PRODUCT DETAILS
Extra Sensitive Skin? This product is also available in an Extra Sensitive formulation with no essential oils.
What’s Inside?
Honey Girl Organics’ signature and best-selling USDA Certified Organic Face & Eye Crème. Delivering instant hydration that soothes and keeps skin looking its best. Our most popular skincare product features organic beehive ingredients locally sourced in Hawai’i and high-quality olive oil.
Our Hawaiian-made Face & Eye Crème, formulated in small batches, also has organic rose oil, which is anti-aging and can help restore delicate skin to youthful vigor. Other luxurious, organic ingredients, such as essential oils from cinnamon and patchouli, provide long-lasting hydration.
Natural ingredients like royal jelly are fit for a Queen Bee. Be so comfortable in your bare skin with this all-in-one Face & Eye Crème that you won’t want to wear makeup.
Product Details
Your skin can dry out due to several factors, including stress, lack of sleep, and too much sun exposure. Our organic Face and Eye Crème is the perfect antidote. It works fast and lasts long.
Soothe, renew, and protect your skin with pure, natural, and organic ingredients. This unique Face & Eye Crème is a luxurious rejuvenating ultra-hydration moisturizer that nourishes the delicate tissues around your eyes and face.
Leave your skin feeling hydrated, velvety soft, and silky smooth. Honey Girl Organics’ Face & Eye Crème is enriched with organic botanicals, beehive ingredients, and potent essential oils. Honey Girl's signature product will quickly become your favorite daily moisturizer.
How to Use
Highly concentrated! Apply a small amount to moist skin, then increase as desired. If it feels too heavy, use less. Stir gently with a clean spatula if separation occurs.
Apply with clean fingers or spatula and allow 2-3 minutes to absorb before applying makeup, sunscreen, foundation, etc. Softens and hydrates all skin types: oily, dry, and combination.
For best results, use on moist skin after Honey Girl Organics Facial Cleanser/Makeup Remover or Foaming Facial Wash and Facial Toner.
This all-in-one face cream is the perfect choice for bringing out your skin's natural beauty!
Also available in Extra Sensitive Formula.
Pairs well with Night Créme & HoneyGlo Regenerating Serum.
Real Customer Reviews
Here is what some of our highly valued customers actually said about our Face & Eye Crème:
- "A little bit really does go a long way. My skin stays moisturized for the majority of the day while working in a very dry and dusty facility."
- "I just recently converted fully to Honey Girl, and my skin actually feels hydrated."
- "The best organic face cream, I have been using it for years. My skin feels hydrated and very soft."
- "In the past, I have had issues with irritation around my eyes. With this cream, it feels wonderful when you apply it. This skincare line is amazing."
Honey Girl Organics Products Never Contain...
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Preservatives
- Emulsifiers
- Dyes
- Sulfates
- GMOs
- Testing on Animals
- Unfair Trade
- Environmentally Harmful Ingredients
Organic Ingredients
Purified Water, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Beeswax*, Organic Honey*, Organic Rose Oil, Tocopherols (Natural Vitamin E), Organic Patchouli Essential Oil, Organic Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifolia), Organic Cinnamon Essential Oil Leaf
*Naturally contains pollen, propolis & royal jelly.
Learn More: Ingredient Benefits & Information
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General Instructions
HONEY
What is honey and how is it made?
Honey is a sweet substance made from flower nectar. The bees use it for food during the winter when no flowers are in bloom. Honey bees collect nectar using their long, tube-like tongues to suck the nectar out of the flowers. They store the nectar in their "honey stomachs" as they carry it back to the beehive. Bees actually have two stomachs.
The "honey stomach" is for carrying honey back to the hive. When full, the honey stomach carries a volume of nectar nearly equal to the weight of the bee. Honeybees must visit between 100 and 150 flowers in order to fill their honey stomachs.
During the trip back to the hive, the bee mixes enzymes into the nectar to begin the process of breaking down the complex sugars in the nectar and converting it into honey.
