporating a small amount of the oil into your skin cleansing and moisturizing regimen.

Here are five recipes for olive oil skin care applications you can easily make at home.

Always make sure to use high-quality olive oil that is chemical- and additive-free. Stay away from blends and opt for pure olive oils instead. Even better if the oil is made from hand-picked olives, which is a sign of high quality.

Extra virgin olive oil is a must, as the lower quality oils may be too acidic for your skin and won’t offer the same benefits.

Are you looking for a multi-purpose face mask that you can use year-round? The hydrating olive oil base of this mask is complemented by the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey, the vitamin C from oranges, the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, and the nourishing benefits of an egg.

Apply the mask twice a week to maximize the benefits without clogging your pores by over-using olive oil.

Olive oil makes a fantastic base for a moisturizer. Swap out your store-bought lotions in favor of this simple, all-natural DIY moisturizer that will hydrate your skin and keep it feeling soft during even the driest winter months.

If you're looking to give your skin a fresh glow, this exfoliating body scrub is the perfect remedy. The scrub will remove dead skin, promote blood circulation, and hydrate, giving your skin a much-needed refresher.

Lavender and frankincense essential oils are rejuvenating for the skin but you can also mix it up with a floral or citrus blend depending on your personal preference.

Olive oil has become a popular natural cleanser to help the skin restore its natural moisture balance, rather than washing with soap, which can dry out the skin.

The vitamin E and antioxidants in olive oil also help repair damaged skin and increase collagen production, making this all-natural, multipurpose cleanser one that also hydrates and improves skin tone.

If you're seeking an alternative to your typical night creams, try making this olive oil-based night cream that works for all skin types. The cream is all-natural, hydrating, and the ingredients lead to radiant, hydrated skin.

Although there are many benefits to using olive oil as part of your natural skin care routine, there are a few precautions to take note of as well. One study published in the Journal Pediatric Dermatology found that olive oil can actually make some skin types worse, exacerbating already oily skin or worsening certain skin conditions.

For individuals with sensitive skin, apply a small amount of olive oil on your forearm and observe. If you don’t see a reaction after 48 hours, it should be safe to use, but start slowly at first by just using olive oil occasionally and see how your skin reacts.

Keep in mind that olive oil may not be easily absorbed into the skin. After applying, wipe off excess oil in order to prevent clogged pores. Remember that a few drops will go a long way, so use this new skin care treatment in moderation.

Romana-Souza, B. and A. Monte-Alto-Costa. "Olive Oil Inhibits Ageing Signs Induced by Chronic Stress in Ex Vivo Human Skin Via Inhibition of Extracellular-Signal-Related Kinase 1/2 and c-JUN Pathways." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 41, no. 2, 2019, pp. 156-163., doi:10.1111/ics.12520

Lin, Tzu-Kai, et al. "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 19, no. 1, 2018, pp. 70., doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

Ozuguz, Pinar, et al. "Evaluation of Serum Vitamins A and E and Zinc Levels According to the Severity of Acne vulgaris." Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, vol. 33, no. 2, 2014, pp. 99-102., doi:10.3109/15569527.2013.808656

Danby, Simon G., et al. "Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care." Pediatric Dermatology, vol. 30, no. 1, 2013, pp. 42-50., doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x

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