The ancient Greek poet Homer called olive oil "liquid gold", and for a good reason. The Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used this moisturizing and antioxidant-rich oil as a popular skincare ingredient.
The hardy, age-old olive tree produces fruit and leaves with excellent skincare benefits.
About the ingredient itself
The olive tree is native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin. It's an evergreen shrub that rarely grows beyond 26–49 feet, has silvery green oblong leaves and a twisted trunk. The tree is hardy, drought and disease-resistant, and lives long. Its small white, feathery flowers bloom in the spring and mature into olives.
Internal health benefits of olives
Olive oil contains lots of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower your risk of heart disease, and may also help control blood sugar levels. This olive oil comes from the olive fruit itself.
Olive leaves and olive leaf extract come from the leaves of the olive tree. They also have many health benefits, including the potential to boost the immune system and fight off harmful bacteria. Certain clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of olive leaf extract in the treatment of viral diseases like pneumonia, the flu, herpes, and the shingles. The leaves and the extract also carry lots of antioxidants.
Olive oil's benefits to the skin
Olive oil and olive leaves have numerous benefits to our skin.
- Protects: Both the leaves and oil have several antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors. Olive oil also has vitamins A and E. The leaves contain several beneficial flavonoids, including rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol.
- Moisturizes: Olive oil contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that gives it moisturizing abilities. Because of its unique ability to combine with water, olive oil penetrates the skin deeply and helps it stay moisturized without clogging pores. This makes it an excellent hydrator for all skin types, even sensitive and combination skin that may be prone to clogged pores. This oil is also fantastic for using after shaving and mixes well in cleansers, leaving you feeling clean, soft, and nourished.
- Cleansing. Olive oil is a wonderful oil cleanser for the skin. Oil cleansing involves using oil to remove grime and makeup from the skin. Coat your face with a good amount of oil, let it sit for a few minutes, then use a warm, wet cloth to wipe it off gently.
Check out our Rosehip & Calendula Triple Cream if you're looking for the benefits of olive leaves and oil in our products.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