When the foraging field bees return to the hive with their loads of nectar they are greeted by home-based worker bees at the hive. These home-based bees immediately begin receiving the transfer of the nectar load. The transfer is accomplished tongue to tongue. Once the transfer is complete the recipient bees continue to process the honey by holding it in their mouths and honey stomachs and adding additional enzymes.The tongue to tongue transfer also begins the process of evaporating the water out of the nectar. The recipient bees hold the nect ar on their tongues to let the water evaporate. Nectar is about 80% water. This must be reduced down to about 18% so that it can be converted to honey. The lower moisture level is needed so that the honey can be stored without fermenting. Once some of the water is evaporated on the tongues of the hive bees, the partially dehydrated nectar is placed into open cells where the evaporation process continues by the beating of wings. Once the honey has been properly dehydrated the bees seal the cells. Beekeepers know that the honey is ready for harvesting when they see sealed honeycomb cells.
When the foraging field bees return to the hive with their loads of nectar they are greeted by home-based worker bees at the hive. These home-based bees immediately begin receiving the transfer of the nectar load. The transfer is accomplished tongue to tongue. Once the transfer is complete the recipient bees continue to process the honey by holding it in their mouths and honey stomachs and adding additional enzymes.The tongue to tongue transfer also begins the process of evaporating the water out of the nectar. The recipient bees hold the nect ar on their tongues to let the water evaporate. Nectar is about 80% water. This must be reduced down to about 18% so that it can be converted to honey. The lower moisture level is needed so that the honey can be stored without fermenting. Once some of the water is evaporated on the tongues of the hive bees, the partially dehydrated nectar is placed into open cells where the evaporation process continues by the beating of wings. Once the honey has been properly dehydrated the bees seal the cells. Beekeepers know that the honey is ready for harvesting when they see sealed honeycomb cells.
Use of honey for healing throughout history
The health benefits of honey have been known for thousands of years. Below are a few examples of how honey has played a part in the healing arts of human civilization:
* An ancient Egyptian medical papyrus recommends the use of honey to cure infection and heal wounds.
* Cleopatra bathed in milk and honey. Because honey is very low in moisture it is a natural humectant. This means that it attracts and retains moisture, making it an excellent moisturizer for hair and skin.
* Honey is the only natural food that never spoils if sealed and kept within natural temperatures. Archeologists found a jar of honey in a tomb in Egypt that tasted fine, even though it was two thousand yea rs old.
* The use of honey as an aphrodisiac is mentioned in both The Kama Sutra and its Arabic equivalent, The Perfumed Garden.
* The Greek physician Hippocrates, born in 460 BC, is known as the "father of Western Medicine." He is the author of the "Hippocratic Oath," taken by all Western doctors to this day. Hippocrates studied honey and loved its properties. He noted that "[h]oney and pollen cause warmth, clean sores . . . [and] soften hard ulcers . . . ."
* The Muslim Quran, at Chapter XVI, entitled The Bee, states: "There proceedeth from their bellies a liquor of various colour, wherein is medicine for men."
* Honey is mentioned in the Bible 61 times, including 20 descriptions of Canaan as the "land flowing with milk and honey."
* An ancient Egyptian medical papyrus recommends the use of honey to cure infection and heal wounds.
* Cleopatra bathed in milk and honey. Because honey is very low in moisture it is a natural humectant. This means that it attracts and retains moisture, making it an excellent moisturizer for hair and skin.
* Honey is the only natural food that never spoils if sealed and kept within natural temperatures. Archeologists found a jar of honey in a tomb in Egypt that tasted fine, even though it was two thousand yea rs old.
* The use of honey as an aphrodisiac is mentioned in both The Kama Sutra and its Arabic equivalent, The Perfumed Garden.
* The Greek physician Hippocrates, born in 460 BC, is known as the "father of Western Medicine." He is the author of the "Hippocratic Oath," taken by all Western doctors to this day. Hippocrates studied honey and loved its properties. He noted that "[h]oney and pollen cause warmth, clean sores . . . [and] soften hard ulcers . . . ."
