Olive oil is really no stranger in today’s cosmetics industry, considering it’s a staple ingredient in many skin and hair care products on the market- ranging from body moisturisers to serums, eye creams, shampoos, lip balms, and many more. It’s easily accessible, relatively affordable, and is amazing when used on its own too as it is when added to products. It’s just one of those things that I never run out of, it’s always there, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the bedroom, just in case.
It is quite rich in naturally occurring vitamins like vitamins A, E and K, as well as fatty acids like squalene which are very good for your skin and hair.
Apart from being ever so hydrating, it boasts anti-aging, antioxidant and skin regenerative properties. I use it for pretty much everything and anything including cooking sef, and I’ll tell you about some of what I use it for below.
FYI: like you should with all skin products, ensure you do a patch test prior to using olive oil all over your face.
Here are some practical ways to incorporate extra-virgin olive oil into your skincare and beauty routine:
BODY MOISTURIZER: A couple of days a week (mostly at night because I cannot come and be dripping oil in this hot Abuja sun everyday), I use this all over my body right after steamy showers to lock in moisture, and it leaves my skin smooth and ever so soft. I tend to use it more on those days when my skin feels significantly dehydrated or when I shave.
BATH OIL: There are actually 2 ways you can approach this- you can either add 4-5 tablespoons into your warm bath water and soak your skin to hydrated perfection OR you could gently massage olive oil all over your body prior to getting into the bathtub or shower (kind of like a pre-poo for hair, just that this time it’s for your skin), gently pat skin dry afterwards and keep it moving! (with skin soft and hydrated for the gods of course).
MAKEUP REMOVER: Olive oil really is a chemical-free makeup remover that not only removes makeup but also nourishes your skin at the same time. There are 3 ways you can do this effectively- add some olive oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe the makeup off your face OR massage olive oil into your face until all the makeup sits just on the surface of your skin OR pour some olive oil on a sheet of baby wipe and gently wipe the makeup off (this is actually my favourite one). Whichever of these 3 methods you choose to use will be largely based on personal preference or how much makeup you have on. The massage one I think works best for heavy makeup. Repeat if necessary, then rinse off with warm water or wipe off with a damp face cloth. Wallahi even waterproof makeup will crumble!
FACE MASK: Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 10- 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or wipe off with a damp face cloth to reveal glowing skin that’s soft to the touch. You can follow up with your favourite serum or face cream, or just nothing at all as your face should already be well hydrated.
FEET LOVE: This one is like a mini- at home pedicure treatment that I like to do at night just before bed. Firstly exfoliate any rough areas around your feet with a pumice stone, rinse off with warm water and apply a generous amount of olive oil. Put on a pair of thick socks and off to bed you go. I promise you, your cracked heels and cuticles will thank you forever! And ever!
SHAVING CREAM: So one faithful Saturday morning, I decided to shave and realised I had run out of shaving cream! As I was looking around my bathroom wondering what I could possibly use instead, I decided to give olive oil a try as I use it for everything and anything anyway. Can you imagine I have not restocked on shaving cream ever since! But be careful though as the bathtub could get a little slippery. Just dampen the area you want to shave with warm water, massage in a few drops of olive oil, turn on some music and shave away. I prefer to do this right after taking a shower as it leaves my skin feeling hella nice afterwards.
I hope you found this info useful! Till next time folks….
PS: Be careful not to use excess oil on your face a regular basis as oil can clog your pores.
