Olive Oil - Ancient Skin Care for Modern Times
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.