* The Muslim Quran, at Chapter XVI, entitled The Bee, states: "There proceedeth from their bellies a liquor of various colour, wherein is medicine for men."
* Honey is mentioned in the Bible 61 times, including 20 descriptions of Canaan as the "land flowing with milk and honey."
Modern Use of Honey for Healing
In present times the science behind honey's health properties is better understood.] Some of these include the following:
Honey contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
In addition to being a humectants and excellent moisturizer, honey contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids that nourish the skin and hair. Honey contains vitamin C, a number of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Honey contains 18 amino aci ds which are the building blocks of all protein and essential to life. Each of these amino acids has specific unique benefits.
Honey Contains Antioxidants
Honey contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and defeat the ability of free radicals to promote aging. Free radicals are atoms that have an "unpaired" electron, and are thus unstable. Free radicals cause damage as they seek to balance their unpaired electrons. They interact with DNA and other molecules in the body. This causes molecular chain reactions that can damage and eventually kill cells and promote aging.
A variety of factors cause the creation of free radicals, including exposure to environmental hazards like secondhand smoke and car exhaust. And free radicals also occur in the body naturally.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and thus slow down thi aging process by neutralizing free radicals. Honey is rich with antioxidants. A 2004 study conducted by the University of California concluded that honey has levels of antioxidants that compare well with fruits and vegetables that have high levels of antioxidants like spinach, apples, and strawberries.
It is important to note that antioxidants are destroyed when honey is heated. For that reason store-bought pasteurized honey will not have the same health benefits. At Honey Girl Organics, we use only our own organically raised raw (unheated) honey in all our products.
A variety of factors cause the creation of free radicals, including exposure to environmental hazards like secondhand smoke and car exhaust. And free radicals also occur in the body naturally.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and thus slow down thi aging process by neutralizing free radicals. Honey is rich with antioxidants. A 2004 study conducted by the University of California concluded that honey has levels of antioxidants that compare well with fruits and vegetables that have high levels of antioxidants like spinach, apples, and strawberries.
It is important to note that antioxidants are destroyed when honey is heated. For that reason store-bought pasteurized honey will not have the same health benefits. At Honey Girl Organics, we use only our own organically raised raw (unheated) honey in all our products.
Honey Contains Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Agents
In addition to its antioxidant effects, honey is also a well known antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. It helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns. Raw honey can be used as a natural antiseptic. The examples above illustrate just a few of the ways honey has played an important role in the arts of beauty and healing throughout human history. At Honey Girl Organics, we are proud to carry on this unique tradition.
BEESWAX
Why is beeswax in Honey Girl Organics' creams?
Beeswax is a nutrient-rich substance secreted by bees in order to make honeycomb. Unfiltered beeswax contains over 300 micronutrients. In our products, it softens your skin and creates a long-lasting protective coating against the elements. The wax esters in beeswax also exist in human skin. It also is a naturally nourishing moisturizer as well as being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiallergenic and a germicidal antioxidant. Beeswax obtains its golden color from the propolis and bee pollen inside, both also known for their incredible health benefits. The beeswax helps lock in your skin’s own moisture, nourishes skin cells and creates a barrier against the destruction caused by our environment.
Uses of Beeswax in Beauty Products
Ever since ancient times beeswax has been used in medicine to make salves and healing ointments. As a skincare ingredient it is prized for its natural moisturizing properties and thick, waxy texture. It is a nutrient-rich substance, kills germs, moisturizes and protects the skin. Beeswax is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) and contributes to the softness, suppleness and elasticity of the skin while creating a long-lasting protective coating against the elements.
A 2005 study conducted at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates concluded that a blend of raw honey, beeswax, and olive oil is very effective in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash. Just think what it can do for your skin! We use this ideal blend extensively in our certified organic products at Honey Girl Organics.
What is beeswax?
Beeswax is produced by honeybees from specialized glands on their abdomens. The wax is colorless when first produced and hardens into white flakes when exposed to the air. It darkens to its golden color as the bees incidentally add pollen and propolis as they manipulate it in the hive.
It takes about a million of these wax flakes to create 2 pounds of beeswax.
In order to create honeycomb, beeswax needs to be pliable enough for the bees to mold, but sturdy enough to act as protection for the bees, their eggs and their precious food source. Although it's too hard and brittle to apply to your skin directly, the beeswax from honeycomb can be gently melted and used as a base for a variety of skincare products. Beeswax may be applied to minor burns or other skin damage in order to help heal the skin. The texture and water-resistance of beeswax allows it to act as a protective barrier. When mixed in lotion and applied to rough patches or chapped areas it prevents further damage and seals in moisture, allowing the skin to heal. It also helps soften skin without synthetic chemical additives.
It takes about a million of these wax flakes to create 2 pounds of beeswax.
In order to create honeycomb, beeswax needs to be pliable enough for the bees to mold, but sturdy enough to act as protection for the bees, their eggs and their precious food source. Although it's too hard and brittle to apply to your skin directly, the beeswax from honeycomb can be gently melted and used as a base for a variety of skincare products. Beeswax may be applied to minor burns or other skin damage in order to help heal the skin. The texture and water-resistance of beeswax allows it to act as a protective barrier. When mixed in lotion and applied to rough patches or chapped areas it prevents further damage and seals in moisture, allowing the skin to heal. It also helps soften skin without synthetic chemical additives.
PROPOLIS
Honeybees provide many benefits to the plants and animals surrounding their hives. The best known of these, of course, are honey and pollination of plants.
But honey and pollination are not the only gifts offered by these ancient, magical insects. Propolis is yet another beehive product that provides many unique benefits.
But honey and pollination are not the only gifts offered by these ancient, magical insects. Propolis is yet another beehive product that provides many unique benefits.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a sticky resin that seeps from the wounds and buds of trees. When collecting propolis, bees prefer resins from poplar and conifer trees. After collecting the propolis, sometimes called "bee glue," bees carry it back to the hive in their pollen baskets. Once back at the hive they are met by other worker bees who help them unload it. These workers then mix the propolis with salivary secretions and flakes of beeswax.
The final blend of bee propolis is usually a reddish-brown, amber-like substance that is very sticky in hot weather and very brittle in cold weather. It is made up of approximately 55 percent resin, about 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent oils, and 5 percent pollen. It is rich in a variety vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
When analyzed down to its trace ingredients, bee propolis contains more than 300 compounds, the exact makeup of which varies greatly depending on the plant source, the time of collection, and the geographic location of the hive.
When analyzed down to its trace ingredients, bee propolis contains more than 300 compounds, the exact makeup of which varies greatly depending on the plant source, the time of collection, and the geographic location of the hive.
How Bees Use Propolis
Propolis is used by bees in several ways. First, it is used as a sort of caulking to fill in holes and cracks in the hive to protect against draughts.
Second, propolis, with its strong anti-bacterial qualities, is used to disinfect the interior of the hive. The entire interior of the beehive is coated with propolis, and the interior of the brood cells is also coated in preparation for the laying of eggs. This disinfecting of the cells ensures an antiseptic environment for the rearing of the brood.
Second, propolis, with its strong anti-bacterial qualities, is used to disinfect the interior of the hive. The entire interior of the beehive is coated with propolis, and the interior of the brood cells is also coated in preparation for the laying of eggs. This disinfecting of the cells ensures an antiseptic environment for the rearing of the brood.
Bees also use the antiseptic qualities of propolis in other ways. For example, if a mouse gets into the hive and is killed by the bees, the mouse would normally decay, causing serious bacterial problems. However, the bees "mummify" the mouse entirely with propolis. The mouse then remains embalmed and the bees are totally protected from harmful bacteria and decay.
How People Use Propolis
The word propolis is said to have been coined by Aristotle, from the Greek words "pro" (defend) and "polis" (city). This term "Defender of the City" is appropriate because bees use propolis to seal their hives, narrow the entrances to protect against intruders, and sterilize the inside of the hive.
Propolis has long been used by humans for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, often called the "father of modern medicine," prescribed propolis for the healing of sores and ulcers. Egyptians used propolis for a variety of diseases and to embalm bodies. The Roman scholar Pliny wrote extensively on propolis, describing its abilities to reduce swelling, soothe pain and heal sores.
Propolis has long been used by humans for medicinal purposes. The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, often called the "father of modern medicine," prescribed propolis for the healing of sores and ulcers. Egyptians used propolis for a variety of diseases and to embalm bodies. The Roman scholar Pliny wrote extensively on propolis, describing its abilities to reduce swelling, soothe pain and heal sores.
Today, as Dr. Andrew Weil explains, propolis is used in the manufacture of chewing gum, cosmetics, creams, lozenges and ointments and is being investigated as a dental sealant and tooth enamel hardener. He further explains that a number of preliminary studies have tested its effectiveness in humans and animals as a treatment for burns, wounds, infections, and dental pain. The results of these studies have been positive, but not yet extensive enough to be conclusive.
The use of propolis in toothpaste helps fight bacteria and tooth decay and helps heal bleeding gums.
The use of propolis in toothpaste helps fight bacteria and tooth decay and helps heal bleeding gums.
Learn more about propolis in this scientific research abstract.
At Honey Girl Organics we use propolis in almost all of our products
The combination of intense nutritional content and strong anti-bacterial qualities make it a sure thing for natural skin care.
BEE POLLEN
Bee pollen has long been recognized for its many health benefits. In particular, it is known for its ability to improve skin health and to rejuvenate the skin.
What is Bee Pollen?
"Bee pollen" is the substance that is created when bees mix together: (1) nectar or honey; (2) bee saliva; and (3) the plant pollen that the bees collect from flowers. Bee pollen is a large part of the bee's diet. Young bees in particular eat a lot of the protein-rich bee pollen. The plant pollen that bees collect from flowers is the male seed of the flower. It is a powdery substance found in the stamen, the male reproductive part of the flower.
On their foraging trips bees pack the pollen it into the "pollen baskets" on the outside of their rear legs. Bees must visit between 50 and 100 flowers to fill their pollen baskets. When the baskets are full the bees return to the hive and transfer the pollen to the younger bees who store it for food. At least 50 foraging trips are needed to bring 1 gram of pollen back to the hive. The full colony of bees is capable of carrying as many as 20,000 - 50,000 loads of pollen each day. As part of the pollen foraging process bees get the powdery substance caught on the hairs that cover their bodies. As they travel between flowers they incidentally pollinate the next flowers they visit. In this way the bees help reproduce the plant species. As recently explained in the new documentary film Queen of the Sun, What Are the Bees Telling Us: "Bees are the legs of plants."
Why is Bee Pollen so Nutritious?
Bee pollen is widely regarded as the most nutritious substance known to science. Why is this true? Because plants need bees. In order to reproduce, plants must compete for the attention of bees. To succeed in this competition, plants must offer bees the most nutritious substance possible. Over tens of millions of years, successful plants have done just that, creating a highly complex and dense substance that is astoundingly nutritious.
Numerous scientists have concluded that bee pollen is a complete source of nutrition, containing all the enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, hormones, and trace elements needed by the body for cell growth. No one food contains all of these nutritional components - except bee pollen. Noted nutritionist Dr. Betty Lee Morales explained, "Bee pollen is the only food which contains every essential nutrient needed by mankind for perfect health."
How People Use Pollen
People have been using bee pollen for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The benefits of pollen have been discussed in the Bible, the Talmud, the Torah, the Koran and other religious texts. Pollen was written about by the ancient Chinese and Egyptians. It has long been prescribed for its healing properties by the ancient traditional health practitioners - including Hippocrates, the "Father of modern medicine," Pliny the Elder, and Pythagoras.
In modern medical texts and studies bee pollen has been recognized as beneficial in treating a wide variety of ailments. Dr. Carlson Wade, in his book About Pollen states, "The healing, rejuvenating and disease-fighting effects of this total nutrient are hard to believe, yet are fully documented. Aging, digestive upsets, prostate disease, sore throats, acne, fatigue, sexual problems, allergies, and a host of other problems, have been successfully treated by the use of pollen."
In addition to these internal health benefits, bee pollen has also been shown to be a potent treatment for skin health. The following are just a few examples of such scientific findings:
- Dr. M. Esperrois, of the French Institute of Chemistry, concluded from his experiments that bee pollen contains potent antibiotics and also reverses the aging of the skin, correcting darkening, wrinkles, and blemishes.
- Dr. Henri Luzuy, in his work "Pollen - The Biological Principle in Cosmetology" says, "Pollen extracts can be considered as factors of particular importance in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. The first visible effect of the cosmetic preparations with a pollen extract base is the clearing of the complexion."
- Dr. Lars-Erik Essen says, "Through [nutrition administered through the skin], bee pollen exerts a profound biological effect. It seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells. The skin becomes younger looking, less vulnerable to wrinkles, smoother, and healthier with the use of honeybee pollen."
- Professors N. Mankovsky and D. G. Chebotarev, found that bee pollen renews skin cells. They explain: "The rejuvenation of skin and body cells can be encouraged by the administration of the poly-vitamins, microelements, enzymes, hormones, and amino acids present in bee pollen."
At Honey Girl Organics, we use bee pollen in most of our products for the benefits it brings to skin health. The antioxidants in bee pollen fight skin damage caused by free radicals. The many nutrients nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Simply stated, bee pollen is yet another amazing gift from the most generous, valuable, and extraordinary insect on earth.
ROYAL JELLY
Why is Royal Jelly in our organic creams?
Royal Jelly is a naturally occurring substance in the 100% organic raw honey and beeswax used in Honey Girl Organics’ skin creams. It enhances the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiotic elements of the creams, helping to keep your skin clear of acne outbreaks and infection, while enhancing collagen production, minimizing wrinkles and supporting supple and glowing skin.
The amino acids in royal jelly are also basic ingredients in collagen. Collagen is essential in maintaining the skin’s firmness by supporting its connective tissue. Royal jelly contains collagen, vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E, which are essential for skin health, firmness and elasticity.
What is Royal Jelly?
Royal jelly is a creamy white/pale yellow substance specially created by worker bees when they mix honey and bee pollen with enzymes in the glands of their throats. This extraordinary food is fed to all bee larvae, whether they are destined to become drones (males), workers (sterile females), or queens (fertile females). After three days, only queen larvae continue to be fed this special substance, and it is fed to her throughout her long life to ensure her continuous fertility.
The queen bee grows up to 40 times the size of worker bees and lives 50 times longer (5-6 years as compared to the 35-40 days of most bees). During her extended life span, the queen lays up to 2,000 eggs per day, and each batch of eggs weighs two and a half times the queen's own body weight. This remarkable strength and vitality is explained by just one single factor: For her entire life the queen consumes only royal jelly.
Health Benefits
Scientists at the Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University in Japan, set out to discover whether or not Royal Jelly can augment wound healing and found that royal jelly did shorten the healing period of skin lesions.
Royal Jelly contains many specific nutrients and numerous vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, acetyl-choline and zinc, which are known to support skin renewal.
Studies indicate that the acids found in Royal Jelly contribute to collagen production, which is important for more youthful looking skin.
The ancient Egyptians used royal jelly to ward off aging and keep their skin soft and looking young. Aristotle wrote of its benefits, and the Greeks used it in a health elixir called Ambrosia that was said to bestow immortality on the gods. The Chinese have used it in medicines for centuries and still use it today.
ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Health & beauty myths come and go. Sooner or later, the truth rises to the surface, the bubble pops— and a fad is laid to rest, quickly making way for yet another to take its place.
Not the case with Mighty Olive Oil!
Olive oil has withstood the test of time. History has shown that its use dates back to ancient times; it was revered as a source of currency, medicine, fuel, food, & soap-making. It was used for religious rituals and found in a plethora of beauty treatments. Hippocrates mentions 60 different conditions which could be treated with it, such as skin ailments, wounds and burns, gynecological issues, ear infections and many others.
Olive oil boasts a rich and fascinating history of being used as a home remedy for skincare. Egyptians— renowned for their body treatments and mummifying abilities, used olive oil combined with beeswax as a cleanser and antibacterial agent. Cleopatra was said to have used olive oil as a key component in her skin care regimen, along with milk baths and honey facials.
As is the case with so many ancient elixirs and treatments passed down through the ages, modern science has shed light onto how and why these traditional remedies are so effective. For example, a research study published in the Archives of Medical Science analyzed the use of olive oil as a means of prevention and treatment of sports injuries in the ancient world. The results were clear, " The Greeks through the use of olive oil succeed in increasing skin elasticity and blood supply to the underlying muscle. Also post-exercise massage combined with the oil rub resulted in faster recovery of the athlete, as the blood flow increased and the product of metabolic processes (lactic acid) was removed rapidly from the extended blood vessels."
Olive oil has been the focus of numerous research studies that clearly point out the significant health benefits that come from its use in our everyday diet and lifestyle. A study published in the Journal Pharmacological Research found that people who regularly consume olive oil are much less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels).
Perhaps more than any other, the Mediterranean diet is regarded as the optimal choice for healthy eating. It’s no coincidence that olive oil is found in most of its recipes and dishes. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, individuals who maintain a Mediterranean diet benefit from these anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants.
What many people don’t realize is that our skin is the largest organ of our body and absorbs olive oil along with it’s healing properties. Extra virgin olive oil is composed of more than 80% oleic acid. This substance easily penetrates the skin, allowing it to absorb vital nutrients. In other words, the key compounds in olive oil that bring us vibrancy and youthfulness on the inside of our bodies also do the same for the outside of our bodies.
Here's why olive oil is beneficial to our overall health— not only by means of the food we consume— but by absorbing it through our skin.
Anti-Oxidant = Anti-aging
Olive oil contains a high concentration of antioxidants including Vitamins A and E. These antioxidants protect the skin from damage by fighting off free radicals that attack cells, eroding collagen and elastin. Olive oil’s antioxidants are essential anti-aging ingredients.
Anti-inflammatory = Clearing & Calming
The anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil, including nine different types of polyphenols and more than twenty other anti-inflammatory nutrients are powerful inhibitors of inflammation. Inflammation in the body is a natural process when injury occurs. However the imbalance to our system caused by prolonged inflammation leads to a host of chronic diseases. Many skin conditions including acne, rosacea and dermatitis are caused by inflammation. Using olive oil on the skin helps maintain a clear, balanced and even complexion.
Antibacterial = Cleansing
Olive oil contains naturally occurring antimicrobial properties known to clear away pathogens and fight infection. Maintaining pores free of irritants allows for the stimulation of new healthy cell growth.
Oleic Acid = Moisturizing
Although many oils have moisturizing qualities, olive oil’s unique chemical composition makes it very close to that of human skin. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for every skin type. The rich nutrients in olive oil are deeply absorbed allowing the oil to heal damaged skin, reduce wrinkles and improve texture.
Olive oil is such a great super food that Honey Girl Organics uses it as a base ingredient for many of our skin cremes. We only use organic, extra-virgin olive oil that’s been cold-pressed. This maintains the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities essential for its ability to heal, moisturize, and revitalize the skin.